SHAMI: A GENUINE MATCH-WINNER FOR INDIA IN ODIS

Shami though completely crushed Australia’s hopes with back-to-back wickets to clear the path for India’s series-leveling victory...

- RENIN WILBEN

India’s decorated batsmen walked away with most of the plaudits as the hosts came back from a 0-1 deficit to clinch the three-match series 2-1 against Australia. KL Rahul played the blistering innings that helped India draw level while Rohit Sharma made a brilliant hundred in the decider. Skipper Virat Kohli contributed priceless half-centuries in both the wins even as Shikhar Dhawan continued his impressive run against the Aussies with two fifties. The victory though would have been impossible without the efforts of Mohammed Shami. The Indian pacer’s performance had a significant impact in both of India’s wins although the numbers might not express it vividly.

At Rajkot, Shami claimed 3 for 77. The figures were highly expensive. However, he got the dangerous David Warner early in the chase, caught brilliantly by Manish Pandey, who picked up a one-handed stunner. He later returned to clean up Ashton Turner and Pat Cummins with unplayable deliveries. At the start of the 44th over, Australia were 259 for 5 in a chase of 341. It was still tough, but the visitors stood an outside chance. Shami though completely crushed Australia’s hopes with back-to-back wickets to clear the path for India’s series-leveling victory.