ADELAIDE, 23 October (H.S.): Australia clinched the three-match ODI series against India with a game to spare, securing a hard-fought two-wicket victory in the second match on Thursday, driven by a resilient middle-order performance. With this win, the hosts have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead.

Matt Short was the anchor of the chase on his Big Bash home ground, scoring a superb 74. He was ably supported by Cooper Connolly, who notched his maiden ODI half-century with a crucial 61 not out, steering his team across the finish line.

A quickfire 36 from Mitchell Owen also provided vital momentum to the Australian innings.Earlier, after being put in to bat, India posted a competitive total of 264 for nine in their 50 overs.

Captain Rohit Sharma led from the front with a well-made 73, while Shreyas Iyer contributed a solid 61.

However, the Indian innings was hampered by a disciplined Australian bowling attack. Xavier Bartlett (3/39) delivered a significant blow by taking two wickets in a single over, including the prized scalp of Virat Kohli for a duck. Later, leg-spinner Adam Zampa (4/60) dismantled the middle order, though a late partnership involving Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh added valuable runs to push India to a respectable score.

In pursuit of 265, Australia faced a mid-innings scare. India had reduced them to 132 for four in the 27th over, making the contest a thrilling affair. However, the composed partnerships led by Short and Connolly ensured Australia weathered the storm, despite losing a few quick wickets towards the end.

The third and final ODI will be played in Sydney on Saturday, followed by a five-match T20 series between the two teams.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar