Follow UsIt was going all hunky-dory for Australia in their chase of 265 against visitors India during the second ODI of the three-match series at the Adelaide Oval on October 23 (Thursday).
They were 246/5 with the sixth wicket partnership between Mitchell Owen and Cooper Connolly being 59-run strong and the Aussies needing 19 more to win. The game was nearly over before the drama unfolded in full bright light at the Adelaide Oval.
Against the run of play, Owen went for a flat-batted lofted hoick and got caught at long-on by Arshdeep Singh. There was no need for that shot, but Owen is not someone to play by the book.
Soon after, Arshdeep Singh removed Xavier Bartlett, and Mohammed Siraj got rid of Mitchell Starc to make it 260/8. Australia, after being 246/5, were suddenly in all sorts of trouble, having lost three wickets for 14 runs and needing five more.
Connolly showed more composure than is expected from him at this age as he ensured that the chaos was taken care of and the hosts reached home with two wickets intact.
Earlier, after Australian captain Mitchell Marsh won the toss and opted to bowl first, India were restricted to 264/9 in their 50 overs. Adam Zampa was the pick of the Aussie bowlers with figures of 4/60, while Xavier Bartlett took three wickets, including that of Indian great Virat Kohli, who was once again out for a duck.
Having already lost the series, India will be playing for pride in the third and final ODI in Sydney on October 25 (Saturday).