Pat Cummins: Good to get our first game here in India and disappointing we didn’t get over the line

In all, six of Australia’s top seven scored at least 29, but only David Warner got over fifty in the first inning while Suryakumar Yadav’s ODI runs ahead of the World Cup may have been India’s biggest plus in their five-wicket victory against Australia and helped India in chasing down 277 after they had lost 4 for 43 during a tense middle overs period.

India had won the toss and decided to bowl first. KL Rahul had some good luck behind the wickets, with two successive fumbles from him, and may have contributed to keeping Australia to 276.

The first occurred when Marnus Labuschagne attempted a reverse sweep off R Ashwin in the 33rd over, only for the tickle to hit Rahul’s leg after he missed a grab with the gloves. However, Labuschagne was out for 39 as the ball bounced off the stumps, ending a promising 45-run third-wicket stand. Then, in the 40th over, Rahul was unable to recover after Cameron Green, who was on 31, dabbed Shami behind. Green and Inglis messed up when attempting to run off the misfield, and Suryakumar managed to hold on to a throw from deep third to force a run-out at the bowler’s end.

But before that, Shami had already set up India’s victory by getting Mitchell Marsh caught at wide slip in the first over with a length ball that angled in at first before straightening and then getting Steven Smith out with his renowned upright seam that slithered in and flattened two stumps.

After Stoinis and Inglis had combined for 62 runs off of 43 balls, Shami removed him, causing Australia to collapse for 5 for 28 in the last overs. Afterward, Short swung him for a catch at deep midwicket after Stoinis’ stumps were also shaken. A slower ball sliced onto Sean Abbott’s stumps putting an end to the match.

In all, six of Australia’s top seven scored at least 29, but only David Warner got over fifty in the first inning.

In the chase at the top, openers Shubman Gill and Gaikwad had gotten off to an easy start, scoring 43 runs in the opening seven overs. Gaikwad was given a chance to take a life on 17, but he didn’t restrain himself and hit a punch through a deep point in the same over. 

Even though Gill had also skillfully pulled Marcus Stoinis for six over square leg in the fourth over, seven of the duo’s eight fours in the first power play came in the area from backward point to cover.

In the 14th over, Gill also attacked debutant Matthew Short’s off-spin to depositing him for four and six. With the help of that six, he reached fifty in 37 balls, extending his ODI fantasy run, while Gaikwad did likewise by reaching his maiden half-century in 60 balls.

Zampa, however, put an end to the excitement by catching Gaikwad for 71 before cleaning up Gill for 74 with a shot that skidded through. In between, Shreyas Iyer was run out for 3 following a mix-up with Gill, whose fitness and form India would have been eager to test. 

Ishan Kishan and Rahul, who had come after Gill was dismissed, then worked together to temporarily stabilize the innings before Kishan was caught behind on a ramp attempt by Pat Cummins for 18. But Rahul and Suryakumar made sure there was no more sway.

Suryakumar Yadav’s ODI runs ahead of the World Cup may have been India’s biggest plus in their five-wicket victory against Australia in the opening ODI at Mohali. He scored 50, his highest total in 20 ODI innings, and helped India chase down 277 after they had lost 4 for 43 during a tense middle overs period.

Suryakumar’s return to form was also a relief, although Mohammed Shami’s second five-wicket performance in an ODI without Mohammed Siraj must have given him a headache. 

India Captain KL Rahul:

“It was as hot as Colombo and humid. I think the commitment that the boys showed. We were put under pressure in the middle. We started well with the ball. But the middle overs were tough. We’ve been talking about staying committed for 50 overs and we’ve all been working hard on our fitness so that’s showing. I went into a tricky situation after keeping for 50 overs, it was tough for the middle-order batters starting, but had a good partnership with Surya. We kept talking about hitting good cricket shots.”

Australia Captain Pat Cummins:

“Personally I’m happy I’m back. First game for a little while. Good to get our first game here in India. Disappointing we didn’t get over the line. I thought a few guys batted well and a few guys bowled well.”

Suryakumar Yadav:

“That was what I was dreaming of when I started playing this format. Try and bat til the end as much as possible and finish the game for the team. I couldn’t do that today but loving my new role. I have been wondering what has been happening. The color of the ball is the same. The teams are the same. The bowlers are the same. I think I was hurrying a bit. I thought, let’s take a little bit more time. Calm myself, take it slowly, and try and bat deep.”