Nagpur: MS Dhoni's young brigade once again proved their mettle as they helped India chase a daunting 351-run target against formidable Australian attack that helped the hosts level the seven-match ODI series 2-2 at Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagapur on Wednesday.
Chasing a mammoth 351-run winning target, India started with Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan and the duo played brilliantly to give India an ideal start. Dhawan was the more aggressive of the two but Sharma played a perfect wait and watch game and went on to score 79 off 89 balls before he was caught by James Faulkner off Aaron Finch's delivery. However, the classy Mumbai batsman had done his job as he along with Dhawan added 178 runs for the opening wicket.
Virat Kohli joined his Delhi teammate and the duo wasted no time in decimating the Aussie bowlers all over the ground. Dhawan reached his century but soon lost his wicket to Faulkner at the same score as he was clean bowled by the left-arm seamer with India's score reading 234.
Suresh Raina, who took on to the crease was connecting the ball well, but it was Virat Kohli who went on rampage and sent the Australians on leather hunt. His strokeplay ensured that India were never in a tizzy situation in terms of run-rate as he went on to add 56 runs with Raina in just 32 balls. Raina was a bit unlucky as he was given caught behind off Mitchell Johnson, even though it looked the ball hadn't made contact with the batsman. Yuvraj too follow suit without scoring a run as Johnson disturbed his timber with a superb delivery.
Thereafter, Kohli found an able partner in ever-dependable Dhoni and the duo made sure there weren't any further damage to teh India team. Kohli and Dhoni ensured that India got past the finish line though at one time during their partnership, the home side needed 48 off 30 balls and then 35 off the last 18.
Kohli in the process went onto score his 17th century and remained unbeaten 115 off just 66 balls.
Earlier, Watson struck 13 fours and three sixes in making 102 off 94 balls while the in-form Bailey was equally impressive in scoring a career-best 156, his second ODI ton, in 115 balls as Australia scored an imposing 350 for six.
