Nagpur: A spirited bowling display by India led them to eight runs win against Australia in the second ODI in Nagpur to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match
series. Australia were off to a flier as the opening pair of Usman Khawaja and Aaron Finch added 83 runs for the first wicket in 14.3 overs. Khawaja, in
particular, was looking in good touch as he scored 38 off 37 balls that included 6 boundaries.
Finch found some touch with the bat as he scored 37 off 53 balls. His innings included 5 fours and a six. Following the loss of openers in quick succession,
Peter Handscomb and Shaun Marsh (16) rebuilt the Australian innings. But India again struck back with the wickets of Marsh and Glenn Maxwell (4). It was
then up to Marcus Stoinis and Handscomb to steer Australia’s run-chase.
However, a brilliant throw by Ravindra Jadeja removed a well-set Handscomb. Australia lost half their side on 171. But it was Stoinis and Alex Carey’s 47-
run stand that brought Australia close to the target. However, a tight bowling display in the death overs by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami ensured that
Vijay Shankar gets 11 runs to defend in the final over. Shankar gave away just two runs and dismissed the remaining two wickets to bowl Australia out for
242 in 49.3 overs.
Earlier, riding on Virat Kohli’s 40th ODI century, India scored 250 runs in 48.2 overs. Kohli was ably supported by Vijay Shankar, who made 46 off 41 balls.
