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On This Day In 2016: Facing a daunting target of 331 runs set by the hosts, India showcased incredible resilience and batting prowess to secure a nail-biting six-wicket win in Sydney.
Manish Pandey stole the show with a maiden century which continues to be his only hundred in international cricket. He formed a partnership with skipper MS Dhoni. (Image: manishpandeyinsta/Instagram)
On This Day In 2016: Exactly eight years ago, India did the unthinkable by pulling off the second-highest ODI chase ever recorded on Australian soil. The MS Dhoni-led squad scripted history on this day in 2016, with their breathtaking batting display at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Facing a daunting target of 331 runs set by the hosts, India showcased incredible resilience and batting prowess to secure a nail-biting six-wicket win in Sydney. The crucial win helped the Men in Blue avoid a 0-5 whitewash.
Indian batting star Manish Pandey stole the show with a maiden century which continues to be his only hundred in international cricket.
The historic chase occurred during the fifth ODI of the 2016 India’s Tour of Australia. The visitors won the toss and elected to field first during the game. Aaron Finch opened the innings for the Aussies alongside David Warner.
Indian pacer Ishant Sharma gave his side a brilliant start, dismissing Finch in the final ball of the first over. More success followed as the wickets of Steven Smith, George Bailey and Shaun Marsh were scalped in quick intervals.
David Warner and Mitchell Marsh recovered Australia’s innings with a formidable partnership. The Aussie duo painted a grim picture for India as they helped the hosts amass 330 runs. Warner added a whopping 122 whereas Marsh scored another 102 in 84 deliveries.
The fast-bowling duo of Ishant Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah led India’s bowling charts with a combined four-wicket haul.
Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan gave India a blistering start to lay a strong foundation for a successful chase. Dhawan approached the innings rather aggressively, smashing 78 runs in 56 deliveries. He racked up seven boundaries and three sixes.
John Hastings gave Australia the breakthrough as he dismissed both openers before sending Virat Kohli packing for eight runs to derail India’s momentum.
Next, Manish Pandey walked out to the pitch and what followed next became a significant part of Indian cricket history.
Playing only his 14th ODI, the right-handed batter showcased his elegant style at the Sydney Cricket Ground with an 81-ball 104. He played a chanceless innings and formed a partnership with skipper MS Dhoni, steadying India’s ship. Manish remained unbeaten as he helped the Men in Blue sail over the finish line with four balls to spare.
The victory was more than just a consolation win for India as it demonstrated the team’s character and resilience. Chasing down a mammoth total of 330 also provided a much-needed morale boost for the visiting side.
