Hyderabad: India skipper Virat Kohli heaped praise on wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni and Kedar Jadhav for notching a memorable victory for India against Australia.
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India, in reply to 237 runs target, chased down the target with 10 balls to spare, thanks to 141-run fifth wicket partnership between MS Dhoni and Kedar Jadhav.
“It was a difficult sort of a game. We did a good job with the ball. You have experience with MS and flair with Kedar. I think Kedar and MS took responsibility, it was great. I think the bowling (won the game for us),” Kohli said.
India's ace paceman Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav picked up two wickets each while Jadhav picked up the wicket of Marcus Stoinis. At the same time, Ravindra Jadeja kept Australia's run-scoring flow in check. India's clinical bowling performances impressed captain Kohli with the World Cup is just around the corner.
“Kuldeep’s been doing it for a while. I have never seen him (Shami) so lean. Got Maxi out with a beautiful ball. I haven’t seen him so hungrier. Heading into the WC, it’s a great sign for India," Kohli said.
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While talking about Jadeja, who went wicketless but bowled two miserly spells to keep the visitors under check, Kohli said, “Ten overs for less than 35 is a great job on this pitch. He set his fields on his game. He is a great asset in the field too.”
India will play Australia in the second ODI on March 5.
