India Stamp Dominance Over Australia with Massive Win in Indore
Indore, India – In a spectacular display of cricket, Team India overwhelmed Australia with a 99-run win (adjusted via the DLS method) in the rain-hit second ODI match in Indore, securing the series 2-0.
Shreyas Iyer, who previously had a forgettable run out at Mohali, showcased sheer class with a blazing century. His 105 runs off just 90 balls were a statement to his cricketing prowess. Accompanying him in this batting masterclass was the young sensation, Shubman Gill, who continued his rich form, registering his fifth ODI ton this year. Their 200-run partnership was built off just 164 balls, setting the stage for a mammoth total.
The batting-friendly conditions in Indore were ruthlessly exploited by the Indian batsmen. They hit a combined total of 31 fours and 18 sixes, ensuring that every loose delivery was punished. But while the duo of Iyer and Gill laid the foundation, it was Suryakumar Yadav’s hurricane innings of an unbeaten 72 off just 37 balls that ensured India reached the brink of the 400-run mark.
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The crowd here in Indore has been treated with Signature SKY brilliance! 💥💥#TeamIndia | #INDvAUS | @IDFCFIRSTBank | @surya_14kumar pic.twitter.com/EpjsXzYrZN
— BCCI (@BCCI) September 24, 2023
Australia, despite their best efforts, couldn’t stem the flow of runs. Their debutant Spencer Johnson, who conceded a staggering 61 runs in just eight overs, and Sean Abbott, who was plundered for 91 runs in 10, bore the brunt of the Indian assault. Cameron Green too, despite picking up two wickets, conceded a whopping 103 runs, becoming the fourth Australian bowler in ODI history to have given away more than a hundred runs.
Indian Batting – Class Apart
However, it wasn’t just the batting that stood out for India. When Australia began their chase, the odds were stacked against them, even more so after rain interruptions adjusted their target to 317 in 33 overs via the DLS method.
Prasidh Krishna, filling in for the rested pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, immediately rocked the Australian top order. He removed both Matthew Short and Steven Smith off consecutive balls, putting Australia on the back foot from the get-go.
The experienced duo of David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne attempted to steady the sinking Australian ship. But veteran spinner R Ashwin, with his guile and variations, ended their resistance. He pegged back Labuschagne’s stumps and trapped Warner LBW, illustrating his dominance. Ravindra Jadeja complemented Ashwin beautifully, using the significant turn the pitch offered in the evening to baffle the Aussie batsmen. The left-arm spinner’s three-wicket haul ensured that the tail couldn’t wag for too long.
Sean Abbott, batting at No. 9, provided some consolation for Australia. His aggressive 36-ball 54 provided a glimpse of his abilities and gave the Australian fans something to cheer about in an otherwise gloomy match for them. Josh Hazlewood supported him ably. But even Abbott’s resilience ended when Jadeja’s delivery rattled his stumps.
If there was one area where India would look for improvement, it would be their fielding. The heavy dew in the evening seemed to affect their abilities in the outfield, allowing the Australian lower order to boost their score.
Dead Rubber 3rd ODI
Both teams now shift their focus to Rajkot for the final ODI of the series. Although India have already clinched the series, the final match offers players from both sides an opportunity to stake a claim for future matches. The fringe players, in particular, will be looking to leave a mark.
In conclusion, the Indore ODI will be remembered as a testament to India’s dominant form in recent times. Their batters and bowlers fired in unison, leaving Australia searching for answers. It was a comprehensive performance, and the Aussies will be eager to prevent a whitewash in Rajkot.
