Harshit Rana claims his maiden four-fer in ODIs: Key stats
What's the story
Team India bowled out Australia for 236 runs in 46.4 overs in the third and final ODI match at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). The highlight of the Indian bowling attack was young pacer Harshit Rana, who took four wickets while giving away just 39 runs in his spell of 8.4 overs. His performance was instrumental in India's dominance over the Aussies. This was his maiden four-fer in ODIs. Let's present his performance and stats.
Spell
A stunning spell from Rana
Batting first in the game, Australian openers Mitchell Marsh (41) and Travis Head (29) gave a solid start, adding 61 runs. Fine contributions from Matthew Short (30), Matt Renshaw (56), and Alex Carey (24) further placed the hosts at 183/3. However, Carey's dismissal off Rana's delivery ignited a massive collapse as the team lost its final seven wickets for just 53 runs. Mitchell Owen (1), Cooper Connolly (23), and Josh Hazlewood (0) were Rana's other victims.
Stats
Rana scripts these records
As mentioned, Rana claimed four wickets while giving away just 39 runs in 8.4 overs. This spell has taken his ODI tally to 16 wickets from eight games at a stunning average of 20.75 (ER: 5.82). As per Cricbuzz, only Ajit Agarkar (19), Prasidh Krishna (19), and Jasprit Bumrah (17) clocked more wickets for India in their respective first eight ODIs. Overall in List A cricket, Rana now owns 41 wickets at 23-plus (4W: 3).
Bowling brilliance
Sundar and Siraj among other wicket-takers for India
Along with Rana, Washington Sundar also impressed with his bowling, taking two wickets for 44 runs in 10 overs. Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel chipped in with one wicket each. Siraj went for 24 runs in five overs while Krishna conceded 52 runs in his seven-over spell. Kuldeep bowled a tight 10 overs, giving away just 50 runs, while Axar was economical in his six-over spell, conceding only 18 runs.
Match strategy
India need 237 runs to win at SCG
Now, Team India will look to chase down the target of 237 runs and win the third ODI at SCG. Despite Australia winning the series with two convincing victories, India will be playing for their pride. The team will heavily rely on their stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to guide them through this challenging run chase against a strong Australian bowling attack.