India vs Australia: Stats reveal why Virat Kohli & Co start as favourites in Nagpur

cricket

Updated: Mar 05, 2019 08:29 IST

The Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Jamtha has proved to be a happy hunting ground for India against Australia as the hosts have emerged victorious by a comfortable margin in all the three ODI matches that have been played at the venue.

India first played the Aussies on October 28, 2009, which was co-incidentally the first match at the VCA Stadium, situated on the outskirts of the ‘Orange’ city.

In that game, the hosts emerged triumphant by 99 runs and Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the then captain led from the front with his 107-ball 124.

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Courtesy Dhoni’s innings, the hosts posted a massive 354 for seven on the board and then shot out Australia for 255.

India and Australia then squared off in the sixth ODI of the series on October 30, 2013 and the hosts hammered them by six wickets after the Aussies had amassed 350 for six.

Then, Australian captain George Bailey (156) and Shane Watson (102) had struck hundreds as the visitors had posted 350 for six in their 50 overs. But Shikhar Dhawan (100) and Virat Kohli (115 not out) helped the hosts to overhaul the target with three balls to spare and the current India skipper was adjudged Man of the Match.

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The two teams then clashed in the fifth ODI of the series on October 1, 2017, when again the hosts emerged triumphant by seven wickets.

Australia were restricted to a modest 242 for nine and then aggressive opener Rohit Sharma struck 125 and fellow Mumbaikar Ajinkya Rahane chipped in with a 61-run knock, as India romped home in 42.5 overs.

However, Australia have tasted victory once at this stadium against New Zealand on February 25, 2011, when they won by seven wickets in the Group A match of the World Cup.