Champions Trophy: Jadeja emphasizes need for strong start in first 10 overs
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Synopsis
Ravindra Jadeja stresses the importance of a solid start during the first 10 overs in the ICC Champions Trophy semifinal against Australia. He believes this will pave the way for a successful chase of 265 runs after India bowled out Australia for 264. Jadeja's performance was pivotal in India's bowling strategy.
Key Takeaways
- Ravindra Jadeja took 2 wickets for 40 runs.
- India needs a strong start in the first power-play.
- A target of 265 runs is set after Australia scored 264.
- Mohammed Shami's excellent bowling figures of 3-48.
- Strategic dismissals of key Australian batsmen.
Dubai, March 4 (NationPress) Following an impressive performance with figures of 2-40 in his 8 overs against Australia during the ICC Champions Trophy semifinal, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja emphasizes that establishing a solid batting approach in the initial power-play will be critical for chasing down a target of 265 runs at Dubai International Stadium. The Indian bowlers maintained their discipline, successfully dismissing Australia for 264 in 49.3 overs, even after captain Steve Smith (73) and Alex Carey (61) contributed half-centuries. Mohammed Shami shone for India with figures of 3-48, while both Varun Chakaravarthy and Jadeja secured two wickets each.
During the mid-innings interval, Jadeja remarked that the pitch conditions were superior to their previous match against New Zealand, stressing that navigating the first 10 overs effectively will be essential for securing a place in the finals. "The wicket is better than last time; there's not much spin. We must begin strongly. If we play with common sense in the first 10 overs, we should face no challenges," he stated.
Jadeja, who dismissed Marnus Labuschagne and Josh Inglis, mentioned that he executed a stump-to-stump strategy for the former. Smith and Labuschagne had formed a 56-run partnership, pushing the score past the century mark. Jadeja ended that partnership by trapping Labuschagne (29) lbw in the 23rd over. Smith achieved his half-century off 68 balls, marking his 35th in ODIs. Soon after reaching fifty, Smith lofted Jadeja over long-off for the first six of his innings. In that same over, Jadeja also sent Inglis (11) back to the pavilion, leaving Australia at 144/4 after 27 overs.
"Smith and Labuschagne were in good form, so I focused on attacking the stumps. Fortunately, we managed to keep the runs in check and secure several wickets," the seasoned all-rounder noted.
India successfully dismissed Travis Head, who typically performs well against the Men in Blue in ICC knockout matches, early in the ninth over as Chakaravarthy took his wicket for 39. Australia stood at 197/4 in 36.3 overs, but Indian bowlers turned the tide with quick dismissals of captain Smith and Glenn Maxwell (7), preventing a significantly higher score.
