Aman Bansal
Australian cricket team has registered 3 wickets win over England in the fourth One-Day match of Carlton Mid ODI tri-series. Steven Smith who was playing this match as captain for the first time, has scored century to guide his team towards victory. He becomes first player in cricket world who has scored century in first ODI and Test match playing as captain.
Wining this match Australia has won all three games of the series and they have qualified for the final match of Carlton mid ODI Triangular series 2015 to be played on February 1 at Perth. Australia won toss and asked English batsman to set target for them. England made 303 runs in 50 overs with Ian Bell scored 141 runs and became highest run scorer for England in ODIs.
It was not easy target for Australia and when they got flying start of 67 runs in 10 overs without losing a wicket, they were on the top of game. Finch and Marsh were playing sensibly and it seemed that they would take match away from England in few overs but Moeen Ali bowled the opening batsman Aaron Finch. He made 32.
Just after first wicket the game turn-around and ball started to be reverse swing. Steven Finn took benefit of this and out two batsmen in the 17th over of innings. First he dismissed Marsh and then Cameron White who was making entry in the side after 4 years. Shaun Marsh scored 45 runs whereas White couldn’t open his account.
Australia was struggling at 92/3 in 17 overs. Captain Smith and Glenn Maxwell re-built the innings and contributed 69 runs for 4th wicket partnership. Glenn Maxwell was in hurry so he got out and Moeen Ali took his wicket. He made 37 runs. AUS was now 161-4 in 27 overs. After this bowling all-rounder James Faulkner and Smith built small but match effective partnership of 55 runs. Faulkner made useful 35 before getting dismissed by Woakes.
Now Brad Haddin and Steven Smith built match winning partnership for Australia as both added 81 runs for sixth wicket. Haddin made 42 runs in 29 balls with one six and 4 fours. Steven Smith played captain inning and was at the crease till the end. He completed 100 in 93 balls with one six and 4 boundaries. He returned not out on 102 in 95 balls. Australia won this match by 3 wickets with one ball left in the inning.
Steven Smith was declared Man of The Match for his brilliant ton. Australia to take on India in their next match on 26 January at Sydney.
See match scorecard.
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