Ind vs Aus: Shikhar Dhawan holds 2nd best strike rate in ODI history against Australia

The second ODI between India and Australia went underway today at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot. Unlike the first match, opening batsmen Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma provided India with a rollicking start at the top of the order. The openers put on an 81-run stand before Virat Kohli joined forces with Shikhar Dhawan to carry on with the run-scoring momentum.

Also Read | Shikhar Dhawan Says Middle-order Collapse Led To Crushing Loss

Ind vs Aus: Shikhar Dhawan now holds second-highest ODI strike-rate against Australia

Shikhar Dhawan was eventually dismissed after scoring a breezy 96 from just 90 balls. He holed out at deep fine leg to Mitchell Starc off the bowling of pacer Kane Richardson. He struck 13 free-flowing boundaries and a six in his innings. During the course of his knock, Dhawan also moved up the individual run-scoring charts against Australia in ODIs. The stylish left-hander has now amassed 1,145 runs against Australia in 26 matches at an average of 45.80.

Also Read | Ind Vs Aus: Shikhar Dhawan Becomes 5th Indian To Score 1,000 Runs Against Australia

In the opening clash of the series, Shikhar Dhawan became only the fifth Indian batsmen and 32nd overall to score over 1,000 ODI runs against Australia. After his Rajkot knock, the cricketer now holds the second-highest strike-rate among all 32 batsmen who have achieved the same. With a strike-rate of 98.79, Shikhar Dhawan is only behind South African superstar batsman AB de Villiers (99.04). Interestingly, Virat Kohli is third on that list, going at 96.43 at the time of writing this report.

Also Read | Ind Vs Aus: SCA Stadium In Rajkot To Become First Stadium In India To Get Dome-like Roof

Ind vs Aus 2nd ODI updates

Australia won the toss and elected to field first. At the time of publishing, India were 231-3 off 37 with Virat Kohli (63) and KL Rahul (12) unbeaten at the crease. Virat Kohli and co. must conquer Rajkot in order to stay alive in the series.

Also Read | Ind Vs Aus: Steve Waugh Accuses Virat Kohli Of Disrespecting New Aussie Nemesis Adam Zampa

Also Read | Shikhar Dhawan Roars Back Into The Indian ODI Team With A Spectacular Fifty Vs Australia