Australia vs India: Finch, Smith?s century and Zampa?s 4 wickets sailed Aussies to the comfortable win

Hardik Pandya and Shikhar Dhawan?s under pressure knocks could not help Indians to chase the 375 runs mammoth target as Aussies beat India by 66 runs in the opening encounter of the tour at Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Friday. Virat Kohli and men were restricted to 308 for 5 in the quota of 50 overs by the hosts.

Earlier Aaron Finch Australian ODI skipper won the toss and opted to bat first on the flat surface of SCG.

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Australia:

Both the openers, Aaron Finch and David Warner, gave a good start to the side by hammering Indian bowlers all over the park. Aaron Finch completed his century in 39th over while the southpaw collected 69 runs in 76 balls. Openers stitched a good 156 runs collaboration in 27 overs.

The dependable Steve Smith gave Indian bowlers no time to settle, after the wicket of David Warner, Smith whacked bowlers all over the park in SCG. Smith completed his quick century in 62 balls, which is the third-fastest ODI century by Australian. Steve Smith scored 105 runs in 66 balls before getting bowled off Mohd. Shami in the full toss.

Glenn Maxwell coming to his prime form took charge of the innings collecting quickfire 45 of just 19 deliveries. In the 50 overs, the Aussies managed to get 374 runs in the loss of 6 wickets.

Mohd. Shami for India picked 3 scalps of Warner, Smith, and Maxwell. However Bumrah, Saini, and Chahal got one each into their bag.

India:

In response to Australia?s 374 runs challenge, the Indian opener provided a blistering start. Mayank Agarwal and Shikhar Dhawan managed to add 53 inside six overs. Josh Hazlewood provided the first breakthrough, Mayank Agarwal caught by Maxwell in a short ball.

Virat Kohli could not capitalize on the opportunity he got after he was dropped by Zampa. Josh Hazlewood again picked the wicket of skipper Virat Kohli (21 off 21) with a short ball caught by Aaron Finch.

Shreyas Iyer also went cheaply after a deadly short ball by Hazlewood. KL Rahul who earned the Orange cap for his form could not make his mark in the first ODI. Rahul got out off Zampa scoring 12 from 15 deliveries.

When it looked over for Men in Blues, Shikhar Dhawan and Hardik Pandya sewed a good run stand to give hopes to fans. Shikhar Dhawan scored 74 from 86 balls before getting out by Zampa. The all-rounder took spinners for granted and smashed out of the boundaries. 

However, Zampa got Hardik Pandya out attempting for another maximum, caught by Mitchell Starc in the boundary line. Pandya added 90 runs from 76 balls.

Zampa?s 4 and Hazlewood three wickets confined India to 308-8 in 50 overs. The hosts win the series opener by 66 runs.

Australia took the lead of 1-0 in the three-match ODI series and collected 10 important points for the ICC ODI super League.

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