The fourth ODI pitch at Mohali was a belter as 718 runs were scored. Even the best of bowlers were taken to cleaners as Australia went on to chase down the gargantuan target of 359 runs with 13 balls to spare. The Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium at Delhi is a small ground and the bowlers can have another bad day at the office.
Meanwhile, the dew factor will come into action. The Indian spinners had struggled to grip the ball in the previous match in the Mohali ODI. However, it should not be a big issue in Delhi as we are almost going into summers.
Both teams will like to clinch the series.
The spinners will also play a key role in the decider of the series. Sunil Gavaskar said at the pitch report, “This is a pitch where the ball hardly moves, and it also keeps a little low, that’s why the average score is only 220-230. The dew will kick in later in the day though. There will be a little bit of spin but it is nothing that should worry the batsmen. Win the toss, maybe bowl first“.
Meanwhile, Australia made a stunning comeback into the five-match series. The visitors were 0-2 down in the series but went on to win the last two games to stay afloat in the series.
Ashton Turner came up with a mind-blowing knock as the lanky Perth Scorchers batsman scored a sublime knock of 84 runs off just 43 balls. Thus, Australia will have impetus on their side and will be a more confident side in the final match.
The biggest positive for the hosts in the previous match was the return of form for their openers – Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan. Rohit Sharma scored a fine knock of 95 runs whereas Dhawan clobbered his career-best score of 143 runs. Meanwhile, Australia had clinched the T20I series by 2-0.