Vaibhav Tripathi
Team India secured a resounding 99-run victory over Australia in the second ODI at Indore’s Holkar Cricket Stadium, clinching the series 2-0 through the DLS method. Shreyas Iyer, who was run-out in the first ODI, made a triumphant return with a splendid century, scoring 105 off 90 balls, earning him the Player of the Match award.
Iyer stated, “When I went into bat, I didn’t want to complicate things. I wanted to get my eyes set, that’s how I give confidence to myself. I am flexible, ready to bat any position, whatever my team needs to do.”
Despite their comprehensive performance, India’s fielding was marred by dropped catches. KL Rahul acknowledged this, saying, “When I saw the wicket in the morning, I didn’t think it would spin so much. Putting 400 on the board, gives you confidence. We have dropped a few catches, but fielding under lights, it’s challenging physically.”
Meanwhile, Australia’s losing streak continued. Stand-in skipper Steve Smith expressed the team’s determination to turn the tide in the upcoming matches. “We have lost quite a few matches in a row, in South Africa and here. We need to sort out a few things, hopefully we turn it around in the next game. We have a few days now, we are working towards the World Cup, both the teams are. Hopefully, we’ll turn it around in the last game,” he said.
The series now moves to Rajkot for the third ODI on Wednesday, September 27.