On this day in 2016, India achieved a memorable victory over Australia in an ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). Chasing a formidable target of 331, India triumphed in the final over, thanks to a brilliant unbeaten century from Manish Pandey.
Australia’s Strong Start: Warner and Marsh Shine
After being put into bat, Australia posted a daunting total of 330 for 7 in the fifth and final ODI of the series. David Warner led the charge with a scintillating knock of 122 off 113 balls, which featured nine fours and three sixes. His aggressive innings gave Australia a strong foundation to build upon.
Middle-order batsman Mitchell Marsh also played a key role, smashing an unbeaten 102 off just 84 deliveries. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Australia managed to maintain a steady run rate, keeping the Indian bowlers under pressure. Jasprit Bumrah, making his ODI debut, impressed with figures of 2 for 40, emerging as India’s most economical bowler.
India’s Chase: Contributions from the Top Order
Chasing 331, India’s response was steady and composed. Openers Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma laid a strong foundation, with Dhawan scoring a fluent 78. Rohit Sharma, in sublime form, was unfortunate to fall one run short of a century, departing for 99. His innings ensured that India remained in the hunt throughout the chase.
Manish Pandey’s Heroics
The turning point of the game was Manish Pandey’s exceptional innings. Coming to the crease at a critical juncture, Pandey anchored the chase with remarkable composure and aggression. His unbeaten 104 off just 81 balls was laced with boundaries and clever strike rotation, keeping the required run rate within reach.
Skipper MS Dhoni played a valuable supporting role, contributing 34 runs and forming a crucial partnership with Pandey. Their collaboration steadied the innings during a tense phase and set up the thrilling finish.
The Final Over Drama
India needed 13 runs off the final over to seal the win. With Pandey’s calm presence and Dhoni’s experience, the duo guided India home with two balls to spare. Pandey’s calculated stroke play under pressure was the highlight of the chase, earning him well-deserved recognition for his first ODI century.
This remarkable win, however, was India’s only victory in the five-match series, which Australia claimed 4-1. Despite the series loss, this match remains etched in memory for Pandey’s heroics and India’s thrilling chase.
