INDvsAUS: Arshdeep Singh Dents Australia’s Chase as India Defends 265
Arshdeep Singh’s early breakthrough tilts the ODI in India’s favor.
India set a challenging 264/9 in their 50 overs, driven by resilient performances from Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer, in the second ODI against Australia in Adelaide. After early setbacks, including Virat Kohli’s second consecutive duck and Shubman Gill’s dismissal for nine, Sharma (73) and Iyer (half-century) forged a crucial 100-run partnership to stabilize the innings. However, Mitchell Starc and Adam Zampa struck back, dismissing Sharma and Iyer in quick succession, while Zampa’s four-wicket haul, including KL Rahul (11), Nitish Reddy, and Axar Patel, triggered a middle-order collapse.
The lower order, led by Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh, mounted a late fightback to push India past 250. Rana’s aggressive 47th over against Zampa, featuring three boundaries, and Arshdeep’s two boundaries off Starc in the 48th proved vital. Despite losing Arshdeep in the final over, India’s total presented a formidable target on a competitive pitch.
In response, Australia’s chase began shakily as Arshdeep Singh dismissed captain Mitchell Marsh for 11 in the eighth over, disrupting their early momentum. Australia, who opted to bowl first after Marsh won the toss, relied on Xavier Bartlett’s early breakthroughs, dismissing Gill and Kohli in the same over, and Zampa’s disciplined bowling to restrict India. However, India’s unchanged XI showcased resilience, setting the stage for a thrilling contest.
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The match highlighted standout performances and tactical shifts, with Australia introducing Alex Carey and Bartlett in place of Josh Philippe and Nathan Ellis. As the chase unfolds, Arshdeep’s early strike has put India in a strong position to defend their total and level the series.
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