A sensational cameo from Ashton Turner powered Australia to storm back in the ongoing five-match series against India with the visitors securing a four-wicket win in the fourth ODI at PCA stadium in Mohali on Sunday.
Turner smashed an unbeaten 84 from just 43 deliveries with the help of five fours and six sixes as India’s total of 358-9 was made to look ordinary in the end.
Chasing a daunting 359 to keep the series alive, Australia were rocked early by Indian seamers with Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah removing Aaron Finch and Shaun Marsh respectively.
However, the visitors fought back hard through a 192-run partnership for the third wicket between Usman Khawaja and Peter Handscomb. When the pair threaten to take the game away from India, Bumrah returned back to dismiss Khawaja who missed out on his second consecutive ton by nine runs.
Handscomb, though, would not be denied his maiden ODI ton with the right-hander bringing up his century off 92 deliveries. His excellent 117-run knock was ended by Yuzvendra Chahal in the 42nd over with the wrist-spinner making amends for an otherwise expensive outing.
With Handscomb and Khawaja losing their wickets, Australia was under pressure but a special knock from Turner and a partnership with Alex Carey clinched the match for the visitors.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
This is some finish by Australia and Turner. India's best death bowlers have gone for 36 in 2 overs.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 10, 2019
https://twitter.com/MitchJohnson398/status/1104770721916563465
What an innings from @Ashtonturner_70 absolutely brilliant in only his 2nd ODI game for 🇦🇺👏🏻👍🏻👌🏻
— Michael Clarke (@MClarke23) March 10, 2019
The belief with which Ashton Turner’s played here is unbelievable.. Second match of his career, daunting chase, but he’s made it look like a walk in the park .. There’s dew yes, dropped catches, yes but don’t take anything away from him .. #IndvAus
— Jatin Sapru (@jatinsapru) March 10, 2019
2-2 🇦🇺🇮🇳🏏 bring on WEDNESDAY!
— Michael Clarke (@MClarke23) March 10, 2019
Outstanding run chase by Australia. Handscomb was brilliant and Turner really turned things around in a display of some of the cleanest hitting. India would like to forget this, learn from their mistakes and give it their best in the decider in Delhi #IndvAus
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) March 10, 2019
The partnership between Khawaja/handscomb shouldn’t have played 5th 6th bowler in the early https://t.co/Ojju9nbW82 least not from both the ends. By saying that well done Australia for winning the game #INDvsAUS
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) March 10, 2019
One of India's most listless display with the ball and in the field in recent times. Dropping absolute sitters. Also, in times like these, India realise the value of Mahendra Singh Dhoni behind the wickets. Taking nothing away from the brilliance of Turner though #IndvAus
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) March 10, 2019
This is Incredible from Australia. To come back from 12-2 and chase down 359 with as much ease as swatting flies, you’ve got to hand it to them. But what about Indian catching? Death bowling? #IndvsAus
— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) March 10, 2019
Few miss chances in the field and match gone But nevertheless incredible hitting by @Ashtonturner_70 to win this one for australia.. what a game of cricket.. congratulations @CricketAus backing team India to come back strong in the final game…common India 💪 #INDvAUS
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) March 10, 2019
Astonishing perfotmance by Aus. This will rate as one of the gr8 chases in ODIS despite the pitch being so flat given how dominant India have been in recent months
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) March 10, 2019
Ashton Turner has bren just incredible!
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) March 10, 2019
What a knock from Ashton Turner!
Australia chase 359 in 47.5 overs 😲#CricketMeriJaan #INDvAUS
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) March 10, 2019
All to play for at the Kotla 💪
🇮🇳 2-2 🇦🇺#LivePunjabiPlayPunjabi #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/Lt0iSXpy5s
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) March 10, 2019