IND vs AUS: KL Rahul scores under-pressure half-century in Mumbai ODI after being dropped from Test team

India batter KL Rahul made a terrific comeback to the Indian side by scoring an under-pressure half-century against Australia at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Rahul’s knock helped India beat Australia by 5 wickets and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series. Coming in to bat at number 5, Rahul made the most of his opportunity and scored a crucial half-century for India in Mumbai. Rahul walked in to bat when India were reeling at 39 for 4, with the likes of Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, and openers Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan back in the pavilion.

After getting off a watchful start, Rahul built his innings by stitching a 44-run stand with captain Hardik Pandya. Pandya was the aggressor while Rahul played the role of the anchor. Pandya scored 25 runs off 31 balls before being dismissed by Marcus Stoinis. Rahul then formed the match-winning partnership with all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja.

Rahul completed his 13th ODI half-century in 73 balls while batting alongside Jadeja. He then increased his scoring rate as the innings progressed. Rahul scored 75 runs in 91 balls, hitting seven boundaries and a six. Meanwhile, Jadeja scored 45 runs off 69 deliveries, as the two batters combined to stitch a 108-run partnership to steer India to victory.

India reached Australia’s target with 10.1 overs and 5 wickets in hand. Left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc was the best bowler for Australia, picking up three wickets while giving away 49 runs in 9.5 overs.

Earlier in the match, three wickets from Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj helped India bowl the visitors out for 188. Mitchell Marsh was the only batter who looked comfortable and scored 81 runs off 65 balls, hitting 10 boundaries and five sixes.

With this win, India took a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series, with the second match set to be played at the YS Raja Reddy Stadium in Vizag.