India clinch thriller
Kohli upstages Clarke :
Young Virat Kohli overcame a bout of cramps to make a career-best 118
as India posted a thrilling five-wicket win over Australia in the second
one-day international on Wednesday. The 21-year-old hit one six and 11
fours in his third hundred to help India achieve a stiff 290-run target
with seven balls to spare in the day-night game for a 1-0 lead in the
three-match series.
The opening match was washed out due to rain. The third and final
international will be played in Goa on Sunday.
Man-of-the-match Kohli upstaged Australia captain Michael Clarke, who
scored an unbeaten 111 for his fifth one-day hundred, helping his side
post a big total.
Australian paceman Clint McKay jolted India with two quick wickets
before Kohli and Yuvraj Singh (58) steadied the innings with a 137-run
stand for the third wicket.
Batting with a runner because of leg cramps in the later part of his
innings, Kohli was also involved in an 84-run stand for the fourth
wicket with Suresh Raina, who smashed one six and nine fours in his
47-ball 71 not out.
McKay took three wickets and debutant paceman John Hastings two.
“Yuvraj and Kohli got us back into the game, and then Raina supported
Kohli well in the end,” said India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
“We’ll look to win the third game as well, because we want to get
into the habit of winning before the World Cup.” Clarke earlier played a
key role in boosting Australia as he added 144 for the third wicket with
Mike Hussey (69) and 129 for the unfinished fourth with Cameron White
(89 not out). White hammered six sixes and as many fours in his 49-ball
knock as the tourists plundered 84 runs in the last five overs. “White’s
innings was unbelievable and I thought 290 was enough, but India chased
well,” said Clarke.“We are disappointed with the result and will try to
rebuild. We’ll try to do better in the next game.” Australia were
struggling at 16-2 after being put in to bat before Clarke and Hussey
steadied the innings.
VISAKHAPATNAM, AFP
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