Last Update on: September 25th, 2023 at 12:00 am
The KL Rahul-led India National Cricket Team won the second ODI of the three-match series by 99 runs against Steve Smith-led Australia National Cricket Team at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore on Sunday, September 24.
After being invited to bat first in the match, India were able to post a mammoth 399/5 on the board. As opener Ruturaj Gaikwad got out for a low score, Shreyas Iyer joined Shubman Gill in the middle and together they built up a 200-run partnership with both the batters hitting brilliant centuries.
Then, Suryakumar Yadav hit a marvelous 72 runs off 37 balls and was well supported by KL Rahul (52) and Ishan Kishan (31) as India gave a huge target to the Aussies.
Defending the target, Prasidh Krishna dismissed Matthew Short and Steve Smith in the second over itself. After that, the target was revised to 317 from 33 overs due to the rain, and the visitors were bowled out for 217.
David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne were the only two batters from the top order who performed well while the rest of the batters got out for low scores. Despite Australia being down and out at 140/8, Sean Abbott didn’t give up and smashed a terrific half-century. Abbott showcased a batting masterclass and added 77 runs in 44 balls with Josh Hazlewood, but it wasn’t enough to earn a victory.
We have dropped a few catches, but fielding under lights, it’s challenging – KL Rahul
Speaking during the post-match presentation ceremony, KL Rahul said that the surface at the Holkar Cricket Stadium took him by surprise. He said:
“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.”
Talking about the selection decisions, he said that the job of every player, who gets picked, is to deliver his best possible performance for the team. KL Rahul said:
“It’s not really our decision to make. Our jobs are clear. Everyone who gets picked in the XI, needs to focus on their job. Everyone has gone through this, you need to keep getting better and wait for the opportunities.”
KL Rahul further acknowledged the poor fielding of India in the second ODI where several catches were dropped. He said that fielding under lights is challenging and sometimes mistakes happen. KL Rahul said:
“We have dropped a few catches, but fielding under lights, it’s challenging physically. The coaches are doing their best to keep the guys fit. Sometimes these errors happen. The commitment is always there, we’ll learn from it, brush it off and get better in the next game. Nothing is discussed, but guys coming back will want to make it count. With the World Cup only a couple of weeks away, guys will want to get into it. They need to get used to the challenges, they will be keen to get back on to the field.”
With the win in the first two ODIs, India have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. The third and final match of the series will be held at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot on September 27.
