Cricket news roundup – 9th March 2019: Australia stay alive, Afghanistan take lead, England clinch series

Australia pulled one back in the ODI series against India to stay alive in the series, at Ranchi; Afghanistan thrashed Ireland at Dehradun in the fourth ODI to take an unassailable 2-1 lead; England bowled out West Indies for 45 to clinch the T20I series; and at Wellington, the second day of the second Test between New Zealand and Bangladesh was washed out.

Khawaja’s maiden ton triumphs Kohli masterpiece

Virat Kohli’s 95-ball 123 at JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi might have been an outstanding innings even by his lofty standards, but it was not good enough to rally India home. None of Kohli’s teammates reached even 35 as India were bowled out for 281 in pursuit of 315.

Earlier in the day, Aaron Finch (93 in 99 balls) and Usman Khawaja (104 in 113) added 193 for the opening stand in under 32 overs before Finch got out to a DRS glitch. Unfortunately, they could score only 55 off the last 48 balls and finished on 313/5.

India don camouflage caps

The Indian cricketers donned camouflage caps when they took field at Ranchi to honour the victims of the terrorist attack at Pulwama, Kashmir last month. They also donated their entire match fees to the National Defence Fund.

No Dhoni for rest of series

MS Dhoni has been rested for the last two ODIs of the series against Australia, at Delhi and Mohali. This was confirmed by MSK Prasad, Chairman of Selectors of the Indian side.

West Indies crash to embarrassing low

Life turned a full circle for the West Indians, who crashed to a humiliating defeat against England at Warner Park, Basseterre, St Kitts. Chasing 183, they were bowled out for a paltry 45 in 11.5 overs. Shimron Hetmyer and Carlos Brathwaite (10 each) were the only ones to put up any resistance.

Chris Jordan (4/6) inflicted the most damage, supported by Liam Plunkett (2/8), Adil Rashid (2/12), and David Willey (2/18).

Earlier, Joe Root (55 in 40 balls) held up one end after England were reduced to 32/4. Sam Billings took his time before exploding to finish on an unbeaten 87, off just 47 balls.

An amazing Afghan turnaround

The momentum was with Ireland after they pulled off an excellent chase to level the series 1-1. They seemed to be capitalising on that, reducing Afghanistan to 81/6 at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Dehradun.

Asghar Afghan (54) then took control, adding 50 with Mohammed Nabi (64). Then Rashid Khan took the attack to the Irish camp with an attacking 52. Afghanistan eventually reached 223.

In response, the Irish openers added 31. At one stage they were 66/3 before Aftab Alam (4/25) triggered a collapse. He found support from Rashid (2/22) and Mujeeb Ur Rahman (2/25). Ireland were bowled out for 114.

No play again at Basin Reserve

Rain washed out the second day of the second Test between New Zealand and Bangladesh, at Basin Reserve, Wellington. If play resumes at any point, this will be Bangladesh’s best chance to avoid defeat in a Test match on New Zealand soil for the first time.