Half-centuries each from all the top-3 batters helped Australia comfortably defeat England in the 1st ODI of the 3-match series. The hosts' brilliant bowling performance in the first half saw the Visitors struggle with the bat. However, Dawid Malan stood out with a century but it wasn't proven enough in the end!
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| Image Credits: ESPN Cricinfo |
Toss Update: Australia won the toss and opted to field first.
After being sent into bat first, England scored 287 on the board losing 9 wickets in 50 overs. They were reduced to 4-66 and were looking at a very low score. Dawid Malan (134 runs off 128 balls) then took charge leading them to a competitive total scoring his second ODI century. His 60-run partnership with Dawid Willey for the 8th wicket and 52-run stand for the 5th wicket along with Jos Buttler proved to be crucial for England to get to a competitive total!
Having picked up 3 wickets each, Adam Zampa (3-55) and Pat Cummins (3-62) were the stand-out bowlers for the home team. Mitchell Starc (1-45) and Marcus Stoinis (1-23) also contributed with the ball for Australia. Ashton Agar though failed to bag a wicket with the ball, he affected a brilliant run-out that helped Australia see the back of Liam Dawson and break the 40-run stand for the 6th wicket.
Australia, chasing 288 runs to win, managed to score 291 losing 4 wickets in 46.5 overs. Australia's top three batters, David Warner (86), Travis Head (69), and Steven Smith (80*), all scored half-centuries that saw the hosts chase down the target by a thumping margin. The 147-run stand between the openers Warner and Head headlined the home team's run chase!
Dawid Willey (2-51), Chris Jordan (1-49), and Liam Dawson (1-65) were the wicket-takers for the visitors as they failed to defend the target. Their bowling attack did not get any motivation as the Australian top-order played with high standards!
Match result: Australia defeated England by a margin of 6 wickets.
Dawid Malan has been adjudged the Player of the Match for his crucial contribution of 134 off 128 balls with 14 fours and 4 sixes. It was very rare that a player from a losing team to bag the Player of the Match award but that was the impact of Malan with his century in this match. He stood tall when his fellow teammates were failing at the other end.
Brief Scores: Australia: 291-4 in 46.5 overs (Dawid Warner - 86*, David Willey - 2-51) defeated England: 287-9 in 50 overs (Dawid Malan - 134, Adam Zampa - 3-55) by a margin of 6 wickets
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