In a commanding display, India secured a resounding 99-run victory over Australia in Indore, clinching the ODI series 2-0. The match featured remarkable performances from several Indian players, including a century from Shreyas Iyer, Shubman Gill’s fifth ODI ton of the year, Suryakumar Yadav’s explosive 72 off 37 balls, and a three-wicket haul by R Ashwin.
India’s batsmen dominated the proceedings, piling on a formidable total of 399 for 5 on a batting-friendly pitch. They struck a total of 31 fours and 18 sixes, showcasing their aggressive intent. However, Australia struggled to replicate India’s run-scoring prowess. They faced difficulties against Prasidh Krishna, who replaced the rested Jasprit Bumrah in the XI, and after a rain delay, they found themselves at the mercy of India’s spinners, eventually bowled out for 217.
During India’s innings, a pivotal partnership of 200 runs in just 164 balls for the second wicket between Shreyas Iyer and Shubman Gill established India’s dominance, especially in the first 30 overs. In the final 20 overs, KL Rahul (52), Suryakumar Yadav, and Ishan Kishan (31) contributed to India’s imposing total, setting Australia a daunting target.
Iyer and Gill demonstrated their aggressive intent early on, with Iyer striking five fours in his first 14 balls. Gill, too, found his rhythm before the first rain break. They formed a fifty-run partnership in just 29 balls and continued to power India forward, with Gill displaying dominance down the ground.
As a result, Gill accelerated from 9 runs in 19 balls to reach his half-century in just 37 deliveries. Both Iyer and Gill reached their respective fifties with a six, and between overs 11 and 20, they maintained a run rate of 7.8 per over, propelling India to 158 for 1. They briefly slowed down while approaching their centuries.
Shreyas Iyer reached his third ODI century in the 30th over of the innings, drawing thunderous applause from the crowd. Although he survived a close chance when Sean Abbott couldn’t hold onto a catch off his own bowling, Iyer eventually departed after scoring 105 off 90 balls. Two overs later, Gill completed his sixth ODI century before being dismissed for a well-compiled 104 off 97 balls while attempting to hit a six down the ground.
During India’s innings, both KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan, batting at No. 4 and 5, started their innings impressively by hitting sixes to get off the mark. Rahul continued his aggressive approach by hammering two more sixes, including one that soared over the highest stand near deep midwicket. The duo formed a quick partnership of 59 runs off just 33 balls, showcasing their ability to accelerate the run rate. Kishan contributed 31 runs before being dismissed by Adam Zampa.
For most of the first innings, a target of 400 runs seemed attainable, especially with the number of wickets in hand. However, Australia managed to slow down the game for a few overs during the final powerplay. By the 43rd over, India had reached 311 for 4, and the run rate appeared to be heading in the wrong direction.
However, Suryakumar Yadav had other plans and quickly changed the momentum. In the 44th over, he hammered four consecutive sixes off Cameron Green, amassing 26 runs in that over alone. Although KL Rahul was eventually dismissed for 52 off 38 balls, Suryakumar Yadav continued to showcase his prowess with the bat. He toyed with Sean Abbott in the 47th over, scoring 17 runs and reaching his second fifty of the series in just 24 balls.
Australia had a challenging day with the ball, with several bowlers struggling in the batting-friendly conditions of Indore. Even though they didn’t necessarily bowl poorly, the ground’s nature made it tough for the bowlers. Debutant Spencer Johnson conceded 61 runs in eight overs, while Sean Abbott was hit for 91 runs in his ten-over spell. Cameron Green, despite taking two wickets, conceded 103 runs, making him the fourth Australian bowler to concede triple digits in an ODI.
In the chase, Prasidh Krishna provided an early breakthrough for India by dismissing Matthew Short and Steven Smith in consecutive balls, creating a challenging situation for Australia. David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne then began rebuilding the innings, but a second rain interruption reduced the match to 33 overs. As a result, Australia faced a DLS-adjusted target of 317, which added to the already daunting task of chasing down India’s total.
After the rain interruption and the reduction of overs, R Ashwin became the chief tormentor with his spin bowling for India. He unleashed a variety of tricks that bewildered the Australian batsmen. One of his variations led to the dismissal of the right-handed David Warner, who was adjudged lbw. Another variation had Marnus Labuschagne’s stumps sent cartwheeling, leaving him baffled. The third variation proved too much for Josh Inglis, who was attempting a sweep shot.
The pitch had transformed dramatically, offering significant turn compared to the afternoon conditions, and both Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja exploited it to make life extremely challenging for the Australian batsmen. As wickets fell, it appeared that the end was imminent for Australia. Alex Carey was bowled by Jadeja, and Cameron Green was dismissed due to a lazy run-out.
At this point, Sean Abbott, batting at No. 9, offered some resistance and consolation runs to Australia with his aggressive batting. Despite Australia being at 140 for 8, Abbott’s innings of 54 runs off 36 balls, punctuated by boundaries and sixes, helped his team surpass the 200-run mark. Abbott reached his fifty in just 29 balls, including a powerful six off Ashwin. While his blitz provided a positive note for Australia, it didn’t change the eventual outcome as they suffered their fifth consecutive ODI defeat.
India’s only drawback in this match was their fielding, which faltered in dewy conditions towards the end of the day. They allowed the lower-order Australian batsmen to add some valuable runs to their score. Jadeja eventually concluded the match with a terrific turning delivery that shattered Abbott’s stumps, finishing with three wickets to his name.
The teams are now set to move to Rajkot for the final ODI, where both sides are expected to field full-strength XIs. This match served as an opportunity for fringe players to make an impression, with some succeeding more than others in their quest to secure a place in the playing XI.
