Share

Faulkner blasts Oz to victory

Mohali - James Faulkner hit a blistering 29-ball 64 to set up a four-wicket win for Australia over India in the third ODI in Mohali on Saturday.

The visitors made a valiant attempt to chase down the score, but with wickets falling at regular intervals, it always looked to be just beyond them.

When Brad Haddin departed, Australia still needed 81 off 55, with Faulkner - still smarting from Mahendra Singh Dhoni's last over onslaught of 21 runs - entering to join Adam Voges.

However, the 48th over turned the match on its head, when Faulkner blasted Ishant Sharma for 30 runs (including four sixes) to reduce the required rate to a run-a-ball, and the pair finished off the match with three balls in hand.

Voges was not out on 76.

Earlier, a magnificent century from India's captain, Dhoni, helped his team recover from a shaky start to post 303 for nine after being asked to bat first.

The hosts lost the bulk of their top-order inside 13 overs, being 74 for four, as Clint McKay, Shane Watson and especially Mitchell Johnson bowled with venom and control, accounting for three wickets with short deliveries.

Virat Kohli and Dhoni put on 72 runs before Kohli feathered Glenn Maxwell through to Haddin behind the stumps for 68.
Buy now!

Dhoni, however, soaked up the pressure and posted his ninth ODI century - the first by an Indian batsman in Mohali - off only 107 balls.

In true Dhoni-fashion, he took the Australian bowlers apart in the final overs, adding 37 off only 14 deliveries after reaching his ton, to take the score past 300, to finish unbeaten on 139 from 121, including 12 fours and five sixes.

Johnson was the star for the visitors, finishing with 4-46 off his 10 overs, but Watson has a less-than-stellar day, pummelled for 74 runs off eight overs, with only one wicket to show for his effort.

The fourth encounter in the seven-match series will be in Ranchi on Wednesday, October 23. 
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE