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Home » Live Cricket Score » Australia in India, 5 ODI Series, 2017 » Summary

India vs Australia Live Cricket Score, 1st ODI, Australia in India, 5 ODI Series, 2017, September 17, 2017

IND 281/7 (50)
India beat Australia by 26 runs (D/L method)
AUS 137/9 (21)
Match over
Commentary :
0.0 : Hello, hello! It's time for the Fantastic Foes to clash! Welcome to our coverage of the 1st ODI between India and Australia from the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The rivalry between the two sides is set to resume after they clashed in the Test series at the start of the year. Interestingly, Virat Kohli and Steven Smith weren't even born when these teams last played against each other at this venue, 30 years ago.
Both the teams would be pondering over their opening combination as one of their regular openers is unavailable for this match. The team combinations would be interesting to see. It promises to be an exciting encounter as it has always been. Stay with us as we bring you the toss in a while.
TOSS - INDIA WIN THE TOSS AND OPT TO BAT!
VIRAT KOHLI says that it looks like a good wicket to bat on. Reasons that it became slow while chasing against the South Africans against whom they played here the last time. Reckons that at the big level, they prepare in the same way against all oppositions and want to execute their plans. Informs that Jadeja arrived today so he isn't playing. Confirms that Manish Pandey will bat at no.4 and Ajinkya Rahane will open the batting. Adds that both Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav are playing toda
STEVEN SMITH says that he was not quite sure what he would have elected if he had won the toss. Mentions that Ashton Agar, Kane Richardson, Peter Handscomb and Aaron Finch miss out. Reckons that they have opted for two all-rounders and he hopes that they do well. Informs that Hilton Cartwright will make his ODI debut. Ends by saying that India is always a challenge and adds that they will look to do good today.
The players are out for the national anthems of both the nations.
The men who matter make their way out to the middle. ROHIT SHARMA and AJINKYA RAHANE stride out with the bat for India. PAT CUMMINS will start off with the first new cherry in hand for the Australians. Two slips in place. Here we go...
0.1 : Pat Cummins to A Rahane, Cummins runs in from over the wicket and fires in a full ball outside off. Rahane pushes it towards third man for a run to get off the mark. A hint of away movement there.
0.2 : Pat Cummins to R Sharma, Length ball outside off, Sharma shoulders arms to that. Good carry there as Wade collected that next to his face.
0.3 : Pat Cummins to R Sharma, Length ball in line of the stumps, Rohit stays in the crease and defends it towards point.
0.4 : Pat Cummins to R Sharma, A tad fuller this time, just outside off. Sharma doesn't fiddle with that and lets it go through to the keeper. Cummins is bowling good lines to begin with.
0.5 : Pat Cummins to R Sharma, Another length ball outside off, Rohit shoulders arms. Wade collects it face high.
0.6 : Pat Cummins to R Sharma, Length ball angling on the pads, Sharma tucks it in front of square on the leg side for a brace. He gets going now.
NATHAN COULTER-NILE will take the second new ball from the other end. He has two slips in place.
1.1 : N Coulter-Nile to A Rahane, Begins with a length ball outside off, Rahane plays it to the point fielder.
1.2 : N Coulter-Nile to A Rahane, Bowls another length ball outside off, Rahane stands tall and defends it towards point.
1.3 : N Coulter-Nile to A Rahane, Runs in and bowls it a tad fuller outside off, Rahane just lets it be. A hint of swing when he bowled that.
1.4 : N Coulter-Nile to A Rahane, Spears a full ball outside off, a little movement away from the batsman. Ajinkya shoulders arms to that.
1.5 : N Coulter-Nile to A Rahane, Short ball outside off, Rahane cuts it towards third man for a run. It was in the air for a while but away from the fielder at point.
1.6 : N Coulter-Nile to R Sharma, A good length ball outside off, Rohit doesn't bother playing at that and lets it go.
2.1 : Pat Cummins to A Rahane, Length ball around off, Rahane strides forward and blocks it off the front foot towards covers.
2.2 : Pat Cummins to A Rahane, Spears this in line of the stumps at 141 kmph, Rahane plays it towards mid on.
2.3 : Pat Cummins to A Rahane, Full ball outside off, Rahane gets his front foot forward and drives it just wide of mid off. Warner chases it down before which the batsmen take a couple.
2.4 : Pat Cummins to A Rahane, Length ball around off and middle, Rahane gets an inside edge onto the pads and the ball rolls to the man in front of square on the leg side.
2.5 : Pat Cummins to A Rahane, WIDE! Cummins bowls this down the leg side, Rahane lets that go. The umpire stretches his arms to signal a wide.
Pat Cummins to A Rahane, Back of a length ball outside off, Rahane guides it wide of the point fielder. The ball goes towards third man. One run taken.
2.6 : Pat Cummins to R Sharma, Shot! Short ball around off, Sharma stays on the back foot and pulls it aerially through mid-wicket. Head chases that and restricts the batsmen to a brace.
Rohit Sharma seems to have an issue with his bat and signals something to the dressing room. The substitute runs in with the tape and fixes the bottom part of the bat.
3.1 : N Coulter-Nile to A Rahane, Full ball around off, met with a solid front foot defense of Rahane.
3.2 : N Coulter-Nile to A Rahane, NO BALL! Coulter-Nile runs in and bowls a length ball in line of the stumps, Rahane defends it towards mid on. He has overstepped and hence it is a no ball.
Free Hit is coming up.
Coulter-Nile was stopped in his run up, as Erasmus spotted that Australia had changed their field, which isn't permitted.
N Coulter-Nile to A Rahane, Gets away! Bowls a short ball outside off, Rahane looks to pull it but fails to make any contact.
3.3 : N Coulter-Nile to A Rahane, OUT! Coulter-Nile strikes! Thankfully for him it wasn't the Free Hit! He spears a full delivery outside off, inviting Rahane to drive. The batsman does so without great footwork. Ends up edging that which is gleefully accepted by Wade. This wicket is the result of some good bowling by the Australians. Ajinkya departs cheaply.
The Indian skipper, VIRAT KOHLI, walks in to a rousing reception by the crowd.
3.4 : N Coulter-Nile to V Kohli, Bowls it outside off, Kohli lets that one go to the keeper.
3.5 : N Coulter-Nile to V Kohli, Beauty! Nathan bowls a full ball outside off, Kohli looks to drive but gets beaten. Wonderful bowling!
3.6 : N Coulter-Nile to V Kohli, Bowls it on a length around off, Kohli defends it from the crease.
4.1 : Pat Cummins to R Sharma, Bowls it around off and middle, Rohit plays it to point.
4.2 : Pat Cummins to R Sharma, Spears in a length ball around off and middle at 140 kmph. Sharma looks to defend that but gets it off the leading edge towards point.
4.3 : Pat Cummins to R Sharma, Lands it on a length around off, Rohit stands tall and blocks it with the full face of the bat towards covers.
4.4 : Pat Cummins to R Sharma, Bowled around off, Sharma defends it towards point.
4.5 : Pat Cummins to R Sharma, Full ball around off, Rohit drives it straight to the mid off fielder. The ball doesn't seem to come onto the bat easily on this track. That was bowled at 147 kmph!
4.6 : Pat Cummins to R Sharma, DROPPED! Rohit Sharma survives! Steven Smith the culprit! Cummins bowled it on a length around off, the opener stays in the crease and looks to guide it to third man. Ends up offering a catch to second slip where the skipper falters. How costly will that prove?
5.1 : N Coulter-Nile to V Kohli, OUT! If not Rohit, the Aussies get Kohli! For a blob! Coulter-Nile bowls it full outside off, Kohli is tempted to drive and he does. The ball takes the outer half of the bat and goes towards backward point where Maxwell leaps and takes a one handed blinder. The beauty of the catch was the fact that Glenn kept his balance and didn't fall even after taking the catch. The visitors are ecstatic and why not! They've snapped up the opposition mainstay cheaply!
0.0 : As confirmed at the toss, MANISH PANDEY walks in at number 4! He has a good chance to cement his place in the side with a vital knock.
5.2 : N Coulter-Nile to M Pandey, Bowls it in line of the stumps, Pandey defends it from the crease.
Manish Pandey seems to have edged this one. The Aussies are celebrating but Erasmus seems to be unsure. He has referred this upstairs.
5.3 : N Coulter-Nile to M Pandey, OUT! Pandey is a goner! India in some sort of trouble here! Coulter-Nile bowls it very full outside off, Manish looks to drive but the ball moves away slightly. Takes the edge and goes to the keeper. The visitors celebrate but the umpire isn't sure and hence goes upstairs. The third umpire confirms the edge and ends Pandey's stay at the crease. He follows his skipper for a duck!
Not Dhoni, but it is KEDAR JADHAV, who walks in next.
5.4 : N Coulter-Nile to K Jadhav, WIDE! Bowls it well outside off, Jadhav lets it go. Wide signaled but the umpire.
N Coulter-Nile to K Jadhav, FOUR! That should do his confidence a world of good! Coulter-Nile bowls it full outside off, Jadhav drives it through point for a boundary. He got it off the middle of the bat.
5.5 : N Coulter-Nile to K Jadhav, This ball is defended by showing the full face of the bat.
5.6 : N Coulter-Nile to K Jadhav, Almost plays that on! Length ball just outside off, Jadhav is late in withdrawing his bat to let that go. Gets an inside edge as the ball bounces next to the stumps and rolls towards the keeper. Needs to calm his nerves, does Kedar!
6.1 : Pat Cummins to R Sharma, Length ball outside off, guided away to third man for a run.
6.2 : Pat Cummins to K Jadhav, This delivery is defended off the front foot.
6.3 : Pat Cummins to K Jadhav, FOUR! GLORIOUS! Cummins spears this full around middle and leg, Jadhav just takes a stride forward and clips it wide of mid on. The ball races away even as Head gives a valiant chase. he puts in the dive but is unable to prevent the boundary. The umpire goes upstairs to confirm that it is indeed a boundary.
6.4 : Pat Cummins to K Jadhav, Length ball outside off, Jadhav looks to play at that but is beaten.
6.5 : Pat Cummins to K Jadhav, Full outside off, Jadhav goes for the wild drive and gets and edge towards third man for a run.
6.6 : Pat Cummins to R Sharma, Short ball around middle and leg, Rohit swivels and pulls it aerially towards fine leg. One run taken.
7.1 : N Coulter-Nile to R Sharma, Bowls it on a length around off, Sharma defends it towards point.
7.2 : N Coulter-Nile to R Sharma, Full ball around off, Rohit mistimes his drive towards mid off.
7.3 : N Coulter-Nile to R Sharma, This ball in line of the stumps is blocked off the front foot.
7.4 : N Coulter-Nile to R Sharma, Back of a length ball outside off, Rohit cuts it uppishly to third man for a run.
7.5 : N Coulter-Nile to K Jadhav, Spears in a length ball around off at 41 kmph, Jadhav defends by showing the full face of the bat from the crease.
7.6 : N Coulter-Nile to K Jadhav, Full ball outside off, Kedar drives it all along the ground to mid off.
JAMES FAULKNER is brought into the attack. Could be a handy bowler in these conditions, where it hasn't been easy to hit through the line.
8.1 : J Faulkner to R Sharma, FOUR! Welcome to India, says Rohit with a boundary! Faulkner runs in and bowls it on a length outside off, Sharma just cuts it through point. The ball races away to the boundary.
8.2 : J Faulkner to R Sharma, Length ball around middle and leg, Rohit turns it towards mid-wicket for a run.
8.3 : J Faulkner to K Jadhav, Bowls it in line of the stumps, Kedar blocks by getting behind the line of the ball.
8.4 : J Faulkner to K Jadhav, Lands it on a length around off, Kedar strides forward and plays it towards cover-point.
8.5 : J Faulkner to K Jadhav, James bowls it around middle and leg, Jadhav clips it towards mid on for a single.
8.6 : J Faulkner to R Sharma, Length ball around off, Rohit stays in the crease and guides it to backward point.
9.1 : N Coulter-Nile to K Jadhav, Nathan spears that around off, Jadhav stays on the back foot and bunts it to covers.
9.2 : N Coulter-Nile to K Jadhav, Length ball outside off, Kedar cuts it to the fielder at point.
9.3 : N Coulter-Nile to K Jadhav, Back of a length ball around off, Kedar finds the point fielder with the cut again.
9.4 : N Coulter-Nile to K Jadhav, Bowls it a tad fuller around off, Jadhav defends it off the front foot back towards the bowler.
9.5 : N Coulter-Nile to K Jadhav, In the air... but safe! Coulter-Nile bowls a back of a length off-cutter around off, Jadhav stays back and pulls it over mid on. Warner from mid off gets to the ball before Head from mid on runs there. The batsmen run two.
9.6 : N Coulter-Nile to K Jadhav, Glorious shot that! But a slow outfield doesn't give him a boundary. Nathan bowls a full ball outside off, Jadhav drives it beautifully through covers for a brace. Warner the man who chases that down.
Powerplay 2 has been signalled by the umpire. Now a maximum of four fielders are allowed outside the circle.
10.1 : J Faulkner to R Sharma, Length ball around off, Rohit plays it from the crease towards point.
10.2 : J Faulkner to R Sharma, Beautifully driven. James bowls it full outside off, Rohit drives it through covers for a single. The sweeper cover does the fielding.
10.3 : J Faulkner to K Jadhav, Bowls it around off, Jadhav drives it towards mid off and wants a run but is sent back by Rohit. Warner attacks the ball and hits the bull's eye at the striker's end. The batsman's safe though.
10.4 : J Faulkner to K Jadhav, Length ball around off, Jadhav defends that off the front foot.
10.5 : J Faulkner to K Jadhav, NO BALL! Faulkner bowls that in front of the stumps, Jadhav misses the flick and gets struck on the pads. No ball signaled for overstepping. Marginal call that!
Free Hit coming up.
J Faulkner to K Jadhav, And the Aussies get away with another Free Hit! Faulkner bowls it short around middle, Jadhav manages just a single after pulling that through square leg.
10.6 : J Faulkner to R Sharma, Bowls it around off, Rohit takes a run after playing it towards covers.
MARCUS STOINIS has been handed the ball now.
11.1 : M Stoinis to R Sharma, Starts off with a length ball on the pads, Rohit flicks it away to fine leg for a run.
11.2 : M Stoinis to K Jadhav, This length ball has been cut straight to point.
11.3 : M Stoinis to K Jadhav, Bowls it around middle and leg, Kedar clips it through mid-wicket for a run.
11.4 : M Stoinis to R Sharma, Stoinis lands it around middle, Rohit flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.
11.5 : M Stoinis to K Jadhav, Fuller ball around off, driven by Jadhav to mid off.
11.6 : M Stoinis to K Jadhav, Marcus bangs this short outside off, Jadhav withdraws his bat and plays inside the line as he lets that go through to the keeper.
12.1 : J Faulkner to R Sharma, Bowls it on the pads, Rohit misses the flick. The ball goes off his pads towards short fine leg. The keeper retrieves that before which the batsmen take a leg bye.
12.2 : J Faulkner to K Jadhav, FOUR! Classically cut that! Faulkner bowls it on a length outside off, Jadhav stays back and cuts it through backward point. Coulter-Nile rushes to his right from third man, puts in the slide but is unable to prevent the boundary. The timing in that shot was immaculate!
12.3 : J Faulkner to K Jadhav, This ball is driven through covers for a run.
12.4 : J Faulkner to R Sharma, Faulkner comes round the wicket and bowls it around off, Rohit pushes it back towards the bowler.
12.5 : J Faulkner to R Sharma, FOUR! STAND AND DELIVER exclaims my colleague! That's how authoritative that shot is! Faulkner bowls it on a length around off, Sharma just hits it over the bowler's head. The ball races away to the fence for a boundary. 50 up for India with that!
12.6 : J Faulkner to R Sharma, This delivery is blocked off the front foot by Sharma. 10 runs off that over!
13.1 : M Stoinis to K Jadhav, Bowls it outside off, Jadhav plays it through covers for a single.
13.2 : M Stoinis to R Sharma, Short ball around off, Rohit pulls it through mid-wicket for a run.
13.3 : M Stoinis to K Jadhav, Stylish shot that! Full ball around middle and leg, Jadhav flicks it wristily to deep mid-wicket for another run.
13.4 : M Stoinis to R Sharma, Full ball outside off, Rohit glides that to third man for a single.
13.5 : M Stoinis to K Jadhav, Full ball outside off, Jadhav drives it to the fielder at deep covers. One run taken.
13.6 : M Stoinis to R Sharma, Back of a length ball in line of the stumps, Rohit pulls it all along the ground to fine leg for a run.
DRINKS are on the field now. It's been an eventful hour of play where both the sides are tussling for advantage. The visitors have been successful in breaking the spine of the top order by picking up three quick wickets. But Sharma and Jadhav have held fort so far. The hosts would love them to continue and get a big score while the away side would be intent on breaking through.
Spin time! ADAM ZAMPA is brought in to bowl. Would be interesting to see how much purchase he gets from this track.
14.1 : A Zampa to R Sharma, Begins with a tossed up ball around off, Rohit pushes it off the front foot towards covers.
14.2 : A Zampa to R Sharma, Turn straightaway! Zampa flights it outside off, drawing Rohit forward. The ball spins away past the edge of the bat.
14.3 : A Zampa to R Sharma, A tad shorter outside off, Rohit cuts it towards deep point for a single.
14.4 : A Zampa to K Jadhav, Floats it gently outside off, Jadhav drives it through covers for a run.
14.5 : A Zampa to R Sharma, Lands it shorter outside off, Sharma cuts it to the point fielder.
14.6 : A Zampa to R Sharma, Another ball around off, punched off the back foot towards the bowler.
15.1 : M Stoinis to K Jadhav, Bowls it on a length around off, Jadhav guides it to third man for a run.
15.2 : M Stoinis to R Sharma, Fuller ball outside off, Rohit looks to drive but mistimes it to covers.
15.3 : M Stoinis to R Sharma, Fishing! That's not how you play Rohit! Stoinis bowls it on a length outside off, Sharma pushes at that without and foot movement and gets beaten.
15.4 : M Stoinis to R Sharma, FOUR! JUST WIDE OF POINT! Length ball outside off, Sharma cuts it aerially over point for a boundary. This brings up the 50-RUN STAND between these two. They need to carry on to take India to safety.
15.5 : M Stoinis to R Sharma, This is bowled outside off, Rohit drives it to covers.
15.6 : M Stoinis to R Sharma, OUT! The short ball does it for Stoinis and Australia! He bangs this short outside off, Sharma pulls it in the air in front of square on the leg side. Coulter-Nile has ample time to get there from deep mid-wicket, settle under it and hold onto that calmly. Smith will be heaving a sigh of relief as Rohit walks back. The batsman was in no position to pull that!
Huge cheer at Chepauk as the favourite MS DHONI walks in to bat. Remember, India are in some trouble here with the cool talisman striding out to the center.
16.1 : A Zampa to MS Dhoni, Misfield lets Dhoni off the mark! Huge cheers all over the ground! Zampa fires it outside off, MS cuts it to point, where Warner lets it through his legs and concedes a brace.
16.2 : A Zampa to MS Dhoni, This loopy ball outside off is played through covers for a run.
16.3 : A Zampa to K Jadhav, Floats it outside off, Jadhav plays it to point.
16.4 : A Zampa to K Jadhav, This delivery is punched towards covers off the back foot.
16.5 : A Zampa to K Jadhav, FOUR! Jadhav punishes that! Zampa fires this short around middle, Kedar goes back and pulls it over mid-wicket. The ball seems to have hit the ropes on the full. The umpire goes upstairs and after looking at the replays, signals a boundary.
16.6 : A Zampa to K Jadhav, This delivery is blocked off the front foot.
Pat Cummins is back into the attack.
17.1 : Pat Cummins to MS Dhoni, Cummins runs in and bowls it on a length around off, Dhoni pushes it through covers for a run.
17.2 : Pat Cummins to K Jadhav, Bowls it outside off, Kedar lets it be.
17.3 : Pat Cummins to K Jadhav, FOUR! STREAKY JADHAV! Cummins spears this on a length outside off, Kedar glides it wide of the slip fielder for a boundary. Smith must be ruing not having a second slip.
17.4 : Pat Cummins to K Jadhav, Length ball around off and middle, Jadhav bunts it to the leg side. He wanted a run but is denied by MS.
17.5 : Pat Cummins to K Jadhav, Short ball around off, he pulls it away through square leg for a run.
17.6 : Pat Cummins to MS Dhoni, Length ball in line of the stumps, Dhoni pushes it back towards the bowler.
18.1 : A Zampa to K Jadhav, Flights that around middle, Jadhav gets yorked as he shimmies a tad. Digs it out towards the bowler.
18.2 : A Zampa to K Jadhav, Floats it around off, Jadhav drives it to long off for a run.
18.3 : A Zampa to MS Dhoni, Loops it up around middle and leg, Dhoni shimmies down and flicks it to short fine leg.
18.4 : A Zampa to MS Dhoni, Zampa loops a low full toss outside off, Dhoni drives it through covers. Cartwright gets there from long off, puts in the slide and keeps the batsmen down to two. Excellent fielding effort.
18.5 : A Zampa to MS Dhoni, Lands it outside off, Dhoni watches the ball go into the keeper's gloves.
18.6 : A Zampa to MS Dhoni, Tosses this in line of the stumps, MS gets forward and defends it onto the ground.
19.1 : Pat Cummins to K Jadhav, Bowls it around off, Jadhav pushes it to mid off.
19.2 : Pat Cummins to K Jadhav, Bouncer to follow up! Pat bowls this at 146 kmph outside off, Jadhav sways away from the line to let that through.
19.3 : Pat Cummins to K Jadhav, Lands this around off, Jadhav mistimes the push towards mid on.
19.4 : Pat Cummins to K Jadhav, Length ball outside off, Jadhav drives it through covers. Stoinis dives and takes pace of the ball, giving only a brace to the batsmen as Warner retrieves the ball.
19.5 : Pat Cummins to K Jadhav, Bowls it outside off, Kedar drives it towards covers again. Stoinis puts in the dive to his right and parries it towards mid off. One run taken.
19.6 : Pat Cummins to MS Dhoni, WIDE! Spears this down the leg side, Dhoni looks to flick but misses. The umpire has to stretch his arms.
Pat Cummins to MS Dhoni, Length ball outside off, left alone by MSD.
20.1 : A Zampa to K Jadhav, Floated outside off, pushed off the back foot towards backward point.
20.2 : A Zampa to K Jadhav, Tossed up outside off, Jadhav relishes it and smacks that over the cover region for a single.
20.3 : A Zampa to MS Dhoni, Full toss around off, Dhoni comes dancing down the track, only to push it towards long off for a single.
20.4 : A Zampa to K Jadhav, A bit flatter around off, Kedar gets forward and blocks it way.
20.5 : A Zampa to K Jadhav, Fires this one into the pads, Jadhav gets behind the line of the ball to defend it.
20.6 : A Zampa to K Jadhav, Close shave! Very well bowled by Zampa! Floats this one around off, does not turn much. Jadhav goes to play the slog sweep but only makes contact with thin air. The ball whizzes past the off pole and Wade is unable to collect it. No runs taken.
21.1 : M Stoinis to MS Dhoni, Fuller delivery outside off, MS Dhoni fails to make contact with his attempted drive.
21.2 : M Stoinis to MS Dhoni, A chance goes abegging! Around off on a length, Dhoni stays in his crease and defends it towards covers. Rushes for a single but is sent back by Jadhav. He is more than halfway down the track as Cartwright picks up the ball and has a shy at the striker's end. Misses and that allows the batsmen to run an overthrow.
21.3 : M Stoinis to K Jadhav, OUT! What a waste of a wicket! Just when Kedar Jadhav looked like he was settling in, he ends up throwing it away! Short delivery outside off, Kedar goes for the pull. Goes straight towards the fielder at mid-wicket. Cartwright makes no mistake this time as he pouches it safely. India have lost half their side and Stoinis grabs his second off the day.
HARDIK PANDYA makes his way out to the middle. Has to play sensibly here.
21.4 : M Stoinis to H Pandya, Off the mark! Sprayed down the leg side, clipped through the backward square leg region for a couple.
21.5 : M Stoinis to H Pandya, Wide! Dug in short outside off, the batsman lets it through. The umpire signals it as a wide as it was way too short.
M Stoinis to H Pandya, Length delivery outside off, pushed off the back foot towards point.
21.6 : M Stoinis to H Pandya, Length delivery outside off, Pandya waits for it and defends it.
22.1 : A Zampa to MS Dhoni, Floated outside off, Dhoni camps back and punches it through the cover region for a single.
22.2 : A Zampa to H Pandya, Drifting into the pads, eased down towards long on for a single.
22.3 : A Zampa to MS Dhoni, Short and outside off, Dhoni has no problem with it. He just drops back a bit and punches it through wide mid off for a couple.
22.4 : A Zampa to MS Dhoni, Fuller around off, Dhoni lunges forward and drives it towards covers.
22.5 : A Zampa to MS Dhoni, Another short ball and this time Dhoni punches it through the cover region for a single.
22.6 : A Zampa to H Pandya, Tossed up around off, Pandya leans forward, gets behind the line of the ball and defends it.
23.1 : M Stoinis to MS Dhoni, On a fuller length outside off, Dhoni prods forward and drives it towards the fielder at mid off.
23.2 : M Stoinis to MS Dhoni, Fuller delivery around middle and off, MS stays in his crease and drives it beautifully down the ground. Goes past the mid on region but Warner gives it a chase from mid off and stops it just before the boundary. He saves a run for his team.
23.3 : M Stoinis to H Pandya, Fuller delivery around off, driven towards mid off.
23.4 : M Stoinis to H Pandya, Again on a fuller length outside off, Pandya goes for the drive without any foot movement and only finds himself beaten.
23.5 : M Stoinis to H Pandya, FOUR! Brilliant Pandya! That's great improvisation there! Short delivery angling into the batsman, Hardik just stays tall and gets some bat on it. Gets it over the keeper's head for a boundary.
23.6 : M Stoinis to H Pandya, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
JAMES FAULKNER is called back for a bowl.
24.1 : J Faulkner to MS Dhoni, Angling into the pads, tucked towards square leg for a single.
24.2 : J Faulkner to H Pandya, Pandya makes an initial shuffle forward, Faulkner sees that and tries to cramp him. Hardik still manages to defend it neatly towards covers.
24.3 : J Faulkner to H Pandya, Pandya stays in his crease and defends it.
24.4 : J Faulkner to H Pandya, Length delivery around middle and leg, nudged towards square leg for a single.
24.5 : J Faulkner to MS Dhoni, Fuller delivery around off, driven towards the fielder at covers.
24.6 : J Faulkner to MS Dhoni, Length delivery outside off, pushed back to the bowler.
25.1 : M Stoinis to H Pandya, Length delivery outside off, Pandya camps back and punches it elegantly through the cover region for a couple.
25.2 : M Stoinis to H Pandya, Fuller delivery around off, Pandya drives through covers for a single.
25.3 : M Stoinis to MS Dhoni, Slower delivery around off, Dhoni comes down the track and pushes it towards covers.
25.4 : M Stoinis to MS Dhoni, Full toss wide outside off, Dhoni only manages to guide it straight towards the fielder at backward point.
Stonis has dropped his towel just before delivering the ball and Dhoni spots it and stops Marcus.
25.5 : M Stoinis to MS Dhoni, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
25.6 : M Stoinis to MS Dhoni, Full and wide outside off, just inside the wide line. Dhoni chooses to let it through to the keeper.
Change of gloves for MS Dhoni!
26.1 : J Faulkner to H Pandya, Good length delivery outside off, dabbed towards third man for a single.
26.2 : J Faulkner to MS Dhoni, Length delivery angling across, driven towards covers off the bottom half.
26.3 : J Faulkner to MS Dhoni, Good length delivery around off, clipped towards mid-wicket.
26.4 : J Faulkner to MS Dhoni, Angling into the pads, clipped towards square leg for a single.
26.5 : J Faulkner to H Pandya, Length delivery around off, guided towards third man for a single.
26.6 : J Faulkner to MS Dhoni, Length delivery around off, Dhoni stays in his crease and defends it.
NATHAN COULTER-NILE is brought back for a bowl.
27.1 : N Coulter-Nile to H Pandya, Length delivery around off, defended towards point by the batsman.
27.2 : N Coulter-Nile to H Pandya, FOUR! Deft and lucky! Smith is having a nightmare on the field! Not a drop but Smith is capable of catching those! Good length delivery around off, Pandya tries to defend it. Gets an outside edge on it and the ball flies towards the left of the slip fielder. Falls just short of Smith who gets his hand to it on a bounce and the ball races away to the fence.
27.3 : N Coulter-Nile to H Pandya, Angling into the pads, clipped through square leg for a couple.
27.4 : N Coulter-Nile to H Pandya, A sure single and Dhoni does not want to risk it. Strange to say, but yes that has happened! Fuller delivery around off, Pandya drives it elegantly towards mid off. The fielder deflects it towards mid on and Pandya is more than halfway down the track hoping to take a single. Dhoni sends him back and that's a dot ball.
27.5 : N Coulter-Nile to H Pandya, Dabbed towards third man for a single.
The umpire has gone upstairs to check for a run out appeal against Hardik Pandya at the striker's end.
27.6 : N Coulter-Nile to MS Dhoni, NOT OUT! Short delivery into the batsman, Dhoni pulls it along the ground towards third man for a single. The fielder has a shy at the striker's end. He hits and a mild appeal from the Australians makes the umpire go upstairs. Replays show that Hardik Pandya was well inside the crease.
28.1 : J Faulkner to MS Dhoni, Dhoni stays in his crease and defends it.
28.2 : J Faulkner to MS Dhoni, Short outside off, Dhoni camps back and cuts it towards covers.
28.3 : J Faulkner to MS Dhoni, Around off on a good length, pushed towards covers by the batsman.
28.4 : J Faulkner to MS Dhoni, Fuller and angling into the pads, Dhoni shuffles a touch and clips it towards mid-wicket.
28.5 : J Faulkner to MS Dhoni, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
28.6 : J Faulkner to MS Dhoni, Fuller delivery outside off, Dhoni prods forward and defends it. A maiden from James Faulkner.
Time for Drinks!
29.1 : N Coulter-Nile to H Pandya, Length delivery around off, Pandya gets behind the line of the ball to defend it.
29.2 : N Coulter-Nile to H Pandya, In the air...safe! Short delivery angling into the batsman, Pandya goes for the pull. Gets beaten by the extra pace but the ball lands safely in the mid-wicket region. The batsmen run a single.
29.3 : N Coulter-Nile to MS Dhoni, Full and wide outside off, driven through covers for a single.
29.4 : N Coulter-Nile to H Pandya, Short delivery angling into the batsman, Pandya guides it towards fine leg with a pull for a single.
29.5 : N Coulter-Nile to MS Dhoni, Length delivery outside off, stays a touch low. Dhoni guides it towards the fielder at covers.
29.6 : N Coulter-Nile to MS Dhoni, Fuller delivery outside off, driven towards the fielder at mid off.
30.1 : J Faulkner to H Pandya, Length delivery around off, Pandya makes some room and chops it past the point fielder for a couple.
30.2 : J Faulkner to H Pandya, Short and wide outside off, Pandya shuffles across and glides it towards third man for a single.
30.3 : J Faulkner to MS Dhoni, Length delivery outside off, Dhoni shuffles across and goes for the sweep. Misses it and gets hit on the body.
30.4 : J Faulkner to MS Dhoni, Length delivery outside off, punched through covers for a single.
30.5 : J Faulkner to H Pandya, Angling into the hips, defended towards the fielder at mid-wicket.
30.6 : J Faulkner to H Pandya, Fuller delivery outside off, Pandya lunges forward and defends it.
MARCUS STOINIS is called back for a bowl.
31.1 : M Stoinis to MS Dhoni, Leg bye! Short delivery outside off, Dhoni camps down the track and goes for the pull. Misses it and gets hit under the arm. The ball deflects towards backward point and the batsmen run a leg bye.
31.2 : M Stoinis to H Pandya, Fuller delivery outside off, driven towards mid off.
31.3 : M Stoinis to H Pandya, Four Byes! Free gifts! Length delivery outside off, Pandya swings his bat at it but fails to make contact. The ball goes on the bounce to Wade and he makes a mockery of it. Deflects it towards the fine leg fence for a boundary.
31.4 : M Stoinis to H Pandya, Short delivery outside off, dabbed towards Pandya for a single.
31.5 : M Stoinis to MS Dhoni, Another short delivery outside off, slapped through covers for a single.
31.6 : M Stoinis to H Pandya, Slower delivery on a shorter length, Pandya ramps it just over the keeper's head for a single.
ADAM ZAMPA is brought back into the attack!
32.1 : A Zampa to H Pandya, Floated around middle, drilled towards long on for a single.
32.2 : A Zampa to MS Dhoni, Fuller around off, driven towards wide long off for a single.
32.3 : A Zampa to H Pandya, Fires this fuller in line of the stumps, driven towards long on for a single.
32.4 : A Zampa to MS Dhoni, Floated around off, driven towards long off for a single. 50-run stand between the two.
32.5 : A Zampa to H Pandya, Tossed up outside off, Pandya kneels down and smacks that towards long off for a single.
32.6 : A Zampa to MS Dhoni, Dhoni stays in his crease and punches it through cover for a single.
33.1 : M Stoinis to MS Dhoni, Good length delivery outside off, dabbed past the backward point fielder for a single.
33.2 : M Stoinis to H Pandya, Pandya stays in his crease and guides it towards third man for a single.
33.3 : M Stoinis to MS Dhoni, Fuller delivery angling into the pads, clipped through mid-wicket for a single.
33.4 : M Stoinis to H Pandya, Slower delivery on a shorter length, Pandya goes for the pull but gets beaten by the lack of pace on it.
33.5 : M Stoinis to H Pandya, Another short delivery, Pandya shuffles across and pulls it towards deep square leg for a single.
33.6 : M Stoinis to MS Dhoni, Length delivery around off, pushed towards the fielder at backward point.
34.1 : A Zampa to H Pandya, Drifting into the stumps, Pandya stays in his crease and slaps it towards point.
34.2 : A Zampa to H Pandya, Eased towards mid on for a single.
34.3 : A Zampa to MS Dhoni, The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball.
34.4 : A Zampa to MS Dhoni, Fuller around off, Dhoni comes down the track. Turns it into a yorker and ends up hitting it back to the bowler.
34.5 : A Zampa to MS Dhoni, Floated outside off, driven towards long off for a single.
Deep extra-cover goes out.
34.6 : A Zampa to H Pandya, Floated around off, driven towards covers for a single.
Another spell for PAT CUMMINS. Will he be successful in breaking this stand?
35.1 : Pat Cummins to H Pandya, Full ball outside off, Pandya drives it through covers for a run.
35.2 : Pat Cummins to MS Dhoni, Bowls it around off, Dhoni pushes it to covers off the front foot.
35.3 : Pat Cummins to MS Dhoni, Fuller delivery outside off, Dhoni looks to cut but gets a bottom edge to the left of the keeper for a run.
35.4 : Pat Cummins to H Pandya, Lands it around off, Pandya blocks it off the front foot.
35.5 : Pat Cummins to H Pandya, Full ball around off, Hardik defends by showing the full face of the bat.
35.6 : Pat Cummins to H Pandya, Length ball outside off, defended to point.
36.1 : A Zampa to MS Dhoni, Bowls it flat and short around off, Dhoni goes back and pulls it to long on for a run.
36.2 : A Zampa to H Pandya, FOUR! Almost a masterstroke from Smith there! Zampa floats a low full toss around middle, Pandya smashes it straight past the bowler. Faulkner, who was stationed at straight mid on, leaps but cannot get his hand to it. The ball races away to the fence for a boundary.
36.3 : A Zampa to H Pandya, SIX! Wallop! This one's out of here! Zampa flights this around middle, Pandya strikes it clean as a whistle for a mighty 90 metre hit. Maximum.
36.4 : A Zampa to H Pandya, SIX! WHAT A WAY TO GET TO A 50! Zampa floats this one around middle and leg, Pandya uses all his might that's there in the thin body and smashes it over long on for a biggie! The crowd that had gone silent has suddenly come alive!
36.5 : A Zampa to H Pandya, SIX! And another one! Powerful Pandya on a roll! He's having Adam's sixes for runs! Zampa loops it up around middle, Hardik just strikes it straight over the bowler's head for another maximum! Seems unstoppable when he goes like this!
36.6 : A Zampa to H Pandya, Fires this outside off, Pandya drives it to long off for a run. 24 runs came of the over!
37.1 : Pat Cummins to H Pandya, Length ball around middle and leg, Pandya works it round the corner for a run.
37.2 : Pat Cummins to MS Dhoni, Bowls it around middle and leg, Dhoni clips it to fine leg for a single.
37.3 : Pat Cummins to H Pandya, FOUR! Now Cummins gets the Pandya treatment! Pat bowls it short around leg, Pandya swivels and pulls. As he does that his bat hits his helmet and then the ball. It races to the fine leg fence for a boundary.
37.4 : Pat Cummins to H Pandya, Bowls it around off, Pandya blocks it from the crease.
37.5 : Pat Cummins to H Pandya, Another ball around off is defended off the front foot.
37.6 : Pat Cummins to H Pandya, This full ball stayed a tad low as Hardik bunts it off the front foot.
JAMES FAULKNER back on.
38.1 : J Faulkner to MS Dhoni, Full ball around off, Dhoni drives it to long off for a run.
38.2 : J Faulkner to H Pandya, Full ball outside off, Pandya smashes it straight to the cover fielder. It would probably sting for the fielder!
38.3 : J Faulkner to H Pandya, Bowls it outside off, Pandya glides it to third man for a run.
38.4 : J Faulkner to MS Dhoni, Fuller ball around off, Dhoni drives it through cover-point for a single.
38.5 : J Faulkner to H Pandya, FOUR! Brutal Hardik! Faulkner bowls a back of the hand slower ball around middle, Pandya hangs back and absolutely smashes it over mid-wicket for a boundary. How brilliantly this guy has shifted gears here!
38.6 : J Faulkner to H Pandya, This one is driven to long off for a run. Hardik retains strike with that.
MARCUS STOINIS is back into the attack!
39.1 : M Stoinis to H Pandya, SIX! Ho,ho,ho it's a beauty! 100-run stand up in style! Stoinis bowls a slower delivery at 112 kmph around off, Pandya uses all his power to hit the ball out of the playing field. The ball travels straight over the bowler for a maximum.
39.2 : M Stoinis to H Pandya, Follows the big hit with a single. Clever batting. This was played to long off.
39.3 : M Stoinis to MS Dhoni, Bowls it outside off, Dhoni flays at it and edges it towards third man for a run.
39.4 : M Stoinis to H Pandya, Full ball around off, driven through covers for a run.
39.5 : M Stoinis to MS Dhoni, Full ball outside off, Dhoni drives it through covers for a brace.
39.6 : M Stoinis to MS Dhoni, Length ball around off, MS opens the face of the bat and guides it to third man for a run.
Powerplay 3 has been signaled by the umpire. Now a maximum of five fielders are allowed outside the circle.
ADAM ZAMPA is back! To break the stand or to give more runs - only time will tell!
40.1 : A Zampa to MS Dhoni, Floats it around middle and leg, Dhoni charges down and plays it towards mid-wicket for a run.
40.2 : A Zampa to H Pandya, Lands it around middle, Pandya drives it back to the bowler.
40.3 : A Zampa to H Pandya, SIX! Put it on the board! 90m hit! Pandya is panting for breath but he's leaving the crowd gasping for breath! Zampa tosses this around middle and leg, Hardik just smashes it over deep mid-wicket for another maximum!
40.4 : A Zampa to H Pandya, Fires a yorker around off, Hardik jams it out to the off side. Well bowled Adam!
40.5 : A Zampa to H Pandya, OUT! Zampa has the last laugh! He's brave enough to toss this one up around leg, Pandya looks to go big yet again. Tries to slog that but ends up getting a top edge towards short third man where Faulkner makes no mistake. End of an enterprising innings by the all-rounder. The 118-run partnership comes to an end!
BHUVNESHWAR KUMAR walks in at the fall of the 6th wicket.
40.6 : A Zampa to B Kumar, Lands this around middle and off, Kumar blocks it back towards the bowler. end of a successful over.
NATHAN COULTER-NILE is back into the attack now.
41.1 : N Coulter-Nile to MS Dhoni, Length ball around middle and leg, MS tucks it to fine leg for a run.
41.2 : N Coulter-Nile to B Kumar, This ball in line of the stumps is blocked from the crease.
41.3 : N Coulter-Nile to B Kumar, Back of a length ball around off, Kumar looks to tap and give Dhoni the strike, but doesn't manage the latter.
41.4 : N Coulter-Nile to B Kumar, Fuller ball around middle, Bhuvneshwar gets an inside edge onto his boots as he looks to keep it out.
41.5 : N Coulter-Nile to B Kumar, This ball is played off the back foot.
41.6 : N Coulter-Nile to B Kumar, Bouncer around off, Kumar ducks under it and lets it go to the keeper.
42.1 : A Zampa to MS Dhoni, Fires a short ball around middle, Dhoni pulls it in front of square on the leg side for a run.
42.2 : A Zampa to B Kumar, Loopy ball around middle, Kumar plays it aerially to long on for a run.
42.3 : A Zampa to MS Dhoni, Tosses this around middle and leg, Dhoni smashes it straight to long on for one run.
42.4 : A Zampa to B Kumar, FOUR! Brilliant Bhuvneshwar! Zampa floats it around middle and leg, Kumar gets down and slog sweeps it through mid-wicket for a boundary. This guy can bat, mind you! This shot shows just that.
42.5 : A Zampa to B Kumar, Lands this around off, Bhuvneshwar defends this off the front foot.
42.6 : A Zampa to B Kumar, Floats this around off, Kumar plays it towards point. End of Zampa's spell here! He's not done too badly.
43.1 : N Coulter-Nile to MS Dhoni, Slower ball outside off, Dhoni cuts it towards point.
43.2 : N Coulter-Nile to MS Dhoni, FOUR! First boundary for MSD after 66 balls! Coulter-Nile bowls a short ball around middle, Dhoni goes for the pull. Ends up getting a top edge that flies to the fine leg fence. It landed just inside the ropes there.
43.3 : N Coulter-Nile to MS Dhoni, This one is bowled around off, Dhoni blocks it towards covers.
43.4 : N Coulter-Nile to MS Dhoni, Length ball around off, tailing into the batsman, Dhoni nudges it towards mid-wicket for a single.
43.5 : N Coulter-Nile to B Kumar, Short ball outside off, Kumar slashes that through cover-point for a run.
43.6 : N Coulter-Nile to MS Dhoni, Length ball around middle and leg, Dhoni tucks it through square leg for a brace. Good running by the senior pro!
MARCUS STOINIS to bowl his last over.
44.1 : M Stoinis to B Kumar, Almost played on! Length ball around off, Kumar looks to run it down to third man. Ends up chopping it to the right of the keeper.
44.2 : M Stoinis to B Kumar, FOUR! Kumar thumps it over mid on! Back of a length delivery around middle and leg, Bhuvneshwar moves away and slaps it over mid on. Warner there didn't stand a chance of catching that. The ball races away to the fence for a boundary.
Australians appeal for LBW against Kumar. The umpire stays put. After some thought, Smith decides to review the decision.
44.3 : M Stoinis to B Kumar, NOT OUT! Not the greatest of reviews by Australia! Stoinis bowls it on a length around off, Kumar looks to glide it to third man. Ends up chopping it onto his pads as the ball rolls towards point. The Aussies appeal for LBW which is turned down. Smith decides to go upstairs. Replays show that the ball is played on to the pads off the bat. So there's no question of LBW. The on-field call stays. Australia have wasted their review and they none left now.
44.4 : M Stoinis to B Kumar, Short ball around middle, pulled away to square leg for a run.
44.5 : M Stoinis to MS Dhoni, WIDE! Slow short ball down the leg side, Dhoni lets it go through. Wide given.
M Stoinis to MS Dhoni, Bowled outside off, he plays it to point.
44.6 : M Stoinis to MS Dhoni, Bowls it full outside off, Dhoni drives it through covers for a run.
45.1 : N Coulter-Nile to MS Dhoni, Length ball around middle and leg, Dhoni plays the leg glance to fine leg for a run.
45.2 : N Coulter-Nile to B Kumar, FOUR! Bhuvneshwar belts that! Length ball around middle, Kumar makes room and smashes it over the bowler's head for a boundary. The unlikely of the two out there is getting boundaries with ease!
45.3 : N Coulter-Nile to B Kumar, FOUR! Here's another! Streaky one though, they all count! Coulter-Nile spears a yorker around middle and leg, Kumar gets his bat down but inside edges it past the leg stump for a boundary! Replays showed that the bat hit the pads and that's why came down a fraction late.
45.4 : N Coulter-Nile to B Kumar, Is he really a lower order batsman? Nathan bowls it outside off, Kumar drives it through covers for a brace. How elegant that shot was!
45.5 : N Coulter-Nile to B Kumar, Now guides this length ball to third man for a run.
45.6 : N Coulter-Nile to MS Dhoni, Comes round the wicket and bowls a full ball outside off, Dhoni gets a bottom edge that rolls to the keeper.
Pat Cummins is drafted back into the attack.
46.1 : Pat Cummins to B Kumar, Length ball outside off, Kuamr opens the face of his bat and guides it to third man for a run.
46.2 : Pat Cummins to MS Dhoni, HALF CENTURY NO. 66 FOR MS DHONI! Gets it off a single towards point. Cummins bowls a length ball around off, MS plays it towards point. Initially he thought of a run but decided against it seeing the ball go straight to the fielder. But seeing Kumar rush for a run, he reciprocated the same to get to his milestone. What a knock the veteran has played yet again!
46.3 : Pat Cummins to B Kumar, This ball is played form the crease by Kumar.
46.4 : Pat Cummins to B Kumar, Bowls it outside off, Kumar cuts it away through point for a run.
46.5 : Pat Cummins to MS Dhoni, Length ball around middle, MS nudges it towards deep mid-wicket and rushes back for the second. How quick he is between the wickets.
46.6 : Pat Cummins to MS Dhoni, Another length ball around middle, flicked away through mid-wicket for a run.
MS DHONI again signals for a change of gloves. After waiting for sometime also calls for a bat. Will the new bat do some damage?
JAMES FAULKNER is called back for a bowl.
47.1 : J Faulkner to MS Dhoni, Length ball around leg, Dhoni charges down and pulls it to deep square leg for a single.
47.2 : J Faulkner to B Kumar, Full slower ball around off, Kumar clips it in front of square on the leg side for a single.
47.3 : J Faulkner to MS Dhoni, FOUR! Dhoni is here, folks! Faulkner bowls a short ball around leg, MS swivels and pulls it with great ease towards fine leg. The ball landed just in front of the ropes, as confirmed by the umpire after going upstairs.
47.4 : J Faulkner to MS Dhoni, Slower ball in line of the stumps, Dhoni heaves it with all his might but connects only thin air!
47.5 : J Faulkner to MS Dhoni, SIX! Finally a biggie off MS's blade! Faulkner bowls a length ball around off, allowing Dhoni to free his arms. He does so and belts this over covers for a maximum. The Dhoni chants on the ground just gets louder!
Mid on is up and fine leg goes back to the fence.
47.6 : J Faulkner to MS Dhoni, FOUR! Delicate Dhoni! Faulkner bowls a length ball around off and middle, MS shuffles across and just helps it past the stumps through fine leg for a boundary. That was a lap-pull, if we may so call it!
48.1 : Pat Cummins to B Kumar, Length ball outside off, Kumar looks to play at that but misses.
48.2 : Pat Cummins to B Kumar, Bowls it outside off, Kumar finds point as he looks to give the strike to Dhoni. Two dot balls to begin the penultimate over by Cummins.
48.3 : Pat Cummins to B Kumar, This delivery is punched through covers for a run.
48.4 : Pat Cummins to MS Dhoni, Slower delivery outside off, Dhoni cuts it straight towards point. gets a quick run as Kumar responded well.
48.5 : Pat Cummins to B Kumar, Length ball around middle, Kumar goes back and guides it to third man. The batsmen run two very quickly. Faulkner from the deep hurls a throw to Wade but he's unable to collect it cleanly. Bhuvneshwar was in though.
48.6 : Pat Cummins to B Kumar, Just short! Length ball around off and middle, Kumar looks to go big but gets it off the upper half of the bat towards covers, where Stoinis dives forward but is unable to reach that. No run taken.
49.1 : J Faulkner to MS Dhoni, FOUR! Streaky runs! Faulkner bowls a short ball around leg, Dhoni looks to pull but gets a top edge that flies over the keeper's head for a boundary. What's worse, it's a no ball for overstepping!
Free Hit is coming up...
J Faulkner to MS Dhoni, Faulkner gets away with this! Full ball around leg is whipped away to deep backward square leg, where the fielder does a diving stop. No runs there!
49.2 : J Faulkner to MS Dhoni, SIX! Monstrous Mahi! Faulkner bowls a slower delivery on a length around off, Dhoni charges down and thumps it over extra covers for a maximum. When he hits, it stays hit!
49.3 : J Faulkner to MS Dhoni, Comes round the wicket and bowls a slow ball outside off, Dhoni looks to pull but doesn't make any contact. Good comeback by Jimmy!
49.4 : J Faulkner to MS Dhoni, OUT! That's the end of the Dhoni Dhamaka! Courtesy a slower delivery from Faulkner. He bowls it around off, Dhoni charges down and looks to hit it out of Chennai. Ends up getting the height but not the distance. Warner at long off, settles under it and pouches that safely. The umpires check for the no ball but Faulkner is just fine there. A wonderful knock comes to an end. The whistles in the crowd accompany him back.
Kuldeep Yadav walks out next.
49.5 : J Faulkner to B Kumar, FOUR! Bhuvneshwar continues belting runs! Faulkner bowls it full around off, Kumar moves across and laps it over short fine leg for a boundary. That almost went the distance as it bounced just inside the ropes.
It's started raining here in Chennai.
49.6 : J Faulkner to B Kumar, Bowls it full and wide outside off, Kumar looks to hit that but misses! A dot ball to end the innings! INDIA FINISH ON 281/7!
Some sensational batting from the lower middle-order has helped India post a par total. Australian pacers started off breathing fire when they reduced the Indians to 11-3. After that it needed something special to turn the tide. Rohit Sharma kept ticking on along with Kedar Jadhav but none looked settled in the middle. They both could not capitalize on their starts and India were looking in a state of worry when they had half their side back in the hut for 87.
MS Dhoni, the man trusted at the worst times, stepped out to the middle and gave India the stability they needed. He along with Hardik Pandya, kept cruising at a respectable pace till the latter went berserk. Hardik bamboozled Zampa for 24 runs in an over to set the pace. Adam later got the better of Pandya after he smacked 83 of just 66 balls. Dhoni kept on toiling and got his deserved 100th International fifty. A late flurry from him and Kumar have helped India post a total above 280.
The Australian bowlers were fantastic at the start with Nathan Coulter-Nile doing most of the damage, picking up 3 vital wickets. Stoinis was also exceptional as he grabbed two in the middle overs. Zampa and Faulkner got the stick but they landed themselves a wicket apiece. The Australian batters have a tough task ahead of them but will back their batsmen to chase this down. It is raining at the moment and we hope it passes away quickly. Join us in a while for the Australian chase.
1805 local time update - It's still drizzling. The super soppers are at work but the resumption of the game will be delayed. Stay tuned for further updates.
1830 local time update - The covers are being removed. This move is greeted by huge cheers across the ground. The rain seems to have stopped. Play scheduled to start at 1900 IST.
1850 local time update - Errr... hold on! Instead of the players, the cover has been brought back to cover the pitch and the surrounding area.