Mohammed Shami produced a masterly spell of seam bowling under a humid sun. Then, under the lights, Shubman Gill and Ruturaj Gaikwad put on a display of silken batting, full of enchanting grace and exquisite timing.
The two young openers put India firmly on track towards victory against Australia in the opening ODI at the PCA Stadium here on Friday night. Though there was a wobble following their dismissals, within a space of a couple of overs, skipper K.L. Rahul and Surykumar Yadav got the job done.
Chasing Australia’s 276, India had slid to 185 for four — from 142 for no wicket — when Ishan Kishan was caught behind off Pat Cummins. But Rahul (58 not out, 63b, 4x4, 1x6) and Suryakumar (50, 49b, 5x4, 1x6) added 80 for the fifth wicket, as they batted sensibly to make sure that the efforts of Shami, Gill and Gaikwad were not wasted.
