Iyer, Gill, Suryakumar, and Ashwin Star in India’s Series-Clinching Win
India continued its preparations for the upcoming World Cup with a stunning performance that led to a convincing 99-run victory (DLS method) against Australia in the second ODI of the three-match series in Indore on Sunday, September 24. This victory secured India’s series win and showcased the team’s prowess as they gear up for the global tournament. Shreyas Iyer’s exceptional century and a brilliant display by R Ashwin were the highlights of the match, and they played pivotal roles in India’s triumph.
Batting Marvels Lead India to a Commanding Total
India’s batting prowess was on full display as they posted an imposing total of 399/5 in their allotted 50 overs. Opener Ruturaj Gaikwad provided a solid start by striking two boundaries off the debutant Spencer Johnson. However, Josh Hazlewood’s well-directed deliveries got the better of Gaikwad, who edged one to wicketkeeper Alex Carey.
Shreyas Iyer, the hero of the day, wasted no time in taking control of the situation. He showcased his exquisite strokeplay, finding the gaps with ease, and accumulated regular boundaries. Shubman Gill, on the other hand, initially played a bit cautiously but later unleashed his attacking prowess, including a massive six over Sean Abbott’s head.
The rain gods briefly intervened, causing a halt in play. However, this did not deter Gill and Iyer, who resumed their onslaught upon resumption. Gill reached his fifty in just 37 balls, while Iyer achieved a magnificent century in 86 balls. Iyer was briefly given a reprieve when Abbott claimed a catch that was deemed not cleanly taken by the third umpire. Nevertheless, Iyer’s magnificent innings came to an end when he attempted a big shot but found the fielder.
KL Rahul didn’t waste any time either, starting his innings with a six off Adam Zampa. Gill also reached his century, becoming only the fifth player to score five ODI hundreds in a calendar year before turning 25. Rahul continued to hit boundaries, forming a strong partnership with Ishan Kishan.
As the innings progressed, Suryakumar Yadav took center stage, smashing four consecutive sixes in the 44th over off Cameron Green. Rahul also reached his fifty, but it was Suryakumar who did the bulk of the scoring in their partnership. However, Green finally ended Rahul’s stay, albeit in a forgettable outing with the ball. Suryakumar continued his onslaught, reaching his fifty in just 24 balls.
In the end, India amassed a formidable 399/5, displaying their depth in batting and ability to accelerate in the death overs.
Australia’s Uphill Battle After DLS Revision
Australia’s pursuit of the revised target of 317 in 33 overs following a rain break was always going to be a formidable challenge. Matthew Short made an encouraging start, taking two boundaries off Mohammed Shami in the opening over. However, Prasidh Krishna, who replaced Jasprit Bumrah for this game, removed Short and Steve Smith in quick succession.
David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne tried to revive the Australian innings, targeting Shardul Thakur. Meanwhile, Ashwin proved to be a tough nut to crack, with Warner even switching to batting right-handed against him. However, Labuschagne fell to Ashwin’s offspin, and Warner’s unorthodox tactics finally cost him his wicket as he was dismissed lbw attempting a reverse sweep.
Ashwin continued to make inroads, dismissing Josh Inglis, while Ravindra Jadeja accounted for Alex Carey. A direct hit from Ishan Kishan caught Cameron Green short of the crease, and Jadeja added to his tally by bowling out Adam Zampa. Australia found themselves struggling at 140/8.
Sean Abbott and Josh Hazlewood did provide some resistance, with Abbott showcasing his hitting skills and reaching a 29-ball fifty, his first in ODIs. However, their partnership was broken when Hazlewood was bowled by Shami for 23 runs. Abbott was the last to fall, bowled by Jadeja, as Australia’s innings concluded in the 29th over, and they had now lost five consecutive ODIs.
Ashwin and Jadeja Shine with the Ball
R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja were the standout performers with the ball for India. Ashwin’s exceptional offspin troubled the Australian batsmen, and he claimed three crucial wickets. Jadeja, after an expensive start, made a strong comeback and also picked up three wickets. These spin twins played a significant role in restricting Australia’s chase and ensuring India’s victory.
Summary
In a high-scoring encounter, India showcased their batting depth and bowling prowess, securing a convincing 99-run victory against Australia. Shreyas Iyer’s brilliant century, Shubman Gill’s explosive batting, and stellar performances by R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja were the key highlights of the match. With this win, India sealed the three-match series and continued their preparations for the upcoming World Cup.
Match Info:
- Match: India vs. Australia, Australia tour of India, 2023
- Date: Sunday, Sep 24, 2023
- Time: 01:30 PM IST
- Toss: Australia won the toss and opted to bowl
- Venue: Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore
- Umpires: Jayaraman Madanagopal (IND), Kumar Dharmasena (SL)
- Third Umpire: KN Anantha Padmanabhan (IND)
- Match Referee: Javagal Srinath (IND)
Playing XI:
- India: Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (c), Ishan Kishan (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Prasidh Krishna
- Australia: David Warner, Matthew Short, Steven Smith (c), Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Sean Abbott, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood, Spencer Johnson
Scorecard:
- India: 399/5 in 50 overs
- Australia: 217/10 in 28.2 overs
Man of the Match: Shreyas Iyer for his outstanding century.
In a dominant display, India has showcased its prowess in both batting and bowling, setting a strong precedent ahead of the World Cup.