Dhoni, Yuvi Essay Comprehensive Indian Win at the Kotla
Playing a skipper’s knock, captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni scripted a magnificent 71 off 95 to amass 148 off 172 for the fourth wicket with Yuvraj Singh, who scored a spitfire 78 off 96 to lead India to a sterling six-wicket win over Australia in the third One-Day International at the Ferozshah Kotla, in New Delhi on Saturday.
Dhoni’s effort comes close on the heels of a century that blistered the kangaroos in the previous outing at Nagpur.
On a difficult track the Indian skipper played a responsible knock in contrast to Yuvraj’s effort who took the Aussies apart smashing eight boundaries and two sixes, to carry the team home.
India finished with 230 for four in 48.2 overs to take a 2-1 lead in the seven-match series after Australia were restricted to 229 for five.
Earlier, Michael Hussey battled valiantly to score an unbeaten 81 and guide Australia to a competitive total.
Leading an injury ravaged team, captain Ricky Ponting opened the innings to score a watchful 59 off 92 on a track that got difficult by the minute. He shared 72 for the opening wicket with Shane Watson, who scored a quick 41 off 59.
Speaking after the match, Ponting said: “India batted very well today and batted in slightly tougher conditions. I think a score around 250 would have been good but we fell a little short with the bat.”
