The magnificent Kohli ”“ Jadhav partnership behind India’s sensational victory in Pune

By Kersi Meher-Homji

India snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in the first One Day International against England at Pune yesterday (15th January).

Virat Kohli captaining India won the toss and decided to field. He must have regretted the decision as England smashed 7 for 350 in 50 overs, a run rate of 7 per over. Jason Roy, Joe Root and Ben Stokes made valuable and fast fifties. The last 106 runs came in only eight overs, a fantastic run rate of 13.

Indian batsmen floundered in their reply losing four of their batsmen for only 63.

With defeat staring in their face Kohli attacked with gusto. He found an able and even more aggressive partner in Kedar Jadhav and they added 200 runs for the fifth wicket off 147 balls and India reached their winning target with 11 balls remaining.

Kohli belted 122 runs with eight fours and five sixes at a strike rate of 116.19. Jadhav was even more aggressive, smashing 12 fours, four sixes at an exhilarating SR of 157.89 and was adjudged Man of the Match.

Said Kohli on Jadhav’s fireworks, “His hundred is one of the best calculated innings I’ve seen.”

The second ODI is at Cuttack on Thursday the 19th  January.

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