Following a gruelling four-match Test series, India and Australia have taken to the field for the first ODI at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. India emerged victorious in the Test series, winning 2-1. In the absence of Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya led India and won the toss, opting to bowl first as captains typically do at this venue.
Although Travis Head was dismissed early, Mitchell Marsh displayed an ominous form, smashing 81 runs off 65 balls and setting an excellent platform of 129/2 for Australia in the 20th over before Ravindra Jadeja claimed his wicket.
Following Mitchell Marsh’s dismissal, India’s bowlers, particularly seamers Mohammad Shami (3/17) and Mohammed Siraj (3/29), wreaked havoc, resulting in Australia being bowled out for 188 in the 36th over. Ravindra Jadeja, in his comeback ODI, finished with two wickets, while Hardik Pandya dismissed his counterpart, Steve Smith. Kuldeep also picked up Marnus Labuschagne’s wicket.
During the early stages of Australia’s innings, Virat Kohli was spotted performing the viral hookstep of the Oscar-winning song ‘Naatu, Naatu’ from the blockbuster movie RRR. The movie’s official Instagram page shared a clip of Kohli’s dance moves.
It was anticipated that India would comfortably chase down the target, but Mitchell Starc had other plans as he dismantled the top order with a triple strike, dismissing Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, and Shubman Gill. Marcus Stoinis also played a role, taking the wickets of Ishan Kishan and Hardik. As of now, India is at 100/5 in 25 overs, with a required run rate of 5.64 and needing 89 more runs to win in the remaining 150 balls.