After being set on the path for a good total by a century-plus stand between Ajinkya Rahane and Virat Kohli, Team India squandered the chance to capitalise on it and managed to post a modest total of 252 in the second One-Day Internationals at Eden Gardens.
India went off to a poor start once again after Rohit Sharma was sent back by Nathan Coulter-Nile for just 7. However, Kohli and Rahane not only steadied the ship but laid the platform for a big total with an 102-run stand before the latter was run-out for 55 against the run of play. 10 runs after Rahane’s departure, Manish Pandey was also bowled by Ashton Agar but with Virat Kohli holding firm from one end, India were looking primed for a good total.
However, the India skipper could not help his team to finish the innings strongly after being dismissed by Coulter-Nile for 92. The in-form MS Dhoni also failed to get going as Australia clawed their way back into the game by reducing India to 204 for 6. Hardik Pandya remained till the very end but even he failed to provide the much-needed impetus to the innings as India managed to put up 252.
Here is how Twitter reacted to the innings:
These last two overs have been like Sholay. Action, drama, suspense, comedy. Blockbuster #INDvAUS
— Gaurav Kapur (@gauravkapur) September 21, 2017
Aus have held their nerve for splendid fightback. Jadhav, Virat & Dhoni gone rapidly makes 300 difficult. All eyes on Pandya for an encore!
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) September 21, 2017
Smart cricket by Aussies,bowling cross seam as they entered middle overs ,paying off with some reverse in these end overs #INDvAUS
— subramani badrinath (@s_badrinath) September 21, 2017
Tchah. I was hoping that we would celebrate #HappyNavratri with Dhoni + Pandya = Dandya.
— Ramesh Srivats (@rameshsrivats) September 21, 2017
Pandey and KL Rahul are doing just enough to keep the No 4 spot waiting.
— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS) September 21, 2017
Unlucky to miss out on a hundred, but that was another Masterclass from Virat. Stage set for Dhoni and Hardik for last 12 overs.#INDvAUS
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) September 21, 2017
"You can't compare Kohli with Sachin"
Kohli: Challenge accepted *Gets out in 90s*— Ra_Bies (@Ra_Bies) September 21, 2017
Kohli needs to chill a little with his running. One run isn't worth a top-order wicket, specially when you're batting 1st. #INDvAUS
— Manya (@CSKian716) September 21, 2017
Aussie players dropping like flies in Kolkata – half the team look either ill or injured
— John Etheridge (@JohnSunCricket) September 21, 2017
https://twitter.com/DennisCricket_/status/910807581152632832
Oh, he was looking really good was Rahane. He will be mighty disappointed. Was set for a big one
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) September 21, 2017
50 for Rahane means he continues to be the first choice…………………..replacement if either of Rohit or Dhawan get injured. #INDvAUS
— Sameer Allana (@HitmanCricket) September 21, 2017
Life of a Rahane's innings:
1. Shaky
2. Tentative
4. Glorious
5. Authoritative
6. Tentative again
7. Buckle down
9. Nick & Gone#INDvAUS— Krishna ✍️🏏 (@SS_Krishna_) September 21, 2017
Did they forget to tell Rohit he is playing in Eden Gardens? I had already started countdown of 264. #INDvAUS
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) September 21, 2017
Prince
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