Australia sealed the three-match ODI series with a thrilling two-wicket victory over India in the second ODI at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday. Matthew Short and Cooper Connolly’s composed half-centuries guided the hosts to chase down the target, while Adam Zampa and Xavier Bartlett starred earlier with the ball to restrict India to a modest total.
India’s innings began sluggishly after being put to bat by Australian captain Mitchell Marsh. Rohit Sharma struggled early, facing 24 dot balls in the first six overs, while Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli departed cheaply to Bartlett’s sharp swing. The visitors were reeling at 17/2, but Rohit and Shreyas Iyer steadied the innings with a solid 118-run partnership. Rohit found his rhythm, striking two towering sixes off Mitchell Owen before reaching his fifty. Shreyas too played fluently against the spinners, but both batters fell in quick succession as India collapsed from 135/2 to 174/5.
Axar Patel provided late resistance with a gritty 44, while Harshit Rana’s cameo helped India post 264/9 in 50 overs. Zampa was the standout bowler for Australia with figures of 4/60, while Bartlett supported him well, taking 3/39.
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Chasing 265, Australia also endured a shaky start. Captain Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head were cautious early on, scoring just 15 runs in the powerplay. Both openers were dismissed cheaply, putting India briefly in control. But Matthew Short’s confident stroke play, combined with Matt Renshaw’s support, helped the Aussies rebuild.
Despite losing wickets in the middle overs, Cooper Connolly anchored the chase brilliantly. His unbeaten 61 off 53 balls, alongside Owen’s quickfire 36, ensured Australia crossed the finish line comfortably with 22 balls remaining. The victory gave Australia an unassailable 2-0 series lead, with their balance of youth and experience once again proving decisive.