Adelaide, October 23: Australia broke a 17-year jinx at the Adelaide Oval, clinching a hard-fought two-wicket victory over India in the second ODI to secure the three-match series 2–0 on Thursday.
Chasing 265, the hosts crossed the finish line in 46.2 overs, thanks to vital contributions from Matthew Short (74 off 78) and Cooper Connolly (61 off 53)*. The duo displayed remarkable composure to guide Australia home despite a few hiccups in the middle order.
Earlier, India — put in to bat first — posted 264/9 in 50 overs, led by half-centuries from Rohit Sharma (73 off 97) and Shreyas Iyer (61 off 77). The pair added 118 runs for the third wicket, rebuilding after Xavier Bartlett’s fiery spell removed Shubman Gill (9) and Virat Kohli (0) in the same over to leave India struggling at 17/2.
Once the partnership was broken by Mitchell Starc, Australia’s bowlers tightened their grip. Adam Zampa starred again with 4/60, while Bartlett supported brilliantly with 3/42. Starc added two wickets to his tally as India’s lower order found it difficult to accelerate.
Axar Patel provided late resistance with a quickfire 44 off 41 balls, pushing India past the 260 mark.
In reply, Short’s fluent 74, which included four fours and two sixes, set the tone for the chase. When wickets fell in the middle overs, Connolly’s unbeaten 61 anchored the innings, taking Australia over the line with 22 balls to spare.
For India, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, and Arshdeep Singh claimed two wickets each, while Mohammed Siraj and Axar Patel picked up one apiece.
The win gave Australia an unassailable 2–0 lead and their first ODI victory against India in Adelaide since January 2008. The final ODI will be played in Sydney on Saturday, where India will look to avoid a clean sweep.
Key Stats:
Series: Australia lead 2–0 (3-match ODI series)
Top Scorer (India): Rohit Sharma – 73
Top Scorer (Australia): Matthew Short – 74
Best Bowler (Australia): Adam Zampa – 4/60
Best Bowler (India): Washington Sundar – 2/47
