After two successive scores of over 300 was chased easily, Australia didn't flinch in their chase of 296 and took an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match ODI series against India after winning the third ODI with seven balls to spare.
Although there was no century for Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli took over the mantle and top scored with 117 and there was also fifties for Shikhar Dhawan and Ajinkya Rahane. Useful cameo from MS Dhoni towards the end got India to 295.
In response, Australia started strongly once again and had Shaun Marsh to thank for setting the platform for the chase. Once that was done, Glenn Maxwell took over and unfortunately, fell four short of a well-deserved century but still managed to guide Australia to their third successive run chase.
James Faulkner hit the winning runs as the hosts increased their unbeaten run at home in ODIs to 17 matches.
Man of the Match Maxwell on his approach to the game
Glenn Maxwell was awarded the Man of the Match for his 96. After the match, he said: “I wanted to shake off the tag of being called 'The Big Show'. So yes, this is special. They got a good score, to chase that down with James Faulkner in the end, is unbelievable.
“I feel like I've been making big strides over the last few months. The way I'm hitting the ball and approaching the game is different to what I've been doing over the last few years. It's unfortunately not much of a break until Canberra, so maybe we'll have a small celebration tonight.”
Indian captain MS Dhoni on the reasons for the loss
After the 3-0 loss in the series, Dhoni said: “ It's tough to take. We didn't field well tonight. There were at least three boundaries we should have easily stopped. The batsmen are working hard, but we're always talking about 10-15 extra runs.
“This was a slightly different wicket, but there was not much the batsmen could have done. 295 was a good total. Sran didn't have a good day, so it became difficult for himself, and I couldn't rotate the bowlers.
“Rishi and Gurkeerat bowled well, so we somewhat covered up for Ashwin's absence. There is some encouragement, it is tough when you lose games but you have to realise the bowling attack is largely inexperienced. It's good to see Ishant bowl well in the middle, but when there's a bit of pressure, the fast bowlers leak runs.”
Plenty of former and current Australian cricketers took to Twitter to express their happiness at winning the ODI series against the World No.2 ranked ODI side:
Current Australian opener, David Warner, who is on paternity leave:
Retired Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson:
Former Australian all-rounder Tom Moody:
Leg spinner Fawad Ahmed:
Plenty of praise came Glenn Maxwell's way. Here are some of them. Harsha Bhogle:
Aakash Chopra:
Former Sri Lankan batsman Russell Arnold looking at the silver lining:
VVS Laxman on Virat Kohli:
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