Australia Edge Past India in Adelaide to Clinch ODI Series with a Game to Spare

Adelaide | October 24, 2025 Australia secured a thrilling two-wicket victory over India at the Adelaide Oval to seal the one-day international series 2–0, with one match remaining. Led by resilient half-centuries from all-rounders Matt Short and Cooper Connolly, the hosts chased down India’s total of 264 for nine with 3.4 overs to spare, despite a tense finish. Matt Short played a gritty knock of 74 at number three, showing immense determination after injuring a finger earlier in the field. His innings set the foundation for the chase before 22-year-old Cooper Connolly marked his arrival on the big stage with an unbeaten 61—his maiden international fifty. Though Australia briefly stumbled to 260 for eight after a late burst from India’s bowlers, Connolly held his nerve and guided the team home, with the winning run coming via a wide. “It was good fun. I was obviously really nervous,” Connolly said after the match. “Super stoked for the boys to get the win.” For India, it was a night of frustration and missed chances. Skipper Rohit Sharma top-scored with a determined 73 off 97 deliveries, surpassing Sourav Ganguly to become the third-highest run-getter for India in one-day internationals. However, India’s fielding let them down, with several dropped catches—including one off Short that could have shifted the game’s momentum. Virat Kohli endured another rough outing, falling for a second consecutive duck for the first time in his illustrious ODI career spanning over 300 matches. He was trapped leg-before by young pacer Xavier Bartlett on the fourth delivery he faced, marking another disappointing moment in what could possibly be his final international tour. Batting first after Australia won the toss, India struggled early against the home team’s pace attack. Bartlett, who finished with figures of 3 for 39, dismissed India’s stand-in captain Shubman Gill for nine before removing Kohli in the same over. Rohit, however, absorbed the pressure and forged a crucial 118-run stand with Shreyas Iyer, who contributed a composed 61. Leg-spinner Adam Zampa made a strong return to the lineup, claiming 4 for 60 to dismantle India’s middle order and earn the Player of the Match award. Despite the setbacks, India’s lower order added valuable runs, with Harshit Rana (24 not out) and Arshdeep Singh (13) sharing an important 37-run stand for the ninth wicket, pushing the total to a competitive 264. Australia’s chase was far from straightforward. Openers Mitchell Marsh (11) and Travis Head (28) fell cheaply, but Short and Matt Renshaw (30) steadied the innings. Short survived a dropped catch on 55 when Washington Sundar’s delivery was put down by Mohammed Siraj at point, but Siraj later redeemed himself by catching Short off Harshit Rana’s bowling. Connolly then formed a vital 59-run partnership with Mitchell Owen (36) that appeared to seal the game before a brief collapse saw Australia lose three quick wickets for just 14 runs. Despite the nerves, Connolly kept his composure, steering his side home with calm precision as a wild bouncer from Arshdeep Singh sealed the victory. The third and final ODI will take place at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday, though the series result is already decided in Australia’s favour. Australia Clinch ODI Series After Thrilling Win in Adelaide Australia edged out India by two wickets in a tense finish at the Adelaide Oval, sealing the ODI series 2–0 with one game remaining. Matt Short’s gritty 74 and young Cooper Connolly’s unbeaten 61 guided the hosts past India’s total of 264. For India, captain Rohit Sharma top-scored with 73, while Virat Kohli endured a second consecutive duck. Adam Zampa starred with the ball, taking four wickets to stall India’s innings. Despite a late collapse, Australia held their nerve to secure victory, leaving India searching for answers ahead of the final match in Sydney.