Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawam slammed breezy knocks in India’s 74-run win against Western Australia XI in a twenty20 warm-up match in Perth on Friday. This was India’s first game on the tour and rookie pacer Barinder Sran (2/24) looked good as India easily defended their 192 for four after winning the toss.
Ravindra Jadeja (2/13) and Axar Patel (2/13) proved too good for the Australians as India prevented any solid partnership to blossom. Travis Birt, who has played Twenty20s for Australia, was the lone ranger for Western Australia, scoring 74. The home team scored 118/6 in their 20 overs.
But for a couple of dropped catches, India looked smooth. The Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led team will play a 50-over match against the same opposition on Saturday. The first ODI will be played at the WACA on January 12.
Fluent knocks by Dhawan, Kohli
Riding half-centuries from Kohli and Dhawan, India posted an impressive 192-4. India lost wickets in a flurry towards the end of their innings. Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni was unbeaten on 14-ball 22. Opener Rohit Sharma was run out for 6 before Kohli and Dhawan stitched a 100-plus stand to recover from the early jolt. Ajinkya Rahane was caught after a leading edge. He scored 2.
Kohli, who was welcomed with a loud cheer, started off his innings with a couple off quickie Ryan Duffield. Dhawan at the other end, looked far more comfortable against an inexperienced attack, smashing Matthew Kelly for a six to make his intentions clear.
After playing some aggressive cricket, Dhawan soon brought up his half-century off 31 balls with a single off James Muirhead. Dhawan’s 74 contained eight fours and three sixes.
Kohli and Dhawan soon brought up the 100-runs stand in the 14th over. Kohli too soon brought up his half-cenutry courtesy back-to-back boundaries off David Moody. Kohli smashed three boundaries and a six to complete his half-century off 35 balls.
Pacer Josh Nicholas finally ended the 149-run stand between Kohli and Dhawan after he had India’s Test skipper stumped by Josh Inglis. Kohli’s 74 was studded with seven boundaries and three sixes.
Online Source
