AUS v IND 2020-21: ‘He was different class altogether’, Finch hails Smith for his sparkling ton in 1st ODI

Smith slammed 105 off 66 balls in the first ODI against India at SCG.

By Salman Anjum - 28 Nov, 2020

India’s much-awaited tour of Australia got underway with the first ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Friday (November 27).

Opting to bat first, Australia piled up a mammoth 374/6 in 50 overs on the back of stunning centuries from Aaron Finch (114 off 124 balls) and Steve Smith (105 off 66 balls). David Warner (69 off 76 balls) and Glenn Maxwell (45 off 19 balls) also made significant contributions with the bat.

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Defending the total, the hosts restricted the visitors to 308/8 in 50 overs. Hardik Pandya (90 off 76 balls) and Shikhar Dhawan (74 off 86 balls) were the lone warriors for India during the chase.

For Australia, Adam Zampa (4-54) and Josh Hazlewood (3-55) were the pick of the bowlers.

Elated win the win, Australia skipper Finch said after the game: "Found it reasonably hard to get my timing. Took a couple of chances, got lucky. We've barely been together as a team."

While Finch found the going tough, Warner looked in fine flow and the former was full of praise for his opening partner.

"Each guy has different strengths and weaknesses. You embrace that. Davey, he's moving beautifully. His rhythm looked outstanding," the captain said.

Finch then hailed Smith for his smashing innings, which was laced with 4 sixes and 11 fours.

"Smudge was different class altogether," he said.

The Australian skipper said all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has the ability to switch gears in seconds, and that was on show again in the opening ODI.

"Maxi, the rare ability he's got to just click his fingers and put pressure on the opposition," Finch remarked.

(With ANI inputs)

By Salman Anjum - 28 Nov, 2020

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