HIGHLIGHTS | DH's coverage of IND vs AUS 1st ODI

After having been beaten by Australia in the recently concluded T20I series for the first time under Virat Kohli's stewardship at home in T20s, India are hoping to bounce back in the 1st ODI, ahead of the highly anticipated World Cup, as this five-match series will perhaps define and mould the final 15 that will travel to England in June. Meanwhile, Aaron Finch and co. head into the match riding high on confidence, especially after the inspiring display by Glenn Maxwell in the 2nd T20I. After a rather substandard home season, the World Champions will be aiming to exact revenge from the hosts.

Skippers speak

Virat Kohli:We would have bowled first. This surface is going to be hard and it will be good to bat on. We want to continue what we were doing in New Zealand. We are pretty balanced. We are giving Chahal a break today. We would rotate our wrist spinners. Our top-order is same.

Aaron Finch:We will bat first. It looks like a dry wicket. Hopefully, we can post a big score. We want to keep improving all the time. We have made good ground in ODIs in the ast 4-5 months. We have made very good progress. Alex Carey comes in our team, Jhye Richardson misses out.

Australia wins toss!

Virat Kohli flips the call. Aaron Finch call heads. It is heads.

Australia win toss, elect to bat!

India slot in Kuldeep Yadav and Jadeja

Here's how Virat Kohli'sside are lining up for today. First ball of the match coming in shortly.

India: Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli (c), Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (wk), Vijay Shankar, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah

Usman Khawaja to take strike

Skipper Aaron Finch has walked out in the middle alongside Usman Khawaja. Arguably India's best bowler at the moment, Mohammad Shami, is all set to bowl the very first ball.

0.1 Khawaja leaves

Shami to Khwaja, pitched in the middle, a hint of in-swing, the batsman lets it go comfortably.

0.2 Another leave from the batsman

This time, Shami extracts a bit of out-swing on the samelength. Left along again.

0.3 Inside edge

Shami is hitting the right lengths here, and Khawaja attempts a drive, but the ball meets the inside edge. Straight to short mid-wicket.

0.4 The ball is certainly talking

Shami to Khawaja, the ball is pitched on good length, this time with more outswing. Khawaja is alert to it as he leaves.

0.5 Khawaja leaves

It's a play and a miss from the southpaw

1.0 Maiden by Shami. A brilliant start by the hosts.

Shami bowls another peach of a delivery. Khawaja leaves again.

1.1 Bumrah shares the new ball

Bumrah to Finch, no run off the bat yet

1.2 Finch is beaten

Bumrah to Finch, the Australian skipper is living dangerously here. He attempts at nudging the ball, but misses it completely.

1.3 Finch is gone!

Bumrah bowls the right length, nicks it away from Finch, who would have certainly expected an in-swinger. His nightmare continues, as MS Dhoni mops up an easy catch.

1.4 Stoinis gets the first runs off the bat

Bumrah to Stoinis, the powerful batsman drives away in between the cover and point fielder for a three. There was a little mix-up between thebatsmen, but no issues for Australia, who were in danger of losing another.

1.5 Bumrah to Khawaja, no run

2.0 No run again, fantastic start by Bumrah as well

Bumrah to Khawaja, no run, pitching just outside off, the batsman finds the point fielder

2.1 Shami to Stoinis, no run

Shami is finding his range near perfectly. He once again hits the right line and length, no run for Australia.

2.2 Shami to Stoinis, no run again

2.3 Shami is clocking 140 kmph here

Shami is racking up the right pace, but he strays his line, 1 wide

2.4 No run again, it's a solid start by India

Shami to Stoinis, no run

2.5 Four!!!

First boundary of the innings, from the bat of Marcus Stoinis. There was nothing wrong with the delivery, but the batsman shows the full face of the bat to caress it down mid-off.

3.0 Shami to Stoinis, no run

The ball was once again hitting the stumps, Stoinis tries to drive but hits it straight to mid-wicket.

3.1 Bumrah continues

Bumrah to Khawaja, no run

3.2 Wide ball

Bumrah to Khawaja, dragged down the leg side for a wide

3.3 No run

Bumrah to Khawaja, no run, straight to mid-on

3.4 No run again

What a start this has been from the new ball bowlers here! Bumrah to Khawaja, no run.

3.5 Bumrah to Khawaja, no run

4.0 Over finished by Bumrah with a dot

4.2 Shami back in for his third

Shami to Stoinis, no run

4.3 Shami to Stoinis, no run

4.4 Shami to Stoinis, no run - not for the first time so far

4.5 There's some bounce on this pitch!

Shami to Stoinis, no run as the big jumps off the surface, much to the surprise of the batsman

5.0 Good end to the over

Shami to Stoinis, no run

5.1 Bumrah to Khawaja, dot ball

5.2 Bumrah to Khawaja, no run

5.3 Bumrah is seriously piling pressure on the Aussies

Bumrah to Khawaja, no run yet again. The visitors are finding to difficult to rotate strike here.

5.4 Bumrah to Khawaja, no run

5.5 Another dot ball, can we have a second maiden over of the innings?

Bumrah to Khawaja, no run once again. Probably, it's better to see off the new ball here.

6.0 Ran down thirdman

Bumrah to Khawaja, pushed to thirdman for a single

6.1 Shami in for his fourth

Shami to Khawaja, no run, clearly outfoxed by the bounce

6.2 Shami to Khawaja, no run

Another dot ball, Shami is looking unplayable here, as he beats Khawaja's bat for the nth time

6.3 Shami to Khawaja, no run

6.4 Shami to Khawaja, single off the bat

Shami yet again hits the right line, but this time Khawaja meets it and runs it down third-man for a single

6.5 Dot ball

Shami to Stoinis, no run

7.0 Shami to Stoinis, no run

Stoinis lets it go for another dot ball

7.1 Flummoxed!

Bumrah to Khawaja, beaten by an absolute peach of a delivery. The pitch is exhibiting some tricks here.

7.2 Boundary!!!!

Bumrah to Khawaja, that's a four! That's beautifully creamed for a four.

7.3 He's beaten again

Bumrah to Khawaja, beaten by the bounce again

7.4 Short and wide, but no run

Bumrah to Khawaja, dot ball

7.5 In the gap for four!

Khawaja is getting into the groove! Short and wide, sliced past point for a four.

8.0 Dot ball, end of the over

Australia are on 23/1 at the end of 8. Khawaja on 14(30), while Stoinis is on 7(15)

8.1 Vijay Shankar joins the attack

Wide of off-stump, in fact very wide. Almost not on the pitch.

8.2 Shankar to Stoinis, no run

8.3 Dot ball

Shankar to Stoinis, defended for no run

8.4 Four!!!!

Shankar to Stoinis, that's a boundary. It was short, it was wide, and it was powerfully cut across point.

8.5 Shankar to Stoinis, no run

9.0 Shankar finishes his over with a dot ball

At the end of 9 overs, Australia are28/1.

9.1 Kuldeep Yadav set to begin his spell

Kuldeep to Khawaja, driven down the ground for a single

9.2 Stoinis pushes it for a single

Kuldeep to Stoinis, one run

9.3 OHHHH! That's a MAXIMUM!!!

Khawaja finally cuts loose, as he dances down the pitch and deposits the ball into the stands for the first six of the innings. Boy, Australia needed that!

9.4 Kuldeep responds with a dot

Kuldeep to Khawaja, no run, good comeback

9.5 That's a double

Kuldeep to Khawaja, the ball just misses the leg stump. That's gone fine for a couple of runs.

10.0 No run

Kuldeep to Khawaja, no run. At the end of the batting powerplay, Australia are on 38/1, slowly gathering pace. Most importantly, they haven't lost another wicket.

10.1 Shankar returns

Shankar to Stoinis, no run

10.2 Single taken

Shankar to Stoinis, cut down the point region for a single

10.3 Shankar to Stoinis, single

10.4 FOUR!!!!

Shankar to Stoinis, brilliantly crunched past backward point for a four!

10.5 Dot ball

Shankar to Stoinis, no run

11.0 End of the over

Shankar to Stoinis, no run. At the end of 11 overs, Australia are on 45/1.

Just four runs of Kuldeep's over

12 overs bowled, Australia on 49/1.

Kuldeep has bounced back with a tight over, including two dots and four singles.

Khawaja - 26(39), Stoinis - 19(30)

Great over for the Aussies as the 50-run partnership comes up

Stoinis smashed two fours of Shankar. While the ball was was a half-tracker, the second was a touch wide. Nonetheless, the lack of that extra bit of pace is helping the batsmen settle.

End of the 14th over, five runs off it

Jadeja was recalled to the attack, and was hit for a four by Khawaja off the third ball - a brilliant reverse sweep.

Between the four were a pair of dot balls. However, both willow-wielders look fairly settled at the crease now.

Khawaja - 32 (46b), Stoinis -28 (35b)

Australia amass seven of the 15th over from Kedar Jadhav

Australia are beginning to find boundaries at regular intervals here, this time Khawaja taking the credits.

71/1 at the end of 15; Usman Khawaja 39(52), Marcus Stoinis 28(35)

It's a tight over from Jadeja

Jadeja replies on a strong note, giving away just a solitary run. Stoinis definitely curbed his natural instincts there.

At the end of 16, Australia are on 72/1. Stoinis 28(39), Khawaja 40(54)

Jadhav poses a comeback here by conceding just three runs

Three singles and three dots constituted the 17th over, as Australia are building towards a flourish.

75/1 at the end of 17 overs.

End of 18 overs, Australia seem to be playing the waiting game

The Aussies are not looking to bludgeon the ball or smash it out of the park, but are instead biding their time in the middle.

Just two runs of the Jadeja over here, the offie has given away just eight in his three overs thus far.

At the end of 18, Australia are on 77/1. Stoinis 30(45), Khawaja 43(60)

Kedar Jadhav is chipping in with economical overs here

19 overs done, six of the Kedar Jadhav over. On an overall note, the man with a side-arm has held a firm grip on his economy.

Stoinis did ease the pressure of himself and his partner with a four, but Australia mustered six runs of the over.

83/1 at the end of 19.

20 overs down, Australia are on their unlucky score of 87/1.

Just four runs of this over as well, but most importantly, the strike is being rotated pretty well.

Jadhav strikes for India as Australia lose their second!

WE SAID IT, DIDN'T WE? AUSTRALIA JUST DON'T SEEM TO TICK OVER THE 87-RUN MARK.

Jadhav, meanwhile, breaks a partnership for India not for the first time. Stoinis would be gutted with that one, as the ball was well short of length, and it should have been dispatched with aplomb. Handscomb joins Khawaja in the middle.

Spinners are operating smartly for the Men in Blue

Jadeja is doing what he does best - get through his overs in a jiffy. Just three of the over.

Khawaja is one short of 50, while Handscomb is on 4 of 7 balls.

22 overs down, Australia 94/2.

Australia's progress has endured a meaty blow

The reworking of an innings has begun here once again, while Jadhav and Jadeja continue to restrict the scoring rate.

Jadhav gives away just two, Australia on 96-2 at the end of 23.

The baton is passed on to Kuldeep, who ends KHAWAJA's STAY AT THE CREASE.

AND ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST! AUSTRALIA, ALL OF A SUDDEN, ARE IN A HUGE SPOT OF BOTHER AS THE WELL-SET USMAN KHAWAJA DEPARTS AFTER HAVING REACHED THE 50-RUN MARK. India's pressure game is certainly bearing fruit here!

Khawaja tried to hit one over mid-wicket for a six, but unfortunately is dismissed by Kuldeep. Take nothing away from the catch by Vijay Shankar, who covered ground quickly and ensured he collected the ball without any fuss.

Australia are on 98/3, and the 'Big Show' in Glenn Maxwell joins Handscomb.

Sound 25th over by Kedar Jadhav

Both batsmen are looking to play out a few deliveries here. Kedar Jadhav has once again impressed with his slingy action.

At the half-way stage of their innings, Australia are on 101/3.

Australia's pace and rhythm is certainly broken here

Yes, the Aussies have lost two wickets in the space of five overs for just 14 runs. There's a lot of reconstruction to be done here.

Kuldeep Yadav ships just three runs of this over, with the away side on 104/3 at the end of 26.

Virat Kohli is putting forth some attacking cricket now, as Bumrah returns to the attack

Bumrah caught Maxwell by surprise with his perfectly-plotted delivery. The explosive strokemaker tries to poke at it, but misses it altogether. But you cannot keep a man in full flow out of action.

Yes, Maxwell carried on from his exploits in Bengaluru to batter Bumrah here. With two fours, he has got the Aussie fans on their feet again.

113/3 at the end of 27.

Maxwell's in the house!

Kuldeep Yadav returned to bowl the 28th over to Handscomb, who after playing out three dots, gets down the to non-striker's end. Maxwell though, smashes one with the sweet spot of his willow to up his side's run rate.

118/3 at the end of 28 overs, with Maxwell on 14 of 13. Handscomb on the contrary, is taking his time, as he is on 13 of 23.

Over 29: Australia are finding the occasional boundary more consistently now

The first ball of this over by Bumrah was sent down the ground by Maxwell. Ambati Rayudu got to it and saved one important run for his side. The umpires went up to check, but the stop from Rayudu was clean and exceptional. The very next ball, Handscomb used Bumrah's pace to find the boundary down the thirdman area.

The rest of the over remains uneventful, apart from the singles.

29 overs done and dusted, Australia on 128/3. They have upped the ante since Maxwell's arrival.

OVER 30: KULDEEP BAGS HIS SECOND! IT'S HANDSCOMB'S TURN TO GO IN FOR A SHOWER!

The over began on a bright note for the Aussies, courtesy of a boundary from Maxwell. But Kuldeep [portrayed his guile by claiming the wicket of Handscomb, who fell for 19(30)

Wow, that was such a teaser! The chinaman tossed one up, pleading Handscomb to come out of his crease and hit it. But it was the wrongun, which the batter couldn't read. And you know what happens next - when the ball goes into Dhoni's gloves. Stumped!

133/4 at the end of 30.

Kohli marshaling his troops to great effect

Jadeja returns to the attack and concedes just three. Pressure building on Australia, who are languishing at 4.38 per over. 136/4 at the end of 31 overs. Ashton Turner, the new batsman, needs to grab this opportunity with both hands.

Over 32: Quiet over for the Aussies

Just four of this Kuldeep Yadav over. Australia will be aiming to steady their ship and give it a real rattle in the final 10 overs.

140/4 at the end of 32. Turner on 3, Maxwell on 27(35).

Over 33: Jadeja is choking the opposition batsmen for room, concedes just two from his over

7-0-20-0. Ravindra Jadeja is once again doing the job for India by keeping the run rate in check. He is not giving away anything here. Not to mention, his fielding at point has been top-notch today as well.

At the end of 33 overs, Australia are on 142/4.

Over 34: No width? No problem. Maxwell can adjust himself.

Six runs of this over by Kuldeep, as Maxwell jumped to the right, made room for himself and slashed one through the covers. Australia need more of this at the moment.

Otherwise, a fairly decent over, with Kuldeep mixing his pace and flight extremely well.

34 overs gone, Australia on 148/4, with Maxwell batting on 33 at just less than a run-a-ball.

Over 35: Turner joins the party with a four

Jadeja bowled five good balls. The other was pitched short, and Turner, rooted to his crease, takes full charge of it to pull the ball to the mid-wicket boundary.

At the end of 35 overs, Australia - 155/4.

Over 36: Shami returns, but Turner takes the attack to him

Virat Kohli is not one who waits for the right time to arrive. Rightfully so, he brought on Shami into the attack with 15 overs to go.

Turner didn't manage a run of the first ball, but clattered the second one over mid-wicket for a maximum!

Shami's slower ball bouncer turned out to be too cute.

However, the pacer finished well, beating Turner on his final delivery.

36 overs gone, Australia 161-4.

Over 37: Jadeja almost gets Maxwell, as the ball just misses the outside edge of his bat

Jadeja slid in a few deliveries here, going with the natural angle.

The second ball of the over almost kissed the outside edge of Glenn Maxwell, who attempted a flashy cut.

Maxwell - 36(40), Turner - 18(20); Australia 164/4 at the end of 37 overs.

Over 38: SHAMI GETS THE MUCH-NEEDED BREAKTHROUGH

Shami returned to bowl the second over of his second spell but was just short of the required length. The Aussies love bounce and pace, and thus, Turner and Maxwell didn't look too troubled.

But just as we mentioned the same, a slower off-cutter from Shami did the trick, as Turner chopped on. Australia are now heavily reliant on Maxwell, with five wickets down.

Commentators curse there, perhaps.

Alex Carey came in at number 7, and Virat Kohli took no time to bring in a first slip.

At the end of 38 overs, Australia 169/5. How many times will they have to rebuild their innings?

Over 39: Jadeja completes his quota of 10 overs, concedes just 33

Jadeja returned to bowl his final over, and gave away just 3. Maxwell meanwhile, looked calm as ice. He is surely batting on a different surface. Should he stay until the end, Australia have a realistic chance of posting an above-par total.

39 overs done, Australia 172/5. Maxwell on 40(46).

Over 40: Shami is looking sharper than ever

In the ODIs since 2018, Shami has claimed 18 scalps in just 10 one-dayers, at a fantastic average of just over 24.

Even in this over, he looked sharp and fitter than ever.

But he did what mattered most for India - GET THE WICKET OF MAXWELL!!!!!!!

You knew it was going to take something special to send Maxwell back to the pavilion, and that's exactly what happened!

Pitched on a good length, Maxwell tried to drive the ball down the ground but got beaten for pace.

173/6 at the end of 40 overs. Nathan Coulter-Nile came in to bat.

Over 41: Bumrah returns, but Coulter-Nile hits him down the ground for a four

Bumrah hit the 140 km/h mark consistently this over, bowling full and straight. He targeted the stumps, but a scintillating straight drive fromCoulter-Nile spoilt his over.

179/6 at the end of 41 overs.

Over 42: Kuldeep is turning it big here

Kuldeep came in to bowl the 42nd over of the game, and spun it by a mile.

The ball turned sharply, beating the bat of the Aussie batsmen a couple of times. Just two from the over.

Australia 181/6; Coulter-Nile 6(9), Carey 3(7)

Over 43: Alex Carey hits his first boundary

Kedar Jadhav had the oppositionwillow-wielders in wraps, but an improvised reverse sweep from Alex Carey split the point and backward point.

Six runs of the over, Australia 187/6.

Over 44: Kuldeep finishes with 2-46 of his quota of 10 overs

Kuldeep was finding a lot of turn here, something that would entice AaronFinch into getting more overs from the likes of Glenn Maxwell.

Carey was beaten once by Kuldeep in a reverse sweep attempt. The bowler wanted to go upstairs, but Kohli and Dhoni were happy to not waste their review.

At the end of 44, Australia are on 192/6. Five runs of this over.

Over 45: Another spectacular over from Shami

Shami returned to the attack and bowled an attacking length. Coulter-Nile almost got out LBW, only for the inside edge of the bat to come to his rescue.

Alex Carey 11(17), Coulter-Nile 13(17); Australia 196/6.

Over 46: 200 comes up for Australia

Nathan Coulter-Nile brought Australia to the 200-run mark with a fortuitous boundary. He tried to throw the kitchen sink at a wide, full length ball from Bumrah, which ended up at the fine-leg boundary.

It doesn't matter how they come, as long as they keep coming.

At the end of 46 overs, Australia are on 203/6.

Over 47: All eyes on Alex Carey as Australia head into the final three overs requiring a late flourish

It was a good over for the Aussies, as bothbatsmen found the boundary on one occasion. Carey struck a sublime shot past mid-off, while Coulter-Nile ended the over with a much-needed four.

The latter had also mistimed one that went high up in the sky, but it was just out of long-on's reach.

Coulter-Nile 25(22), Carey 19(24); Australia 216/6.

Over 48: Bumrah showing his class at the death

Just one run of the 48th over! Take a now, Jasprit Bumrah.

There was nothing over-pitched, nothing too wide or too short, as Australia only mustered the one run. They are on 217/6.

Over 49: Should Alex Carey don the gloves for Australia in the World Cup?

Carey struggled to find his range, and here we raise the question - Is he the man for Australia at number 7? Against the best bowlers in the world, is he capable to getting a move on? With Matthew Wade in such remarkable nick, why not call him up for a couple of ODIs?

One over to go, Australia struggling on 226/6.

END OF THE FIRST INNINGS; AUSTRALIA FINISH WITH 236/7

Coulter-Nile got caught at long on, while Carey struck a couple of boundaries. You might argue, is 36(37) from Alex Carey a good innings? Yes, he kept his wicket and ensured Australia batted all the overs, but he failed to time the ball well or shift gears. The score is definitely under-par.

Against the likes of Dhawan and Kohli, it is now a herculean task for Australia to defend this total. India meanwhile, got wickets at key periods of the game. All in all, it was a polished performance by the Indian bowlers.

Second innings coverage coming up shortly.

India innings: Over 1

We are back at Hyderabad for the run chase.

Jason Behrendorff kickstarted proceedings for the Men in Yellow, with Rohit Sharma facing the first ball.

The striker took no time to get going, as he lifted the spirits of the vociferous Hyderabad crowd with a boundary of the very first ball.

However, the left armercame back strong with five consecutive dot balls.

India - 4/0 at the end of the first over.

Over 2: Shikhar Dhawan draws a blank, Coulter-Nile strikes with his very first ball

There's only one way of winning the game, as far as Australia are concerned - by knocking out all the Indian batsmen. Coulter-Nile did just that.

He pitched it up with a hint of swing, forced Dhawan to drive and with the left hander's backfoot going nowhere, the ball landed straight to Glenn Maxwell at point. FANTASTIC START BY AUSTRALIA!

A WICKET-MAIDEN, IT WAS. Pressure back on India now.

4/1 at the end of two overs.

Over 3: Behrendorff maintaining tight lines

Another splendid over by the Aussies! They too, have started with steam and purpose.

Just a one of the over, India 5/1 at the end of three overs.

Over 4: Variations by Coulter-Nile

One important thing to note is Coulter-Nile's front foot before releasing the ball. In order to avoid over-pitching the ball, he loads his delivery from way behind the popping crease.

The first ball was full and wide albeit, and Rohit Sharma made no mistake in placing it to perfection for a four.

Once again, five dot balls to follow. Fine over.

India 9/1 at the end of four overs.

Over 5: Behrendorff almost had Kohli there

Jason Behrendorff almost did Kohli for good, by pitching one up and finding the leading edge. Unfortunately, Finch at mid-off was well inside the 30-yard circle.

But the rest of the over was a treat to the eye, as not once but twice, the bowler beat Rohit's stride.

14/1 at the end of five.

Over 6: The Indian skipper arrives!

Australia have bowled three bad balls in as many overs, and been punished by both batsmen. This time it was Virat Kohli who joined the party.

With perfect balance, hand-eye coordination and class, he struck two fours.

?At the end of 6 overs, India are 22/1.

Over 7: It will take something special to dismantle these two batsmen

Stand and deliver - Rohit Sharma lifted one over mid-on to carry his side forward positively. However, the rest of the deliveries were executedpretty well by Behrendorff, who gave away no other run.

26/1 at the end of seven overs.

Over 8: Pat Cummins joins the attack, replaces Coulter-Nile

It was a tidy over from the Allan Border medalist, with just three coming off it. Eight overs gone, 29/1.

Over 9: Rohit unlocks the paddle

India are defending well, letting balls go and finding the odd boundary. This time, it was a Rohit Sharma special, as he got down and took out the paddle shot to find the fine leg boundary.

Five runs of the over, India looking in no distress here.

34/1 at the end of nine overs.

Over 10: Kohli and Rohit cruise along with ease

Pat Cummins bowled a couple of worldies to start things off, but Virat Kohli went eyeball-to-eyeball with the short-pitched delivery and sent it out of the park for a 6!

8 runs of the over. India are looking comfortable now, at 42/1.

Over 11: Kohli unsettling the Aussie pacemen

Virat Kohli took on Jason Behrendorff as well, stepping down the pitch off the 2nd ball of the over and whiplashing it for a boundary. That was met!

Once again, after the solitary boundary, India played out the rest of the deliveriescautiously. This is extremely sensible from Kohli and Rohit.

At the end of 11 overs, India areon 48/1.

Over 12: Cummins using the bounce of the pitch to good effect

After having read the pitch in the first innings, it is safe to say that the Aussie bowlers will pitch a lot of deliveries short of a length in order to extract the awkward bounce.

Cummins did the same in his first delivery this over, with the ball hitting Rohit's arm as well. Ouch.

Most notably, the Aussie bowler was racking up almost 90 miles/hour. It was a promisingover from Cummins, who shipped just two runs.

50 came up for India, however, at the loss of one wicket.

Over 13: Adam Zampa is in

One man who can play a HUGE role in this second innings for Australia is the wrist spinner Adam Zampa. The leggie bowls wicket-to-wicket, spins it to just the right degree, and maintains high levels of consistency.

A good start for him, as he gave away four consecutive singles, and followed it up with two dots.

54/1 at the end of 13 overs.

Over 14: Rohit Sharma using Pat Cummins' pace here

Cummins has been the fastest bowler of the day, in terms of consistency, as he is registering over 140 clicks ball-by-ball. Rohit ran one down to thirdman, but missed another completely.

It was bowled at 141 km/hr at the fifth stump line. Rohit came out to play a textbook shot, but missed it. This delivery from Pat Cummins would certainly have got him thinking.

Australia's current best bowler is certainly providing the goods for Aaron Finch.

57/1 at the end of 14.

Over 15: Pat Cummins needs support from the other end

With Cummins doing all the hard work, someone from the other end has to either restrict the flow of runs, or get a breakthrough. But Zampa, who came in to bowl this over, got mauled by Kohli. The captain hit him for six runs of the first two balls, and then breezed through to see off the over and move on to the next one.

India are on a healthy tally of 65/1.

Over 16: Stoinis in for the first time today

Marcus Stoinis' change-ups are sure to come in handy for the Aussies, who need this kind of a bowler in these middle overs; someone who can disrupt a partnership.

Five singles came off this over, as India are on 70/1 at the end of 16 overs. Decent start from Stoinis, but the India skipper and his deputy look far from troubled.

Over 17: Zampa tries to mix it up, gets rewarded with the BIG WICKET OF KOHLI!!!

Adam Zampa was struggling to have an impact on this game. He got hit for two fours, one which was fortuitous, the other which had class written all over it. They had to show Kohli the door in order to stand a chance of taking away anything from this game.

And Zampa responded with a moment of individual brilliance! He bowled one at Kohli's pads, with him expecting the ball to turn. It didn't, and the umpire didn't raise his finger either. But Australia referred it and their decision bore fruit, as Kohli departed for 44.

80/2 at the end of 17 overs.

Over 18: Have Australia clawed their way back into this game?

Stoinis continued post drinks break, and almost put his side in a commanding position. He gave away just two, but the fourth ball was the highlight of this over, as a decent delivery outside the off stump caught the outside edge of newcomer Ambati Rayudu but fell just short of slip.

India - 82/2 at the end of 18 overs.

Over 19: Coulter-Nile back into the attack

Coulter-Nile returned to the bowling crease but bowled a juicy half-volley to Rayudu, which was beautifully helped on for a four.

The rest of the over was average, with six in total coming off it.

Rohit Sharma 35(59), Rayudu 7(9); India 88/2.

Over 20: Tight over from Marcus Stoinis spoiled by a boundary off the final ball

Stoinis hit the good length in most of his deliveries, with some of them naturally being back of a length as well.

Indian batsmen rotated strike in the first three balls, but the second half of the over ended with two dots and a four.

India are on 95-2 at the 20-over stage.

Over 21: Coulter-Nile claims the scalp of Rohit Sharma, this game is wide open

OH YES! AUSTRALIA ARE BACK IN IT NOW, CERTAINLY. THEY MIGHT NOT HAVE A HUMONGOUS TOTAL TO DEFEND, BUT WITH THE INDIA'S TOP 3 BACK IN THE PAVILION, THEY HAVE ALL THE RIGHT TO GO AND WIN IT FROM HERE!

Coulter-Nile set up Rohit Sharma brilliantly. He bowled one full and straight, then got one to move a little bit but more importantly, he gave away nothing from these four deliveries.

The fifth one was a cross-seamer, which fell straight into the hands of mid-off. Rohit shouldn't have closed the face of his bat that soon.

Another wicket-maiden.

What an impeccable over, this is why we come to watch this game! 95/3 at the end of 21 overs.

Over 22: Fine response by Australia

Zampa came in to bowl the 22nd over and conceded just two runs.
Finch has been a good leader this game. He did the right thing to bring in a wicket taker in Coulter-Nile and with all the momentum on Australia's side, recall Zampa.

22 overs gone, India are on 97/3.

Over 23: MS Dhoni biding his time in the middle

As you'd expect with Dhoni these days, there are going to be quite a few dot balls in the initial stage of his innings. The 2011 World Cup winning captain watchfully played four dot balls as Coulter-Nile gave away just the one run.

What a brilliant game this is turning out to be!

India are on 98/3.

Over 24: AUSTRALIA MEAN SERIOUS BUSINESS HERE

Zampa now has Rayudu! As aforementioned by us, it was a clever move by Finch to delay Zampa's second spell. The leg spinner has now bowled a beauty. The ball took a sharp deviation and nicked Ambati Rayudu's bat. He has been tossing it up for quite a while now.

Rayudu departs for 13(19), India bring up their 100.

Over 25: Cummins returns to the attack

Australia headed into this over on the back of a good few overs. In the last three overs prior to this one, they conceded just four runs and took two wickets.

However, courtesy of a top edge from MS Dhoni that eventually went to the fine leg boundary, India mustered five runs off this over.

105/4 at the halfway stage of the innings.

Over 26: Zampa bowls another decent over

Zampa was asking questions of Kedar Jadhav's prowess in the first three balls. But the fourth ball saw a half-tracker being dispatched to the ropes by Jadhav, who then picked up a single.

India - 110/4 at the end of 26 overs. 127 runs required from 24 overs, at a required run rate of 5.29.

Over 27: Indian batsmen being made to buy their runs

Pat Cummins came to bowl his sixth, and gave away absolutely nothing. He proved to be a symbol of consistency here, with the same line and length for three consecutive deliveries.

Just three came of the over, along with five dot balls.

India - 113/4 at the end of 27 overs.

124 required from 23 overs.

Over 28: Stoinis keeps it tight

Stoinis returned to the attack, varied his pace to good use and conceded just a couple of runs. He bowled straight at the wicket on a good length, enticing the batsmen to readjust in order to get the scoreboard ticking.

115/4 at the end of 28 overs.

Fact to digest: Kedar Jadhav and MS Dhoni have played a total of 37 balls, and scored just once on the offside so far. Jadhav meanwhile, has not hit a single run on the offside.

Over 29: Jadhav does his confidence a world of good

Adam Zampa returned and bowled a very good over. However, he got hit on the last ball by Jadhav downextra cover for four!

MS Dhoni 9(20), Kedar Jadhav 15(23); India 121/4, with 116 required.

Over 30: Stoinis portraying traits of a tricky customer

One nipped back in sharply, one was bowled at a higher release point, one was a slower ball, and one was much fuller and wider.

Stoinis is really applying himself.

Four singles of this over, India on 125/4 at the end of 30 overs. At 5.6 per over, 112 needed from the final 20.

Over 31: India are slowly building another partnership

The required run rate has crept up to a notable extent, but that will not even be in the equation should these two stay until the end. They are taking it deep for sure.

Two off this Zampa over, India 127/4.

Over 32: Stoinis almost gets MS Dhoni!!!

Stoinis continued to ply his trade from one end remarkably well. He made sure only dots or singles were conceded.

In the fourth ball, however, he almost got the wicket of Dhoni. The ball climbed on the batsman and came down Stoinis' path. Stoinis put in a desperate dive forward to stake claim of the ball, but it fell just short.

Nonetheless, another neat over from the Melbourne Stars man, with just four coming off the bat.

32 overs gone, India areon 131/4.

Over 33: Behrendorff recalled to the attack, almost gets Jadhav

The left-armer, who bowled an admirable opening spell, was recalled to the attack.

He almost got Jadhav! This time, the ball fell just short of point. He beat Jadhav's bat a couple of more times and tied him up in wraps. Just two from this over.

Required run rate just over 6 now, India on 133/4.

Over 34: Good over for India

Although he has bowled extremely well, Stoinis might be the one India will target in the latter stage of this innings.

He was smashed for a four by Jadhav this over. There was a wide too.

india require 98 from 16 overs. They are on 139/4.

Over 35: MS Dhoni gets into the act

Dhoni seems to have come out with a game plan of pulling anything short and down the leg side to the boundary. He has played at a pedestrian pace, otherwise.

Behrendorff strayed down the leg side on one occasion, and that was enough for Dhoni to turn the over into a good one.

8 off the over. India - 147/4 at the end of 35 overs.

MS Dhoni 22(37), Kedar Jadhav 26(42).

Over 36: 150 up for India, 50 partnership up for Dhoni and Rayudu

Six runs off this Coulter-Nile over.

India need 84 from 14 overs.

Over 37: India firm favorites now to take a 1-0 lead in the series

Behrendorff eased the pressure off Dhoni with his very first delivery. The ball was way too straight, and rightfully guided to fine leg for a four. Five runs came in total.

India on 158/4, with 79 required from 13 overs.

Over 38: MS Dhoni batters Coulter-Nile

With a huge six over mid-wicket and a boundary down third man, Dhoni has pulled India closer to victory. One shotfell to the hands of Stoinis, but after some checking, it was deemed not out.

10 runs off this over. India still need 69 from 12 overs. They are on 168/4.

Over 39: Pat Cummins not giving up the fight

Cummins started off with a hat-trick of dot balls, but his extra pace aided Jadhav, who just glided one down third man for a four. Five off this over.

173/4 at the end of 39 overs. 64 runs required from 11.

Dhoni on 39(52), Jadhav on 35(51).

Over 40: Zampa back into the attack with two overs remaining

Zampa bowled on an aggressive note, pitched it and extracted good amount of turn. Just three came off the over, but a wicket is what Australia desperately need.

10 overs to go, India are on 176/4.

Over 41: India looking to see out Pat Cummins

It might seem like India slowed down, but they have recorded 51 runs in the last 10 overs without the loss of any wicket.

Cummins bowled this one well, but still went for six runs.

India now need 55 from 54.

Over 42: India now need a run-a-ball

Behrendorff came back into the attack as Finch held the final Zampa over. India again found the right ball to dispatch, and Jadhav took charge of a half volley, hitting driving it straight drown the ground.

Seven runs came off this over, with India now needing 48 of the final eight overs.

Over 43: India comfortably cruising

Five runs came from this Stoinis over. This is now looking easy for India.

They are on 194/4, with 43 required from seven overs.

Over 44: 200 up for India, 100-run partnership comes up for Dhoni-Jadhav!

Jadhav once again picked his ball and ran it over third man for a boundary off Pat Cummins. His pace is certainly helping the Indian batsmen here.

With that boundary, the duo completed their 100-run stand as well.

Another decent over for India. It might be too little, too late now for the visitors.

India require 37 from the last six.

Over 45: Is fatigue catching in on Dhoni?

Stoinis ran in to bowl the ninth over of his spell, and conceded fours singles in his first four deliveries. The ball after, Jadhav directed it down square leg for a boundary!

Nine came off that over, India need 28 from the last five overs.

Dhoni meanwhile, has been struggling. He was undergoing some treatment a couple of overs back, and here too, the 37-year-old was hobbling for a single.

Over 46: Zampa comes in to bowl his final over, but has no effect on the game

Kedar Jadhav scored six off the first two deliveries of this over, including a boundary, wherein he stepped down to loft one over extra cover for four. India are in total control now. This over went for seven. India are on 216/4, needed 21 from the final 24 balls.

Over 47: Pat Cummins finishes on 0-45

Four runs off this over. That's been the story for Cummins, who has worked so hard, but been dealt with well by the Indians. Good performance, nevertheless.

India need 16 from the last 18 balls.

Over 48: 50 up for MS Dhoni!!!!

The crowd goes absolutely berserk as MS Dhoni accomplishes his half-century. This Nathan Coulter-Nileover was the last throw of the dice from Finch, who's side now need something out of transcendence to win.

Coulter-Nile gave away five from his first five, but Kedar Jadhav entered the final nail in the coffin by bludgeoning the final ball for a maximum!

India now need just five.

Can we see a winning six from Dhoni here?

INDIA WIN THE FIRST ODI BY 6 WICKETS AND EIGHT BALLS TO SPARE!

We couldn't witness a six from Dhoni, but the crowd favorite hit two fours on the bounce to steer India home and give them a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

Credit Australia for having made a game out of this one, but the 100-run partnership between MS Dhoni and Kedar Jadhav took the hosts over the line.

That's all from us for now. Until next time, goodbye!