Gill’s captaincy debut ends in series loss as Australia snatch 2-wicket win, leaving Rohit’s effort in vain

Adelaide: Rohit Sharma’s well-made 73 was not enough to prevent Australia from handing Indian captain Shubman Gill his first ODI series defeat. Australia chased down a target of 265 with 22 balls to spare, securing a 2-wicket victory at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday.

Australia’s decision to bowl first paid early dividends as Indian skipper Shubman Gill fell for 9 in the sixth over, followed shortly by star batsman Virat Kohli, who was dismissed for a duck. Both wickets were claimed by Xavier Barlett. 

Shreyas Iyer joined Rohit Sharma at the crease, steadily rebuilding the innings. The pair took the score to 135 before Mitchell Starc removed the former Indian captain. Rohit top-scored with 73 off 97 balls, including seven boundaries and two sixes.

Axar Patel then joined Iyer, contributing a quick 44 off 41 deliveries, while Iyer made 61 off 77 balls. Their partnership helped India cross the 200-run mark. Late contributions from the lower order, including Harshit Rana’s unbeaten 24, guided India to a total of 264/9 — a respectable score, but slightly below par on a pitch that proved challenging to defend.

In reply, Matt Short’s 74 helped Australia withstand India’s early bowling attack. Later, Cooper Connolly remained unbeaten on 61 off 53 balls, while Mitchell Owen contributed a quick 36 off 23 deliveries, punishing both pacers and spinners.

The duo added 59 runs in just 6.3 overs, guiding Australia home in 46.2 overs and securing a 2-wicket win. The victory gave Australia an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, ending their three-series losing streak in the format. Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh and Washington Sundar claimed 2 wickets each. 

The third match in the series will be held in Canberra on October 25. It could be the opportunity for Gill to secure his first win as ODI captain and Kohli to dismiss retirement calls after failing to capitalise in the first two matches.