India pulled off the second-highest run chase in
one-day internationals to thrash Australia by nine
wickets and level their series at 1-1.
The hosts surged to their target of 360 with 39 balls to
spare as Virat Kohli smashed the fastest ODI century by
an Indian from just 52 deliveries.
Rohit Sharma struck the winning runs to finish on 141
not out after Shikhar Dhawan weighed in with 95.
The highest run chase is South Africa's 438-9 against
Australia in 2006.
"I'm not sure what to feel at the moment," said
Australia captain George Bailey. "That was some pretty
awesome batting.
"It felt like everything we tried with the ball just seemed
to go harder and further."
Batting first, Australia piled up 359-5, with all of their
top five passing 50 and Bailey top-scoring with 92 not
out off 50 balls.
But India made a blistering start to their reply as
Dhawan and Sharma put on 176 for the first wicket in
only 26.1 overs.
Kohli upped the ante still further with a brutal knock
that featured seven sixes and eight fours as he finished
unbeaten on 100.
His innings eclipsed Virender Sehwag's 60-ball record
for India and was the ninth-fastest one-day hundred of
all-time.
"I just wanted to go out there and play my part," he
said. "I was hitting the ball sweetly. I decided to take
the pressure and whatever I went for I got in the
middle of the bat.
"I've been feeling good mentally and I was fresh for
this game. I was ready, and I knew if I held my shape I
would connect well.
Kohli also paid tribute to 26-year-old Rohit Sharma,
whose third one-day century included four sixes and
17 fours.
"Rohit is by far the best of the young lot as far as talent
is concerned," said Kohli.
"Once he gets set and gets going it's very difficult to
stop him. He's got every shot in the book and it was a
delight to watch from the other end."
Australia won the first match of the series by 72 runs.
The third one-dayer in a six-match series takes place in
Mohali on Saturday.
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