The second match of the three-match ODI series on Australian soil was a must-win game for the Indian team. But the Indian side, led by Shubman Gill, was defeated even in this battle at the Adelaide Oval. In this match held on October 23, 2025, despite a fighting 73 from Rohit Sharma and 61 from Shreyas Iyer, brilliant innings from Australian young batsmen Cooper Connolly and Matthew Short secured the series for Australia, defeating India by 2 wickets. Shubman Gill, as India’s new ODI captain, had to taste the bitterness of defeat in his very first series. A detailed analysis of the match is given below:
First Innings: Rohit-Shreyas Resistance, Zampa’s Dominance in Middle Overs
Winning the toss, Australian captain Mitchell Marsh invited India to bat first. India suffered an early setback against Australian pacer Xavier Bartlett. At just 17 runs, captain Shubman Gill was out for 9, and in a major shock to cricket fans, Virat Kohli was out for a duck 0 off 4 balls for the second consecutive match.
Facing the pressure, the innings was steadied by the experienced Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer. The duo put on a valuable partnership of 118 runs. The ‘Hitman’ Rohit Sharma played a responsible innings of 73 runs off 97 balls, including 7 fours and 2 sixes. On the other hand, the in-form Shreyas Iyer was out after scoring 61 runs off 77 balls.
However, in the middle overs, spinner Adam Zampa displayed his magic and took 4 crucial wickets, completely stalling India’s scoring rate. Despite this, a useful innings of 44 runs off 41 balls from Axar Patel and a quick 24* from Harshit Rana helped India set a fighting score of 264 runs, losing 9 wickets in 50 overs.
- India’s Scorecard: (264/9 in 50 overs)
Second Innings: Short-Connolly’s Solidity and 2-Wicket Victory for Australia
Chasing a target of 265 runs, Australia started somewhat cautiously. Although the Indian bowlers created pressure by quickly taking the wickets of Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head, the young Australians managed to handle the situation.
Matt Renshaw (30) and Matthew Short pushed the team’s innings forward. Utilizing the opportunities provided by poor Indian fielding, Matthew Short played a great innings of 74 runs off 78 balls.
After Short was dismissed, the young Cooper Connolly took charge of the game. Coming in at number six, he played an outstanding, match-winning, unbeaten innings of 61 runs off 53 balls, including 5 fours and 1 six. He was ably supported by Mitchell Swepson 36 off 23 balls. Among the Indian bowlers, Arshdeep Singh 2/40, Harshit Rana 2/59, and Washington Sundar 2/42 each took 2 wickets, but the failure to take wickets at regular intervals cost the team. Connolly guided the team to victory, securing the series for Australia with 2 wickets and 22 balls remaining.
- Australia’s Scorecard:(265/8 in 46.2 overs)
Top 5 Moments of the Match
- Virat Kohli’s Two Consecutive Ducks 0: Virat Kohli getting out for a duck 0 off 4 balls for the second straight match in his comeback series was one of the most discussed moments of the match. This early shock created great pressure on the Indian innings.
- Rohit-Shreyas Partnership’s Resistance: After losing 2 wickets for just 17 runs, the 118-run partnership between Rohit Sharma 73 and Shreyas Iyer 61 laid the foundation for the Indian innings and helped the team reach a respectable score.
- Adam Zampa’s Spin Dominance: Australia’s experienced spinner Adam Zampa took 4 crucial wickets for only 60 runs in his 10 overs, which included the wicket of Shreyas Iyer. His spell in the middle overs slowed down India’s scoring rate.
- Cooper Connolly’s Finishing Touch: The 21-year-old Cooper Connolly came in at number six and played a phenomenal, mature, unbeaten innings of 61 runs off 53 balls. His performance under pressure was the main reason for Australia’s series victory.
- Crucial Catch Misses: Matthew Short was given two lifelines in the Australian innings when Indian fielders dropped his catches. Utilizing these opportunities, Short played a 74-run innings, which smoothed the path for Australia’s victory.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the result of the India-Australia series after this match?
Australia won the second ODI by 2 wickets, securing a 2-0 series lead in the three-match ODI series.
Is this the first time Virat Kohli has been out for two consecutive ducks in ODIs?
Yes. This is the first time in ODI cricket that Virat Kohli has been out for a duck in two consecutive innings (Perth and Adelaide).
Which bowler took the most wickets for India?
Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, and Washington Sundar each took 2 wickets for India.
Who received the Man of the Match award in this match?
Adam Zampa (He took 4 wickets giving away 60 runs in 10 overs).
Who laid the foundation for the victory in Australia’s innings?
Matthew Short 74 and young Cooper Connolly’s unbeaten innings of 61 laid the main foundation for Australia’s victory. Connolly also set a record as the youngest Australian to score an ODI half-century on home soil.
What were India’s weak points in the second ODI?
India’s weak points were the rapid collapse of the top order, the inability to score runs against Adam Zampa in the middle overs, and poor fielding, such as dropping crucial catches, especially that of Matthew Short.
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