Sydney: India ended the five-match series against Australia on a winning note by defeating the latter in the 5th ODI by six wickets as it chased down a mammoth total of 331 in 49.4 overs at the Sydney Cricket Ground today.
This consolation win after four consecutive defeats has helped India avoid a clean-sweep. The series concludes 4-1 in favour of the Aussies.
Manish Pandey's maiden 104 off 61 balls made sure that India stayed in the game right till the end. Rohit Sharma, however, missed out on a century but his innings of 99 runs provided the much needed momentum to the Indian batting line-up.
Shikhar Dhawan's 78 (56) and Dhoni's 34 (42) also helped India in this highest run-chase against Australia in Australia. Dhoni, before getting out in the last over, hit a six that pretty much ensured India's win.
Manish Pandey declared 'Man of the Match' for leading Team India towards its first victory in this series. Rohit Sharma named as 'Man of the Series'.
Earlier, Indian captain won the toss and decided to bowl in this fifth and final (ODI).
Australia posted a challenging 330/7 against India.
Opener David Warner (122) and Mitchell Marsh (102 not out) scored superb tons each for Australia.
For India, debutant pacer Jasprit Bumrah (2-40) and Ishant Sharma (2-60) were the pick of the bowlers.
The Teams:
India: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain), Gurkeerat Singh, Shikhar Dhawan, Ravindra Jadeja, Virat Kohli, Ishant Sharma, Manish Pandey, Rshi Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav.
Australia: Steve Smith (captain), Aaron Finch, George Bailey, David Warner, Matthew Wade, James Faulkner, Mitchell Marsh, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland, Shaun Marsh, John Hastings.
