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Riding on Mohammed Shami's fifer and brilliant fifties by Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Suryakumar Yadav and KL Rahul India thrashed Australia by five wickets in the first ODI in Mohali on Friday, September 22. With this win, India have become World no.1 across formats.
After their victory in the first ODI, India (with 116 rating points) moved ahead of its long-standing rival Pakistan (115 points) to claim the top spot. Australia holds the third position, but their gap from the leading duo has increased as they fell by two points to 111. This triumph gives India the opportunity to enter the ODI World Cup as the leading team in the format. Nonetheless, Pakistan can reclaim the top position if Australia emerges victorious in the remaining two games of the series.
Talking about the match, the brilliance of Mohammed Shami was in full display as he dazzled with a 5-wicket haul, effectively curbing Australia at 276 in their opening innings. This splendid performance served as a powerful reminder of Shami's capabilities, raising eyebrows given his uncertain position in India's primary World Cup XI.
In reply, Shubman Gill confidently carved out 74 runs from 63 deliveries, laying a robust opening foundation in tandem with Ruturaj Gaikwad, who contributed a well-played 71 off 77 balls. Their impressive 142-run partnership set a tone of dominance which, for the onlookers, seemed easier achieved than depicted on paper.
As the innings progressed, Suryakumar Yadav (50 off 49) and Captain KL Rahul (58* off 63) played pivotal roles in steering the chase. Their composed batting display ensured India's grip over the game, even when Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan couldn't capitalise. Especially commendable was Yadav's timely half-century which came during a potentially tricky phase requiring 92 runs for the victory.
Gill's masterful innings stood out, highlighted by a breathtaking short-arm pull off Marcus Stoinis. The audacious shot left spectators in awe. Another memorable moment was when Matthew Short faced the brunt of Gill's aggression with a lofted six over long-off.
On the Australian side, Adam Zampa's bowling was the silver lining, registering figures of 2/57 from his ten overs.
Yet, it was undeniably Shami's day out. Apart from his bowling, his on-field presence was instrumental in putting Shardul Thakur, who went for 0/78 in 10 overs, under the microscope.
The Australian innings had its moments, with significant contributions from Steve Smith (41 off 60 balls), Jos Inglis, and Marcus Stoinis. However, the side struggled to convert good starts into bigger scores, as David Warner, Smith, and Marnus Labuschagne faltered after promising beginnings. This was further accentuated by the Indian bowlers' combined efficiency.
Ravichandran Ashwin's performance garnered attention as he returned impressive figures in his second spell, bouncing back after a slightly off-color start. The Australian innings also witnessed unusual dismissals, notably Labuschagne's and Cameron Green's, which shifted the game's momentum in India's favor.
Yet, the limelight remained fixed on Shami. His impeccable ability to seam and swing the ball solidified his position as a generational talent. His opening delivery, which dismissed Mitchell Marsh, was a testament to his skill. But it was his game-changing second spell which truly left an indelible mark, especially the ball that sent Steve Smith back to the pavilion.
In conclusion, while multiple players showcased their mettle, it was Shami's virtuoso performance, both with his deliveries and strategic plays, that set the foundation for an emphatic Indian victory. The day will be fondly remembered for Shami's cricketing sorcery and Gill's batting prowess.
Now India and Australia will next face each other in the second ODI at the Holkar stadium in Indore on September 24.
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