India vs Australia: Five memorable ODIs of the 21st century
The next few chapters of the Indo-Australian rivalry is set to be written in the upcoming three-match ODI series.
2. All-round Murali Kartik [6-27 & 21*] script a comeback for the ages at the Wankhede
Occasion- 7th ODI of the seven-match series, Mumbai (2007)
There was something about playing Australia at the Wankhede Stadium that always used to get the best out of Murali Karthik. After leading India to a miraculous win in the Mumbai Test of 2004, Karthik was at it again three years later, this time in coloured clothing.
Coming into the 7th ODI, Australia had already taken an insurmountable lead in the seven-match series, and they looked prime to seal another win with the likes of Ricky Ponting [57] and Brad Hodge [16] going at great guns after the world champions decided to bat first at the Wankhede. But Karthik had different plans.
The left-armer proceeded to run through the Aussie middle-order in a sensational spell of spin-bowling. The left-armer claimed 6-27 which still remains the best figures by an Indian bowler against Australia in ODI cricket.
The Aussies were bowled out for 193 but even that looked more than enough when the duo of Mitchell Johnson [3-46] and Brett Lee [2-30] had reduced the Indians to 6-64 in 18.5 overs. Robin Uthappa took the attack to the Australians during his whirlwind knock of 47 to breathe some life into the run-chase but even that looked to be all-but vanquished when Michael Clarke trapped the right-hander in front of the wickets.
With the score reading 7-129, India needed a miracle to script a comeback. And, it was that man again- Murali Karthik. The left-armer, along with Zaheer Khan [31*] scripted a comeback for the ages as the duo proceeded to overhaul the total of 193 with an unbeaten 52-run-stand for the ninth wicket.
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