By: TN Media News Pakistan:
In a thrilling encounter at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, India pulled off a stunning victory against Australia, successfully defending a modest 206-run target. The Indian bowlers delivered a scintillating performance, showcasing grit and determination to seal a narrow win in the second ODI of the series.
Winning the toss, Australia opted to bowl first, capitalizing on the pitch conditions that promised some early movement. Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill started cautiously, putting up a steady partnership. However, the Australian bowlers, led by a fiery spell from Mitchell Starc, kept the scoring rate in check. Sharma was the first to fall, caught behind off Starc for 25. Gill followed soon after, dismissed by Josh Hazlewood for 30.
Virat Kohli, anchoring the innings, fought hard against a disciplined Australian attack. However, wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals. Kohli’s well-crafted 68 was the highlight of the innings, but with little support from the middle and lower order, India was bowled out for a mere 206 in 48.3 overs. Starc finished with impressive figures of 4 for 35, while Hazlewood and Adam Zampa chipped in with crucial wickets.
Chasing 207 for victory, Australia seemed poised to take the match comfortably. However, the Indian bowlers had other plans. Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah bowled with fire and precision, rattling the Australian top order. David Warner was the first to go, clean-bowled by Shami for 12. Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne steadied the ship momentarily, but Bumrah’s relentless attack soon had Smith caught behind for 22.
The game turned dramatically when Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav were introduced into the attack. Jadeja’s spin bamboozled the Australian middle order, claiming the prized wickets of Labuschagne (37) and Glenn Maxwell (14). Kuldeep, on the other hand, spun a web around the lower order, finishing with 3 for 40.
Australia, struggling at 157 for 8, saw a glimmer of hope as Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc forged a fighting partnership. But the reintroduction of Shami into the attack paid immediate dividends. Shami trapped Starc LBW for 18 and soon after, Bumrah cleaned up Cummins for 23, sealing a memorable victory for India.
India’s remarkable bowling display was spearheaded by Bumrah, who finished with 3 for 42, and Shami, who took 3 for 35. Jadeja’s all-round performance, contributing 2 wickets and a run-out, was pivotal in India’s defense of the target.
Captain Rohit Sharma lauded his team’s effort, saying, “It was a total team effort. We knew we had to bowl exceptionally well to defend this total, and the boys delivered. This win is a testament to our fighting spirit and belief in ourselves.”
Australian skipper Pat Cummins acknowledged the tough loss, remarking, “Credit to India for their superb bowling. We fell short in our batting, and that’s something we need to work on. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but we’ll come back stronger.”
With this win, India levels the series 1-1, setting the stage for a thrilling decider in the third ODI. Fans can expect another high-octane contest as both teams vie for series supremacy.
