In a spectacular display of cricketing prowess, India outshone Australia with both bat and ball to clinch the three-match ODI series 2-0. Their victory in the second match, achieved by 99 runs via the Duckworth–Lewis–Stern (DLS) method, left cricket enthusiasts at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in awe.
That's that from the 2nd ODI.
Jadeja cleans up Sean Abbott as Australia are all out for 217 runs in in 28.2 overs.#TeamIndia take an unassailable lead of 2-0.#INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/LawVWu2JI8
— BCCI (@BCCI) September 24, 2023
Also Read: With this impressive victory, India showcased their dominance in the series and set the stage for a thrilling third ODI.
Bowlers Shine as Australia Falls Short
Australia, chasing a daunting target of 400, encountered an early setback when Prasidh Krishna dismissed Matthew Short and Steve Smith in the second over. Smith's golden duck only added to his disappointments. The Aussies, however, opted for an aggressive approach and reached 56/2 before rain halted play for an hour during the ninth over.
Australia's Struggle Against Spin
Upon resumption, Australia faced a revised target of 317 runs in 33 overs. Despite the efforts of David Warner, who reached his fifty in the 14th over, India's spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja turned the tide in India's favour. Ashwin accounted for Warner and Josh Inglis, while Jadeja dismissed Alex Carey, and Cameron Green fell victim to a run-out. Sean Abbott mounted a counter-attack, but his valiant efforts were in vain, as India bundled out Australia for 217 runs in 28.2 overs.
Indian Batting Brilliance
India's batting juggernaut, led by Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, and Suryakumar Yadav, delivered a formidable total of 399/5 in 50 overs. This impressive score marked India's highest against Australia in a 50-over match.
Gill-Iyer Partnership Sets the Stage
After the early loss of Ruturaj Gaikwad, Gill and Iyer took charge. Their partnership, marked by exquisite boundaries and remarkable chemistry, saw India reaching the 100-run mark in just 12.5 overs. Gill reached his half-century with flair, while Iyer notched his fifty with finesse. Their remarkable 150-run partnership was instrumental in India's dominance.
Suryakumar's Fireworks Seal the Deal
Even after Iyer's dismissal, Gill and later KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan kept the momentum alive. Suryakumar Yadav emerged as the hero in the death overs, smashing four successive sixes in the 44th over. His explosive innings, along with a steady contribution from Jadeja, propelled India to a commanding 399/5.
Green's Efforts in Vain for Australia
Cameron Green's valiant effort with both bat and ball stood out for Australia. Despite his two wickets, he went for 103 runs. Hazlewood, Zampa, and Abbott managed one wicket each.
With this impressive victory, India showcased their dominance in the series and set the stage for a thrilling third ODI. Cricket enthusiasts can look forward to more action-packed matches as these two cricketing giants continue to battle it out on the field.
