Team India took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the ODI series against Australia by beating them comprehensively in Indore on Sunday, September 24. In a rain-shortened match, the Men in Blue sealed the series with a 99-point win.
Australia won the toss and elected to bowl first, but it proved to be a long day in the field for them as India smashed 399/5 in their 50 overs. Brilliant hundreds from Shreyas Iyer and Shubman Gill, combined with fantastic cameos from KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav took the Men in Blue to a massive total.
It proved a bit too much for the Aussies as they never really gained any momentum in their chase. The DLS target of 317 in 33 overs seemed too high as they were bundled out for just 217. On that note, let’s take a look at three moments from the game that caught the attention of fans on social media:
#3 Shreyas Iyer’s comeback
Shreyas Iyer is perhaps the most consistent Indian batsman at number four since the 2019 World Cup and many believed he had finally solved the riddle. However, a long-term injury followed by Mohali’s retirement left some questions raised about his place in the team.
Nevertheless, Iyer produced a sensational knock of 105 off just 90 balls in Indore and somehow silenced his critics. The way he celebrated his 100th birthday showed how relieved he was to have reached the milestone.
The Indian team management will now be more confident about returning him to fourth position in the full-strength World Cup squad.
#2 Suryakumar Yadav’s four sixes against Cameron Green
Suryakumar Yadav’s half-century in Mohali seemed to give him incredible confidence as he backed it up with a special knock of 72* off just 37 balls in Indore. The highlight of his knock was the way he smashed Cameron Green for four sixes on the trot.
SKY initially gave himself some time and once he got past Green’s momentum, he showed why he is rated as one of the most explosive white ball players around. He also gave fans the belief that he has the ability to be the X-factor that the Indian team may ever need in the World Cup.
#1 David Warner bats right-handed
Ravichandran Ashwin, who was an off-spinner, is said to have fancied his match against David Warner. However, the Australian opener was smart enough to change guard and bat right-handed to cancel out the match.
Trying to be one step ahead, Ashwin started bowling wrist spin to the now right-handed Warner and it was a sight that left fans amazed at the intelligence of the two cricketers.
Warner, in his right-handed stance, tried to reverse Ashwin’s sweep but was ruled LBW. If Warner had reviewed the decision, he wouldn’t have been out as the replays showed he had a huge inside edge on his pads.
To watch the highlights of the match, click here.