Mohali: In a spectacular display of cricketing prowess, India outshone Australia in both batting and bowling to secure a commanding victory in the second ODI, ultimately winning the three-match series 2-0. The match, played at the Holkar Cricket Stadium, saw India overpower Australia by 99 runs, courtesy of the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method after rain interruptions.
Australia faced an uphill battle right from the start, as they were bowled out for a mere 217 runs in just 28.2 overs. The Indian spin duo of Ravindra Jadeja and R. Ashwin wreaked havoc, each claiming three wickets. Prasidh Krishna chipped in with two wickets, while Mohammed Shami added one to his tally. The early dismissals of Matthew Short and Australian skipper Steve Smith set the tone, with Smith departing on a golden duck.
Despite the early setbacks, Australia opted for an aggressive approach, reaching 56/2 in the ninth over before rain forced a one-hour interruption. Upon resumption, they were set a revised target of 317 runs in 33 overs.
India, having been put in to bat first by Australia, produced a remarkable batting performance, amassing an imposing total of 399/5 in their allotted 50 overs. The foundation was laid by openers Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shubman Gill, who steadied the ship after the early loss of Gaikwad for 8 runs.
Shreyas Iyer, in sublime form, and Gill embarked on a remarkable partnership. Iyer’s effortless boundary-hitting and Gill’s aggressive strokeplay propelled India to the 100-run mark in just 12.5 overs. Gill reached his half-century in 37 balls, with two boundaries and two sixes, while Iyer followed suit, reaching his fifty in 41 balls, featuring seven fours and a six.
The duo’s outstanding 200-run partnership came in just 28.3 overs, further cementing India’s dominance. Iyer eventually reached his third ODI century in 86 balls, comprising 10 fours and three sixes.
Sean Abbott finally managed to break the partnership, dismissing Iyer for 105 runs, but not before the Indian batsman had laid a solid foundation. Gill also contributed significantly, posting 104 off 97 balls before falling to Cameron Green. India cruised past the 250-run mark in the 35th over.
Skippers KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan took India past 300, with KL reaching his half-century in 35 balls, including three fours and three sixes. Kishan departed for a brisk 31 off 18 balls.
Suryakumar Yadav stepped up to the plate with an explosive late-game display, smashing four successive sixes in the 44th over. His onslaught propelled India past the 350-run mark in the 45th over. Green managed to dismiss KL Rahul for 52 runs, but Suryakumar continued his onslaught, scoring an unbeaten 72 off just 37 balls, including six fours and six sixes.
India concluded their innings at an imposing 399/5 in 50 overs, leaving Australia with a daunting target.
Australia’s pursuit of the mammoth target was thwarted by India’s formidable spin attack. Ravindra Jadeja claimed his second wicket by dismissing Alex Carey, and Cameron Green was run out. Ashwin then struck again, sending Josh Inglis back to the pavilion.
Sean Abbott tried to counterattack with boundaries but fell short of rescuing Australia, as they were bundled out for 217 runs in 28.2 overs. Prasidh Krishna and Ashwin played pivotal roles with the ball, ensuring Australia could not mount a comeback.
Cameron Green was Australia’s standout performer, picking up two wickets but conceding 103 runs. Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa, and Sean Abbott each contributed a wicket.
With this resounding victory, India showcased their dominance with the bat and ball, securing the three-match ODI series 2-0 against a competitive Australian side. The thrilling encounter in Mohali will be remembered for India’s batting brilliance and spin bowling prowess.
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