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Australia defeated India by 2 wickets in a thrilling encounter at Adelaide Oval on October 23, 2025 to win the series against with a unassailable lead of 2-0 in the three-match series.
Australia clinches series win with 2-wicket victory over India in Adelaide ODI
India, batting first, posted a competitive total of 264/9, with Rohit Sharma (73) and Shreyas Iyer (61) anchoring the innings. However, despite a strong foundation, the middle and lower order crumbled under pressure from Australia’s bowlers, particularly Adam Zampa and Xavier Bartlett. India’s total was brought down by some fine bowling spells, but in the end, it was insufficient to prevent Australia from chasing the target successfully.
Australia, chasing a target of 265, were led to victory by the steady contributions of Matthew Short (74) and Cooper Connolly (61*), who carried Australia through the tense final overs. The chase, however, was not without drama, as Australia’s middle order also faced some challenges, including the loss of key wickets under pressure. Still, Australia crossed the line with 2 wickets in hand, securing the series win with 22 balls remaining. The 2-0 lead in the series puts India in a tough spot as they prepare for the final match, needing a monumental effort to stay alive in the contest.
India’s battling innings falls short despite key contributions from Shreyas Iyer and Rohit Sharma
India’s innings was marked by fighting performances at the top, with Rohit Sharma leading the charge with a patient 73 and Shreyas Iyer continuing his consistent form with a well-made 61. Together, the duo laid a solid foundation for the Indian innings. However, despite their efforts, India’s middle order could not capitalize on the solid platform provided by the openers. Adam Zampa was the key destroyer for Australia, picking up 4 wickets, including crucial dismissals of Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel and KL Rahul, destabilizing the Indian batting lineup.
The lower order, despite brief resistance from Harshit Rana (24*) and Arshdeep Singh (13), fell apart quickly, with India losing wickets in clumps. Zampa’s spell combined with Bartlett’s three-wicket haul was the difference, as they restricted India to 264/9, a total that was competitive but ultimately not enough. India’s inability to convert starts into substantial partnerships throughout the middle overs cost them, leaving the bowlers with too little to defend. With a disappointing total on the board, the Indian team will reflect on missed opportunities, particularly in the middle and lower order, as they now face a must-win scenario in the final ODI.
Also WATCH: AUS vs IND: Mitchell Starc takes a jaw-dropping boundary catch to dismiss Axar Patel in Adelaide ODI
Adam Zampa’s match-winning performance guides Australia to victory
Zampa was the standout performer in Australia’s victory, with his remarkable figures of 4/60 proving pivotal in their successful chase. His performance was instrumental in breaking India’s key partnerships, and his control in the middle overs ensured that Australia stayed on top throughout India’s innings. Zampa’s first breakthrough came in the form of Iyer, whose dismissal helped shift momentum in Australia’s favour. He followed it up with the wickets of Axar, Rahul and Nitish Kumar Reddy, ensuring that India’s lower order could not build any meaningful partnerships.
Zampa’s ability to bowl in the right areas and extract crucial wickets at key junctures was a testament to his skill under pressure. His performance, combined with the excellent support from Mitchell Starc, who also picked up 2 wickets, allowed Australia to restrict India to a modest total. In the chase, Australia faced pressure from the Indian bowlers, but Zampa’s efforts earlier in the game were enough to allow the middle order to steady the ship and guide Australia to a narrow but memorable victory. His control over the innings, alongside key partnerships, earned him the Player of the Match award, and his contributions were crucial in Australia’s series-clinching win.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Kuldeep Yadav was must for this game. Things could have been different had he been there but onus is on batters to score more runs. Losing 2 wickets in the power play regularly won’t help the cause. Cooper Connolly is surely the one for the future for Australia.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan)
A team that was winning and having dream runs in tournaments unbeaten has now lost a bilateral series against a largely second-string Australian team. Don’t forget this is our first assignment after Champions Trophy where we didn’t lose even once. What changed? Why?
— Priyank Panchal (@PKpanchal09)
Adam zampa might not have the same height but reminds me a lot of the great Anil Kumble. Bowlsclose to the stumps. Immaculate line & length. Doesn’t spin a mile but just enough to beat the outside & inside edge of the batter. Doesn’t need favourable conditions to be fruitful.…
— Shreevats goswami (@shreevats1)
Adam Zampa man of the match in a game where India refused to play their own fantastic wristspinner.
— CricBlog ✍ (@cric_blog)
Crazy how often Adam Zampa dismisses a batter who’s hit him for a boundary with the very next delivery
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07)
I feel Kuldeep has displayed enough potential with the ball in conditions that don't assist spin. Him not making the XI is bewildering.
Don't think Australia consider benching Zampa, irrespective of what conditions offer. England also play Adil Rashid in England.— Spandan Roy (@talksports45)
A great knock from skipper Matt Short, representing Australia with 74 runs 🇦🇺
— Adelaide Oval (@TheAdelaideOval)
Matthew Short is really Tall.
— Sameer Allana (@HitmanCricket)
Rana provided 24 runs with the bat but India have terribly missed a wicket-taker like Kuldeep Yadav. A wrist-spinner of his quality would have put brakes on Connolly and Owen, none of whom had an ODI fifty before today. Now, they have had a pship of 56 from 36 🤷♂️
— Shubh Agarwal (@shubh_chintak)
Spin brilliance from Adam Zampa 🙌
– 10 overs, 4 wickets- a game changing performance 🌟
— bet88visa.com (@CricketTimesHQ)
