Ajinkya Rahane continues great form with fifty in 3rd ODI vs Australia

Ajinkya Rahane, who smashed a gritty 55 in the Kolkata ODI, continued his great form as he notched up his second consecutive fifty in the series. India beat Australia by five wickets to seal the five-match series 3-0. (India vs Australia 3rd ODI Highlights)

Rahane, who gave great support to Rohit Sharma who was hitting the ball to all parts of the Holkar Stadium, shared a 100-run opening stand with Rohit as he smashed his 21st fifty and fourth against Australia. (India vs Australia 3rd ODI Scorecard)

The 29-year-old got going with a boundary through cover off Nathan Coulter-Nile and upped the tempo in grand style by slamming Marcus Stoinis for three consecutive boundaries in the 10th over. The first boundary was a slog through deep midwicket while the second was a flick to the deep square leg fence. The third boundary showed Rahane’s innovativeness as he guided a short ball past the gap at point to the third man region.

(Read | Rohit Sharma’s blazing fifty boosts India in Indore ODI vs Australia)

The right-hander employed the pull well against Ashton Agar and Stoinis and brought up his fifty in style by glancing Coulter-Nile to the fine leg fence. Rahane continued to score at a brisk rate by slamming Coulter-Nile for two boundaries. However, in the 24th over, he was trapped in front by Pat Cummins for 70.

Rahane’s knock has shown his adaptability at the top of the innings and it will be interesting to see what Virat Kohli does in the next match at Bangalore.