Australia edge India in nail-biting ODI series decider

Australia secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series against India after a thrilling two-wicket win in the second game at Adelaide on Thursday. Rohit Sharma’s gritty 73, crafted in 97 balls on a testing pitch, went in vain as the visitors faltered at crucial moments, reigniting debates over the omission of seasoned spinner Kuldeep Yadav from the playing XI.

Australia survives late pressure

Chasing 265 for victory, Australia initially struggled against India’s spin duo. However, Cooper Connolly (61 not out off 53 balls) and Mitchell Owen (36 off 23 balls) guided the hosts through a tense chase. Their 59-run partnership in just 6.3 overs helped Australia reach the target in 46.2 overs, ending a three-series losing streak in ODIs. The series now concludes with an inconsequential third ODI in Sydney on October 25.

Connolly’s composed innings, reminiscent of Michael Bevan, and Owen’s aggressive finishing highlighted the depth and talent in the Australian squad. “The future is bright for Australian cricket,” said stand-in skipper Mitchell Marsh. The win also exposed India’s over-reliance on multi-skilled all-rounders instead of specialist match-winners, a concern ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

India’s tactical missteps

India’s decision to play Nitish Reddy at No.8 instead of Kuldeep Yadav backfired. Reddy scored just eight runs off ten balls and gave away 24 runs in three overs. Adding to India’s woes, Axar Patel dropped Matthew Short (74) on a sitter, which proved costly. “It's never easy to defend those totals when you drop a couple of catches,” admitted India skipper Shubman Gill.

While Axar Patel (1/52) and Washington Sundar (2/37) made some impact, Mitchell Owen’s onslaught against Harshit Rana (2/59) decisively swung the momentum towards Australia. The absence of Kuldeep was especially felt as Australia’s batters gradually found their rhythm.

Rohit Sharma shines amid chaos

Rohit Sharma was the lone beacon in India’s innings. Against Josh Hazlewood, who returned figures of 0/29 in ten overs, Rohit faced 17 consecutive dot balls but stayed composed. Virat Kohli, however, was dismissed for consecutive ducks, failing to provide support.

Once past the initial consolidation phase, Rohit unleashed his trademark strokes, including pick-up pulls off medium pacers and deft inside-out drives off leg-spinner Adam Zampa. He came close to a 33rd ODI century, only to be undone by a misjudged swivel against Mitchell Starc. Nevertheless, Rohit’s innings showcased determination, patience, and class, proving he still has fuel left in the tank.

The series highlighted India’s gaps in strategy and execution under pressure. Kohli’s slump, reliance on multi-role all-rounders, and fielding lapses proved costly. Australia’s youth and composure, in contrast, allowed them to assert dominance and send a strong message ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

India: 264/9 in 50 overs

Rohit Sharma 73, Iyyer 61, Axar 44, Zampa 4/60, Bartlett 3/39

Australia: 265/8 in 46.2 overs

Matthew Short 74, Connolly 61, Owen 36, Harshit Rana 2/59, Washington Sundar 2/37, Arshdeep 2/41

Player of the match: Adam Zampa