George Bailey has combined with Steve Smith for twin tons as Australia reeled in a formidable Indian total with four balls to spare in the opening ODI, completing the highest successful run chase at the WACA.
Bailey (112) and Smith (149) made batting look frightfully easy as they put on the highest third-wicket partnership for Australia ever with a mammoth 242-run stand to rescue the side from 2-21 and help overhaul India’s 3-309 with five wickets in hand.
Smith was particularly brutal on his way to a career-best score, easing his way to a 97-ball century before helping steer his side to the highest successful run chase at the venue.
Smith was finally dismissed with a lob to cover on the first ball of the final over, leaving James Faulkner to hit the winning runs.
Smith’s efforts overshadowed the feats of Indian opener Rohit Sharma, who carried his bat en route to a dazzling 171no off 163 balls in one of the all-time greatest ODI knocks against Australia.
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