Dinesh Karthik 'one of the best finisher's in the world' reckons Ashwin

What's the story?

Dinesh Karthik on Tuesday scored a crucial cameo, helping India chase down the big total of 299 runs against Australia, to level the three-match ODI series. He made a fiery, unbeaten 25 runs off 14 balls, including two boundaries, while forming a stand of 56 runs with MS Dhoni.

Later, Twitterati including some former and present-day cricketers praised Karthik for the finishing role he played in the match. Teammate Ravichandran Ashwin also lauded DK and called him 'one of the best finishers in the world.'

In case you didn't know...

India recently pulled off a historic Test series win in Australia. However, they found themselves at receiving end in the first ODI as the Kohli-led side faced 36-run defeat. However, to make sure they remain alive in the series, India posted a comprehensive win in the second ODI.

The heart of the matter

In a battle to equalize the series, Kohli's men displayed a brilliant show at Adelaide Oval on Tuesday. The Men in Blue chased down the big total of 299 runs with five balls to spare.

Skipper Virat Kohli mastered the innings, scoring a brilliant century. However, it was the duo of MS Dhoni and Dinesh Karthik who finished the game for the tourists.

Apart from Dhoni's fifty, Karthik pitched in with his crucial 25 runs, winning himself applause from the cricket world. His Tamil Nadu teammate and India's prime red-ball spinner, Ravi Ashwin was also delighted with his numbers as a finisher. The 32-year-old took to Twitter, saying, "Just going through some batting numbers of @DineshKarthik over the last 18 months and its not surprising to see that he has become one of the best finishers in the world right now. This version of DK is all that he ever wanted to be, I am very happy for him."

Karthik later thanked him for the compliment. "Thanks soo much Ashley," he replied to the tweet.

What's next?

India will face hosts Australia at Melbourne on Friday for the third time in the ODI series. The Men in Blue will get an opportunity to script the historical bilateral series win if they keep their winning momentum going.