Another Virat Kohli masterclass has propelled India to a six-wicket win against Australia to square their limited overs series at 1-1. Chasing 299 runs to win on Tuesday at Adelaide Oval, Kohli struck a sublime 104 from 112 deliveries as India reached its target with four balls remaining. Kohli’s 39th ODI ton was followed by a typically ice-cool finish from MS Dhoni (55 not out from 54 balls) as India set up a series decider in Melbourne on Friday.
Virat Kohli, winning captain and player of the Match, said, “Very pleased. We wanted to try and restrict them in the end. To get them (Maxi and Marsh) in two balls was outstanding for us. Those breakthroughs were crucial. That meant we were not chasing 330. Bhuvi was outstanding with the ball, he came back and brought us in the game towards the end. Vijay Shankar is in, so that’s gives us couple of options to play around with. Backing 5 bowlers and getting job done is always a pleasing thing for a captain.”
“It was a really tough day, you saw MS in the end, he was tired as well. You need a good day’s rest. There is no doubt that he shouldn’t be a part of this team. Tonight was an MS classic. Only he knows what’s going through his mind. He calculates the game so well. He backs himself to hit those big hits. Hats off to him and Dinesh as well. He came in and showed the right kind of intent. MS was as composed as ever. We try and help each other (MS and himself). Tonight was special for us.”
