India vs Australia 2019: 3 unnoticed things from the 2nd ODI

After winning the first ODI, India started the second ODI high on confidence. Aaron Finch won the toss, and to everyone’s surprise, decided to chase. India had a poor start as they lost both the openers rather early.

Virat Kohli and Ambati Rayudu stitched together a small partnership before Rayudu fell to Lyon. Vijay Shankar then provided some momentum to the innings, but got out in unlucky fashion. Jadhav and Dhoni followed soon.

It was the Indian captain, Virat Kohli, who stood out fromm the rest and scored an excellent century.

The Aussies had an excellent opening partnership of 83 runs, but the Indian spinners started building pressure, and kept taking wickets at regular intervals.

The match went down to the last over with the onus on Vijay Shankar. The all-rounder held his nerve, and won the match for India.

Let us have a look at some of the things that might have gone unnoticed:

#1 Virat Kohli’s amazing conversions (50s to 100s)

Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli, the Indian run machine, proved yet again today why he is the best batsmen in the world. He also became the fastest to 9000 ODI runs as a captain.

In his breathtaking knock of 116 in just 120 balls, Virat, for the sixth consecutive time, converted a 50+ score to a century, in India.

His last six 50+ scores in India (ODI):

121

113

140

157*

107

116 (today)

Virat also became the first player to score seven or more centuries against three different teams in ODIs. Such amazing consistency in any sports, at any level, is rarely witnessed.

With his 40th ODI century today, Virat is well on course to break Sachin’s record of 49 ODI centuries. Team India will hope that their captain continues to pile up these runs and take the team to even greater heights.

#2 Unlucky Vijay Shankar: 2 run-outs in 2 innings

Vijay Shankar

Vijay Shankar, India’s batting all rounder, playing only his sixth ODI, and getting to bat only for the second time, could not have been more unlucky.

He has gotten run out in both the ODIs he has had a chance to bat in.

The first time he got to bat in an ODI was against NZ where he scored a well compiled 45 before he was run out. In today’s match when he entered, India was in deep trouble, reeling at 75-3 with the ball holding up on the wicket.

Shankar seemed to have no problem as he outscored even Virat Kohli in the fourth wicket partnership. Just when he seemed set for a big score, Virat hit a straight drive which passed through Zampa’s hand and hit the stumps at the non strikers end, and Shankar was found short of his ground.

Nevertheless, Shankar’s innings was pleasing to watch.

#3 MS Dhoni having some fun with a fan

MS Dhoni

India got all out for 250 in their first innings and MS Dhoni got a rare golden duck. While coming out to defend their target, a fan somehow breached stadium security and entered the field.

He was wearing a No. 7 t-shirt, and it was very clear whom he wanted to meet. Once he saw Dhoni, he came running towards him. Dhoni, being the character he is, started playing around with the fan.

First, he hid behind Rohit Sharma, and then he ran around while his fan kept chasing him. Finally, Dhoni stopped and shook hands with his fan, who in return hugged MS.

Although incidents like these should be avoided as they are a threat to players' security, these also show the fun side of players, which is very heartening to see.

You can check out the video of the incident here:

MS Dhoni😂😂 pic.twitter.com/aakZMcKK8i

— Harshit Mittal (@Harshitmittal07) March 5, 2019