In the third and final ODI of the series at Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot, Australia salvaged pride with a resounding win against India, avoiding a whitewash. Having already lost the series 2-0, Australian skipper Pat Cummins won the toss and chose to bat.

David Warner provided an electrifying start with a scintillating knock of 56 off just 34 balls, setting the tone for Australia. Mitchell Marsh joined the onslaught, contributing to a blistering partnership of 78 runs in 49 balls after Warner’s departure. Follow your favourite cricket team with attractive betting odds from Nextbet. 

Marsh came agonizingly close to a century, scoring a brilliant 96 off 84 balls, including 13 fours and three sixes. Steve Smith was equally impressive, notching up 74 runs off 61 balls. However, the Rajkot heat took its toll on Smith as he was dismissed lbw by Mohammed Siraj.

Marnus Labuschagne continued his exceptional form with a quickfire 72 off 58 balls, but a lack of support from other batsmen left Australia with a total of 352/7 in their allotted 50 overs. Jasprit Bumrah was the standout bowler for India, claiming three wickets for 81 runs.

India’s chase began strongly, with captain Rohit Sharma leading from the front. However, Washington Sundar’s struggles led to his dismissal at 74/1 after 10.5 overs. Rohit Sharma’s explosive innings of 81 off 57 balls came to an end when Glenn Maxwell took a stunning one-handed catch off his own bowling in the 21st over.

Virat Kohli, the chase specialist, managed 56 off 61 balls but fell victim to the Australian attack. Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul added 52 runs for the fourth wicket, but they couldn’t sustain the momentum. Ravindra Jadeja provided some resistance with 35 off 36 balls, but it was not enough as India was bowled out for 286 in 49.4 overs, falling short by 66 runs.

Glenn Maxwell shone as Australia’s top bowler, claiming four crucial wickets for 40 runs in his 10 overs. This win allowed Australia to salvage some pride and head into the World Cup 2023 with a positive note, avoiding a whitewash by India in the series. Get free cricket betting tips from Nextbet Sports. 

Brief Scores:

Australia 352/7 in 50 Overs (Marsh 96, Smith 74; Bumrah 3/81)

India 286 All out in 49.4 Overs (Rohit 81, Kohli 56; Maxwell 4/40)

Australia won by 66 runs.