India were in a tight spot in the first ODI against Australia in Mumbai on Friday but the two teams stitched together a responsible 108* run partnership. KL Rahul (75*) and Ravindra Jadeja (45*) saw the hosts chase down 189 in 39.5 overs, being 39/4 at one stage. leading India hardik pandya in match with Rohit Sharma Missing the game due to personal commitment. Pandya took the crucial wicket of Steve Smith and then scored a crucial 25 off 31 balls after the Indian top-order faltered. There was a point in his innings when he faced a free-hit delivery Marcus Stoinis In the 18th over.
Pandya mistimed his pull on a free-hit delivery, which was slower, and resulted in a single. TV cameras showed after delivery Virat Kohli Responding in a very animated manner. It is not clear why Kohli was a little agitated.
Watch: Virat Kohli reacts after Hardik Pandya’s free-hit delivery
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Meanwhile, Pandya heaped praise on a troubled Rahul and Jadeja after India’s five-wicket win against Australia in the first ODI here, saying they had a calming effect on onlookers. Rahul, who was ruled out of the third and fourth Tests against Australia due to poor form, helped the hosts take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
“I’m really proud of the way we played today. Jaddu (Ravindra Jadeja) did what he should have done coming back after eight months away from ODIs. I enjoyed my bowling and batting, finishing it off. But the way KL (Rahul) and Jaddu batted, it was calming to those watching from outside,” said Pandya, the stand-in India captain for the match at the Wankhede.
Rahul, who mostly opens for India, was brought in at No.5 following his Test disappointments. But even with the chips down, he played patiently, taking 96 balls to score 75.
Pandya admitted that India were under pressure both with the bowling and batting, but the team’s composure saw it through in the end.
Michelle Marsh‘ A quick start of 81 off 65 balls and a quick start from the visitors put India under some tension but Mohammed Shami, Mohd Siraj And Jadeja took timely wickets to bundle out Australia for 188 in 35.4 overs.
with PTI inputs
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