India go 1-0 up in the ODI series Australia thanks to Kedar Jadhav and Mohammed Shami

MS Dhoni and Kedar Jadhav put up an unbeaten 141-run stand to ensure that India cruise to a 1-0 lead in the series. The hosts were 99/4 with their top order back in the hut halfway through the chase but Dhoni and Jadhav put an end to any hope the Australians may have had of taking a lead in this series. The pair ticked away the runs expertly, ensuring that the required rate never climbs beyond six.

Usman Khawaja and Marcus Stoinis, promoted to No. 3, added 87 to steady the innings after Finch nicked off third ball to a Jasprit Bumrah brute in the second over. Then, with Australia looking to ignite their innings in the slog, Mohammed Shami sent back debutant Ashton Turner and Glenn Maxwell in a bristling second spell. It needed Coulter-Nile and Alex Carey, returning to the XI after missing the T20Is, to eke out a crucial 62-run stand to lift Australia to put up a target of 237 for India to chase. 

India had already lost Shikhar Dhawan for a duck but briefly recovered through Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's 76-run stand before the slide. They lost Kohli, Rohit and Ambati Rayudu for the addition of just 19 in a passage between overs 17 and 23. 

Kedar Jadhav prides himself on being a finisher who can contribute a sizeable chunk of overs. On Saturday, he played his part in both disciplines, first finishing with 7-0-31-1 with the ball and then shunning his trademark flamboyance for the hard grind early on to arrest a batting slide. His 87-ball 81 formed the bedrock of India's 237 chase after they slumped to 99 for 4.

Jadhav found an ideal partner in MS Dhoni, with the pair adding 141 for the fifth wicket as India got home with 10 balls to spare to go 1-0 in the five-match series. Dhoni's calming contribution, a 72-ball 59 not out; his 71st ODI half-century, comprised of mainly hard-run singles and seven hits to the fence, including two back-to-back fours to seal the game.