Ranchi: The fourth ODI between India and Australia was yesterday called off because of rains at the Jharkhand State Cricket Association Stadium in Ranchi.
Chasing 296, India were 27 for no loss in 4.1 overs in when heavens opened up for the second time during the match.
The match was stopped at 6.18 pm because of light drizzle which later intensified to frustrate both the teams. There was some hope in the middle as the rain had stopped after one hour and the groundsmen and super-soppers were pressed into action.
The mopping exercise by the groundsmen continued for more than one hour but the two on-field umpires took the call after inspecting the ground at 8.30pm.
The match was called off after the umpires found out that the ground was too water logged to continue the proceedings.
By virtue of the abandoned match, Australia continue to lead the seven-match series 2-1. The fifth ODI between the two sides will be played at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on Saturday.
Earlier, Australia rode on a record 153-run partnership between George Bailey and Glenn Maxwell to recover from a jittery start and post a challenging 295 for eight. Skipper Bailey (98) and Maxwell (92) missed their respective centuries but ensured that Australia recover from a difficult 71 for four to 224 for five through the team’s highest partnership against India for the fifth wicket.
AGENCIES
