Ashton Turner turned out to be the match-winner for Australia as they chased down a mammoth target of 359 to level the series 2-2 against India in Mohali on Sunday. The 26-year-old from Perth played a brilliant innings of 84 from 43 balls and it was his innings that guided the visitors to victory after a well-deserved century from Peter Handscomb.

Turner, who was born in Perth, represented Western Australia at U-15, U-17 and U-19 levels. The right-hand batsman also captained the under-17 team to their National Championships win. In the Big Bash League, he represents Perth Scorchers and he will make his Indian Premier League (IPL) debut this season with Rajasthan Royals.

Earlier this year, Turner became the first cricketer this season to benefit from the Big Bash League playing conditions that award an automatic six for balls that hit a stadium’s roof.

The incident happened during the 12th over of their match against Melbourne Renegades when the first ball from Daniel Christian was met with a ferocious shot from Turner. The ball went straight up and hit the roof of the stadium. The umpire signalled a six despite the ball landing just outside the 30-yard circle after hitting the roof.

Turner made his debut in the Hyderabad ODI and although he made just 21, he showed flashes of genius in that innings. But, on Sunday, he was in complete control against the India bowlers as he slammed boundaries and sixes in his innings with impunity.

With Handscomb and Usman Khawaja losing their wickets, Australia were under pressure but a special knock from Turner and a partnership with Alex Carey clinched the match for the visitors.

He did have his fair share of luck as India failed to dismiss him earlier. The right-handed batsman was beaten completely by Yuzvendra Chahal but wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant failed to complete the stumping and in the 47th over, Shikhar Dhawan dropped an absolute sitter off the bowling of Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

Earlier, Shikhar Dhawan struck a career-best 143 to guide India to 358 for nine. The hosts rode on a 193-run opening stand between Dhawan and Rohit Sharma, who made 95, to put up a challenging total after electing to bat in Mohali.

Fast bowler Pat Cummins returned his best-ever ODI figures of 5-70 in 10 overs.

First Published: Mar 10, 2019 21:41 IST