Turner leaves Indian fans disappointed
Deepankar Sharda
Tribune News Service
Mohali, March 10
They came out in huge numbers to cheer the home team but were left heartbroken when Australia recorded their highest ever run chase against India to register a four-wicket win at IS Bindra PCA Stadium on Sunday.
Ashton Turner turned out to be the party pooper for the Indian fans as he smashed an unbeaten 43-ball 84 to guide Australia home in the 48th over after Peter Handscomb had put the visitors on course to chase the 359-run target with a timely 117.
The five-match series stands level at 2-2 with the last ODI scheduled to be played in New Delhi on March 13.
“This is certainly one of the worst performances by the Indian team and it should not be repeated if they want to win the series. The 2019 World Cup is approaching, and if they continue to dish out such performance they may not be able to even qualify for the knockout stage,” fumed Amritlal Mahajan.
The Indian supporters had a lot to cheer about in the earlier half of the match as Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan stitched a record 193-run partnership for the opening wicket at IS Bindra Stadium to lay a solid foundation.
Dhawan, in particular, stole the show with a strokeful 143, which included 18 fours and three sixes. “It was a good start and a good total to defend. But poor fielding cost us the match. Rishabh Pant missed a few chances and even Dhawan dropped a sitter, which gave Turner a chance to settle down and pull off a stunning win,” said Prithman Singh Chauhan as he left the stadium in a somber mood.
