IND vs AUS, 2nd ODI: Mitchell Starc and Co. Run Rampage as India Collapse For a Paltry 117
.jpg)
Mitchell Starc starred with the ball for Australia [Source: AP]
Riding on bowlers' stupendous performance, Australia made a remarkable comeback in the ODI series against India, bundling the hosts out for a measly 117-run total in the do-or-die fixture in Visakhapatnam. Considering their batting depth, the visitors must back themselves to chase the target and restore parity in the series.
How the battle panned out?
Starc's new-ball spell dismantled India [Source: AP]
Captain Steve Smith's decision to bowl first proved to be a masterstroke for Australia, who got off to a dream start, courtesy of a sensational swing bowling masterclass from Mitchell Starc.
Starc, who was instrumental in India's early collapse in Mumbai, once again wreaked havoc in the hosts' camp, running through their top-order for the second consecutive time.
While skipper Rohit Sharma departed after miscuing an expansive drive, Shubman Gill hit it straight to the point, being dismissed for a two-ball duck.
Suryakumar Yadav recorded another failure, as he was trapped plumb in front by Starc's trademark inswinger. KL Rahul, who played a match-winning knock in Mumbai, had no answer to Starc's tough questions and eventually returned to the dug out for nine.
Although Virat Kohli looked in control for his 35-ball 31, Nathan Ellis removed him to put Australia in the driving seat. Meanwhile, the hero of the last game, Ravindra Jadeja, couldn't convert his start, being Ellis' second victim for a 39-ball 16.
After Jadeja got out, it took a little time for Australia to clean up the Indian tail and restrict the hosts to a paltry 117 in 26 overs.
Besides Kohli, Axar Patel was the lone shining light for India with the bat, amassing a run-a-ball 29*.
For Australia, Starc claimed five wickets, with Ellis and Abbott grabbing two and three scalps, respectively.
Brief Scores
India: 117 (26)
Virat Kohli 31 (35), Axar Patel 29* (29)
Mitchell Starc 5/53 (8), Sean Abbott 3/23 (6)
Australia need 118 runs to win.
