India has levelled the ODI series at 1-1 after a stirring 36-run victory over Australia in Rajkot overnight.
Batting first, the home side plundered 340 (6 wickets down) from their 50 overs in what was a masterful batting display in the wake of the thumping they received in the opening game.
Shikhar Darwan led the way with 96 (90 balls) while KL Rahul smashed 80 off 52 and captain Virat Kohli struck 78 (76 balls).
The pick of the Australian bowlers was spinner Adam Zampa who finished with figures of 3-50 (10 overs) on a batsman-friendly pitch.
Bowled him 😲 Shreyas OUT for 7... Zampa gets his 2nd 👏
— Fox Cricket (@FoxCricket) January 17, 2020
📺 Stream #INDvAUS ad-break free on Kayo: https://t.co/CfILOrTeyB
Live blog 📝: https://t.co/n0TFedYPEO pic.twitter.com/jSvWbJmk2j
In response the Aussies fell significantly short, all out for 304 in the final over.
Steve Smith came agonisingly close to reaching his first ODI century in three years only to be dismissed for 98 (off 102) when playing on in an attempt to cut Kuldeep.
Marnus Labuschagne was Australia’s next best with 46 (off 47).
HUGE WICKET!! Steve Smith OUT for 98 🚶♂️
— Fox Cricket (@FoxCricket) January 17, 2020
📺 Stream #INDvAUS ad-break free on Kayo: https://t.co/CfILOrTeyB
Live blog 📝: https://t.co/n0TFedYPEO pic.twitter.com/XfsMX0JLxD
Jasprit Bumrah was the most economical of the Indian bowling attack, conceding just 32 runs from his nine overs, which included the final wicket. Mohammed Shami took 3-77.
The three-match series is up for grabs in Bengaluru on Sunday.