Australia Clinch ODI Series After Thrilling Win Over India

Australia sealed their one-day international (ODI) series against India with a thrilling two-wicket win at Adelaide Oval. The home side chased down India’s total of 264 for nine with 3.4 overs to spare, thanks to half-centuries from Matt Short and young all-rounder Cooper Connolly. This victory gave Australia an unassailable 2–0 lead in the three-match series, with one game left to play at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Number three batter Matt Short anchored Australia’s innings with a brave 74 despite injuring his finger earlier in the match. His partnership with Cooper Connolly, who scored his maiden international fifty, was the highlight of the innings. Connolly’s unbeaten 61 guided the team home after some tense moments late in the chase. “It was good fun. I was obviously really nervous,” Connolly said after the match. “Super stoked for the boys to get the win.”

India’s innings was built around captain Rohit Sharma, who top-scored with 73 from 97 balls. His knock helped India recover after early setbacks, but it was not enough to stop Australia’s momentum. With this innings, Rohit also moved past Sourav Ganguly to third place on India’s all-time ODI run-scorers list. However, it was a frustrating night overall for the visitors, as they dropped several catches and missed key opportunities in the field.

It was a night to forget for Indian batting legend Virat Kohli, who registered his second consecutive duck in ODIs — the first time in his 300-match career. Kohli was trapped lbw by young pacer Xavier Bartlett on just the fourth ball he faced. The dismissal mirrored his earlier failure in Perth, where he was caught off Mitchell Starc’s bowling. His recent struggles added to India’s woes as their top order collapsed early under pressure from Australia’s fast bowlers.

Australian bowlers made full use of home conditions. Xavier Bartlett claimed 3 for 39, removing both Indian openers — Shubman Gill and Kohli — early in the innings. Spinner Adam Zampa also returned to form, taking 4 for 60 and earning the man-of-the-match award. His crucial middle-overs spell slowed India’s scoring rate and triggered key breakthroughs just as Rohit and Shreyas Iyer (61) were looking settled.

Despite losing regular wickets, India’s tailenders provided a valuable contribution. Harshit Rana (24 not out) and Arshdeep Singh (13) added a quick 37 runs for the ninth wicket, helping India post a respectable total of 264. Their late hitting ensured India had something to defend on a good batting pitch, setting up what became an entertaining contest under lights at Adelaide Oval.

Chasing 265, Australia’s openers Mitchell Marsh (11) and Travis Head (28) failed to build a strong start, but Matt Renshaw’s 30 stabilized the innings. Short and Connolly then took charge, with Short benefiting from a dropped catch when on 55 — a crucial moment that kept Australia in the hunt. After Short was dismissed at 74, Connolly formed a 59-run stand with Mitchell Owen, whose 36 off 37 balls brought the hosts close to victory.

Just when Australia seemed in control, they lost three wickets for 14 runs in a sudden collapse. The pressure built, but Connolly remained calm, striking a few composed boundaries. Finally, a wild bouncer from Arshdeep Singh sailed over his head, giving Australia the winning run through a wide delivery. The home crowd erupted in joy as Connolly’s unbeaten 61 sealed the match and the series.

In a separate development, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has petitioned the Supreme Court to classify match-fixing as a criminal offence. The cricket board argued that fixing undermines the integrity of the game and should be punishable under India’s existing cheating laws. The appeal follows a case from Karnataka involving alleged match-fixing during a state league in 2018–2019. The BCCI stated that match-fixing amounts to “cheating by deception” and thus falls under the Indian Penal Code. The case is ongoing, as the cricket community awaits the court’s decision.

With the Adelaide win, Australia have already claimed the series, but both teams will look to make statements in the final ODI in Sydney. For India, it will be a chance to regain confidence ahead of their upcoming home series, while Australia will aim to continue their winning momentum and test their bench strength before the international season closes.