In Mohali, in front of a massive crowd, India went down to Australia on the 4th ODI of the seven match series Hero Honda Cup 2009. Australia were bowled out for 250 batting first. In reply, India failed to chase it and and were eventually bowled out for 226, making the series now tied at 2-2.
Toss:
Luckily for Dhoni, it went right at the toss. First time in the series he has won the toss. But a surprise decision to bowl first which backfired. Ricky Ponting was happy batting first but was concerned about the dew factor.
Australian Batting:
Shaun Marsh opened the innings after a long time with Shane Watson as it ended to be a failure. Marsh trapped in front by Nehra. Ricky Ponting, who opened the innings the last game was back to his No 3 spot. Shane Watson was going on pretty well as Ricky Ponting, as they put on a 64 run partnership.
Spinners Day:
Harbhajan Singh got the wicket of Shane Watson in his first ball with a beautiful flighted delivery. Watson made 49. In came Cameron White. Michael Hussey was got by Yuvraj Singh's short pitched delivery. Henriques was stumped by Harbhajan Singh. Ravindra Jadeja was keeping things tight.
Run Out Mystery:
Just when things were under control for Australia, Ricky Ponting was run out for 52 when Ravindra Jadeja pulled of a miraculous direct hit from the deep. Cameron White was run out for a well made 62. Manou and Bollinger were other victims of run out.
Australian Score:
Australia scored 250 in 49.2 overs as they were bowled out. Nehra was the pick of the bowlers for India with 3 wickets. Cameron White scored 62 while Watson made 49.
Indian Reply:
It was left to Sehwag and Sachin to give a good start. Sehwag made a flier as he hit Jhonson for boundaries. Eventually he fell to Bollinger for 30. In Gambhir's absence Virat Kohli was promoted to No 3. He played a rash shot to get himself out for 10. It was Yuvraj Singh at No 4.
Sachin Misses World Record:
Sachin Tendulkar was just 7 runs short of 17,000 runs, another milestone he would have loved to achieve. Ashoka Desilva gave a rough LBW decision of Hauritz Bowling.
Batting Collapse:
Run out was the culprit again as Yuvraj Singh was dismissed for 12. Then Dhoni did not last too long as he was caught by Manou of Bollinger. Raina failed to make amends as he was bowled by Hauritz. Ravindra Jadeja was the 6th victim of run outs. Then Harbhajan Singh and Praveen Kumar gave a little scare taking the batting power play. But India were eventually bowled out for 226.
7-match series level at 2-2
Player of the match Shane Watson of Australia
