Uzair Rizvi, BeyondHeadlines
Skipper MS Dhoni fireworks late down the order inspired India to a 126-run win over England in the 1st ODI of the 5 match ODI series at Hyderabad. This was India’s first victory after a losing streak of 10 International matches (five ODI’s, four tests and one T-20) that includes last two ODI’s in West Indies also.
England were bundled out for 174 in chasing a mammoth target of 301 set by India.
After the early loss of Kieswetter, Pietersen and Cook try to build the innings but a direct hit from Ashwin ruled KP out for 19.Next came in Trott negotiated the early deliveries, went to score some free shots, and added 71 runs for the third wicket.
Amidst Cook reached his half-century but after a few tight overs he gave away his wicket after he tried to loft over mid-wicket but was caught at the fence. He made 60 from 63 balls.
111/2 at one stage, England suffered a collapse. Apart from Samit Patel (16) and Finn (18), none of the English lower order batsmen were in double figures.Ashwin signaled India’s emphatic win by shattering the stumps of the last man Dernbach.
Off-spinner Ashwin and Left-arm Jadeja took 3wickets apiece to bowl out England for 174 in 36.1 overs. While Umesh yadav scalped two and Praveen Kumar picked up one wicket.
Earlier, winning the toss and electing to bat on a slow-low track at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.Rahane (15) made a complete mess of the first powerplay where India only scored 47 runs losing Parthiv Patel’s wicket.
He went into a shell and lost his wicket when he charged out only to be deceived by Swann’s flight, which allowed Kieswetter to complete an easy stumping.
Gambhir (33) was the next batsmen to return to the pavilion after a good start.Kohli and Raina steadied the ship with a 44-run stand but soon Kohli (37) too lost his way and gave away his wicket.
At 123/4, MSD joined Raina as the duo started the repair job. They waited patiently and took the charge in the batting powerplay (36-40 over) against the English bowlers.Raina made a quick-fire 61,Jadeja continued from where Raina left adding 27 off 22 deliveries.
India added a whooping 150 runs in the last 15 overs as one got a glimpse of vintage Dhoni (87*) as he dashed England bowlers for his 42nd half-century.
Swann was the only English bowler to escape the punishment with a economical figures of 1/35 in 10 overs. While rest were tormented by the late Indian attack.Finn,Ddernbach and Patel picked up wicket a piece but went for too many runs.
Captain Cook was amused by the slow nature of the track. And also vowed to fight back in the up-coming matches. While MSD praised his bowlers for picking up wickets regularly and his batsmen as they were calm and composed on this slow surface.
Dhoni for his match-winning knock was adjuged Man of the Match for his blitzing knock.
The two teams now travel to the Indian capital New Delhi, where next game is on 17th October at Feroz Shah Kotla.
