Three records are broken in Mackay after India stuns Australia in final ODI
There was no shortage of thrills played out despite the final ODI being a dead rubber, with India securing victory and a record in Mackay.
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The one day international series between Australia and India may be over after Sunday, but Mackay will live on in cricket’s history and record books.
Australia finally lost an ODI after 26 consecutive wins, when India chased down 265 at Great Barrier Reef Arena with just three balls to spare.
The total became India’s highest successful run chase in the 50-over format.
Indian fast bowler Jhulan Goswami said the side was not focused on the records broken in Mackay.
“I was not aware of that, but after the first innings we knew the wicket was flat,” she said.
“If we could play until 50 overs we could chase this target, and that was the simple plan.”
The successful run chase followed Australia’s 11th-hour win in the second match of the series, with the home side chasing 274.
That run chase was Australia’s third-highest successful effort batting second, and was the final match of Australia’s win streak that dated back to 2017.
Australian captain Meg Lanning said she loved playing in Mackay, but had one criticism of the ground.
“It can be tricky to see the ball at times, so that wasn’t ideal,” she said.
“The general spectacle of the ground and condition of the ground and facilities was excellent, we thoroughly enjoyed our time here in Mackay.
“What has been provided to us by the local government and council has been great, we’ve really enjoyed it and we have to come back.”
At times the Great Barrier Reef Arena closely resembled a hospital ward, with three Australians injured during the second innings.
Lanning said she thought all of the players should be fine for the first test next week in Brisbane.
“I don’t know a lot about Rach (Haynes) and Moons (Mooney), they had some sort of leg injury so they couldn’t continue to field,” Lanning said.
“Soph (Molineux) got hit and got a cut lip, I think she’s okay, she was pretty brave to come back on.
“It was interesting to look at, a bit of tape around the face, but really great effort to come out and bowl for the team.
Originally published as Three records are broken in Mackay after India stuns Australia in final ODI