Australia secured a two-wicket victory over India in a thrilling second ODI at Adelaide Oval, thereby sealing the three-match series with one game remaining. Chasing India's total of 264/9, the hosts successfully reached the target with 22 balls to spare.
The chase was anchored by a composed knock of 74 from Matt Short and a crucial maiden ODI half-century (61 not out) from Cooper Connolly. Short was dropped twice but stabilized the innings after the early departures of skipper Mitch Marsh (11) and Travis Head (28). Spinners Axar Patel and Washington Sundar caused a wobble, dismissing Matt Renshaw (30) and Alex Carey (9). However, power-hitting from Mitch Owen (36) and Connolly's assured finish ensured the win.
Earlier, India's innings was built around an anchoring 73 from Rohit Sharma (his 59th ODI fifty) and a steady 61 from Shreyas Iyer. This partnership of 118-run partnership rescued India after a disastrous start saw Virat Kohli dismissed for a second consecutive duck a first in his long ODI career and Shubman Gill fall cheaply. Australia's bowling was spearheaded by Josh Hazlewood's tight opening spell, while Xavier Bartlett (taking both Gill and Kohli) and Adam Zampa (four wickets) were the chief wicket-takers.
Australian captain Mitch Marsh expressed his delight, praising the team's bowling unit and the "awesome batting."
