Bailey (left) and Maxwell celebrate after leading Australia to victory
Image courtesy of: Zimbio
Despite India opener Rohit Sharma scoring his second successive century, Australia cruised to a seven-wicket win in the second ODI in Brisbane thanks to half-centuries from Aaron Finch, Shaun Marsh and George Bailey.
India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni would have been pleased with his decision to bat first even though opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan was dismissed for just six runs as Sharma and Virat Kohli amassed a 125-run partnership, during which both batsmen brought up their half-centuries.
Kane Richardson provided the breakthrough for Australia as he ran Kohli out for 59 off 67 balls, which included four boundaries.
Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane kept the runs flowing with a 121-run stand, during which Sharma recorded his 10th ODI century and Rahane his half-century, before Sharma was run out by James Faulkner for 124 off 127 deliveries, which included 11 boundaries and three sixes.
Sharma scored his 10th ODI century
Image courtesy of: Zimbio
Rahane went on to score 89 off 80 balls, which included six boundaries and a six, as India finished on 308/8 off their 50 overs.
Faulkner was the pick of the bowlers with two wickets, while John Hastings picked up one, along with Scott Boland and Joel Paris, who both took their maiden ODI wickets.
Chasing 309 to win, Australia got off to a fantastic start as Finch and Marsh put together a 145-run partnership, during which both batsmen registered their half-centuries, before Finch was dismissed by Ravindra Jadeja for 71 off 81 balls, which included seven boundaries and a six.
Marsh departed shortly after for 71 off 84 deliveries, which included five boundaries, before captain Steven Smith and Bailey stabilised the innings with a 78-run stand.
The partnership was broken by Umesh Yadav, who clean bowled Smith for a quickfire 46.
However, Smith’s wicket was to be India’s last taste of success for the remainder of the match as Bailey and Glenn Maxwell finished things off with an unbeaten 65-run partnership, during which Bailey surpassed his half-century.
Bailey ended up finishing on 76 off 58 balls, which included six boundaries and a six, as Australia chased down their highest target at the Gabba with an over to spare.
Jadeja, Yadav and Ishant Sharma claimed one wicket each.
Dhoni was disappointed to be on the losing end again, and said: “Seems as if we have to score more runs and that puts a lot of pressure on the batsmen. Back to back 300s is always good, but looking at our bowlers, we need to score 330 or more.
“Most of the wides weren’t because of swing. And we bowled wides even with the old ball. When we were supposed to build pressure, we bowled wides. The spinners bowled reasonably well. The morale is up, we’ll just have to play a few more shots. We can be on the receiving end if we lose too many wickets. We have to go out there and enjoy it, but looking at everything we have to score 330-plus to make a game out of it.”
Smith was delighted to have taken a 2-0 lead, and said: “Yeah it was good tonight, I think we did well to restrict them to 308. They were looking good for 350. The way we started was brilliant. Marsh and Finch didn’t panic and allowed us to play freely at the end. The bowlers did well in the last game, they pulled India back at the back end today too. I’m sure Wade and Faulkner will get a hit and do well when the get the chance. Bailey was excellent again.”
Sharma was named Man of the Match, and said: “It’s always disappointing. At the end of the day, no matter how much you score. I love playing here. The wickets are good, you always get value for your shots and that’s what I want to do. Once I’m in, I feel good enough to score big. Overall pleased with my form, but disappointing not to win. Looking forward to Melbourne now.”