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The Roar

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India dominate fifth ODI to claim series 4-1

Virat Kohli could be the greatest Indian cricketer of all time. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira)
1st October, 2017
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In a match which has summed up the one-day international series, India have thrashed Australia by seven wickets in Nagpur.

India’s batsmen were clinical in winning Sunday’s dead rubber in Nagpur as the home side wrapped up the series with a 4-1 and claimed the world No. 1 ranking.

Like all four of Australia’s losses, at one stage they looked in control only for India to outclass them.

Rohit Sharma led the way for India with a magnificent century, the first by an Indian player during the five-match series.

His 125 off 109 balls featured his trademark powerful hitting – he smashed 11 fours fours and five sixes – and an awareness of the match’s position, with few unnecessary risks taken.

Sharma brought up his 14th ODI ton by smashing Nathan Coulter-Nile for six over midwicket.

Ajinkya Rahane chipped in with a half century, while Virat Kohli made 39 as India chased down their target with 43 balls to spare.

Coulter-Nile was again Australia’s best bowler, with his 1-42 confirming his place as the series’ leading wicket taker with 10 scalps.

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His return from injury after more than a year out of international cricket has been one of the few positives for Australia in a disappointing series.

Australia’s momentum was again hampered by a batting collapse as they lost 3-18 in less than five overs to slump to 4-118.

Marcus Stoinis (46) and Travis Head (42) staged a revival but both departed before they could make a significant impact of the innings’ closing stages.

India’s bowlers were superb at the death, with Jasprit Bumrah impressively making the 45th over a wicket maiden.

David Warner was the only Australian to make a half-century, but was out caught on the boundary when trying to accelerate the innings on 53.

After Steve Smith won the toss and decided to bat first, Australia made 242 which looked like it could be defended on the slowest pitch of the series.

But headaches for the Indian batsmen were rare.

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Legpsinner Adam Zampa (2-59 off eight over) copped the most severe punishment before claiming the wickets of Sharma and Kohli when the result was all but decided.

The first of three T20 internationals between the two sides is in Ranchi on Saturday.

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