New Delhi:
It has been a typical Nagpur wicket and it wouldn't be wrong to say that the runs have been hard to come by. On this wicket, Aaron Finch asked the opposition to have a bat first and in the first over itself, India lost their vice-captain. Post this, the wicket continued to tumble at regular intervals but Virat Kohli stood tall and registered his 40th ODI ton. His ton along with a few cameos from Shankar and Shikhar helped India to finish at 250. However, India couldn't play their quota of 50 overs. This remains to be seen how Australia responds and chase this target. (LIVE SCORECARD)
That's it from us. Hope you enjoyed our coverage. We will be back for the third ODI on March 8.
WHAT A GAME! India beat Australia by 8 runs to take 2-0 lead in the series.
Unbelievable scenes at Nagpur stadium. The crowd is literally on its feet as India is on the verge of creating history.
WICKET: What a delivery by Shankar. Right in front. Stoinis OUT.
Superb display by Bumrah. Just one run off the 48th over.
21 needed off the last three overs. Stoinis is the only hope for Australia at the moment.
Four from Stoinis' bat. Pin drop silence in Nagpur.
India keeping it really tight. Marcus Stoinis struggling to find the gaps.
Australia loses their EIGHTH wicket. India is now just two wickets away.
India is right on top. For Australia, Marcus Stoinis is probably their last hope. After 45.2 overs, it's 223/7.
WICKET: Seventh down for Australia. Nathan Coulter-Nile BOWLED.
BIG over for Australia. 15 off Kuldeep Yadav's over.
Stoinis and Carey are not able to get bat on the ball, which eventually is building pressure on Australians. With eight overs still to go, Australia needs to press the accelerate button.
It's 189/5 and 62 runs more required to square the series.
Alex Carey joins Stoinis into the middle. With 12 overs still remaining, probably this is last partnership for Australia which can shape things in their favour. As of now, it's 175/5.
WICKET: What a superb piece of work by RAVINDRA JADEJA. Handscomb departs after well-made 48.
The spinners are crewing down pressure on the Aussies. Kedar is more effective than one can even think of. After 37 overs, it's 167/4.
6 DOT balls by Kedar Jadhav. Pressure builds on Australia.
As in the last game, Virat has trusted Jadhav more than Shankar as the fifth bowler. Stoinis and Handscomb are taking a lot of time settle, eventually putting pressure on Australia. After the end of 33 overs, it's 145/4.
Superb bowling by Kuldeep, just a single of his seventh over. India has been able to build pressure.
115 runs required off 120 deliveries. With Stoinis and Handscomb still out in the middle, Australia will be favouring their chances.
WICKET: Huge moment in the game. Glenn Maxwell tried to pull one down to the mid-wicket region but misses totally. Kuldeep Strikes!
Team India has been able to slow things down here. The bowlers have just given 11 runs in last 4.3 overs. Slowing runs per over means, a wicket is on its way. After 28 overs, Australia is 132/3.
Jasprit Bumrah comes back, maybe a two-over spell for him here.
Runs have been hard to come by after Shaun Marsh was OUT. Glenn Maxwell, who has been in prime form hasn't been able to find the gaps. With this, Australia is 127/3 after 26 overs.
WICKET: Shaun Marsh tried to guide the ball through the fine-leg region, but one will have to say that Dhoni did what he has known for - caught a widish delivery with ease. OUT for 16.
The way Australia is playing, can we say it's a good wicket to bat on?
The last five overs have been quite for the Australians. Shaun Marsh and Peter Handscomb are content with singles and doubles and do not want to take any risks as of now. The partnership is 38 off 45 balls. After 23 overs, it's 121/2.
Sensible cricket from Australia. They lost their openers together, but post that, both Shaun Marsh and Peter Handscomb haven't given anything to India. After 21 overs, it's 113/2.
In last 4.2 overs, Australia has been able to score just 20 runs, but what's important - they haven't lost a wicket.
Shami back into the attack as India looks for the third.
100 up for Australia. Just 151 more needed. Can they square the series 1-1?
Two wickets falling in quick time, and suddenly the crowd is alive. With both the openers back to the pavilion, Australia will have to rebuild their innings otherwise 250 will look far away. After 17 overs, Australia is 92/2.
WICKET: Both the openers back to the pavilion now. India's golden arm sends Khawaja back.
WICKET: It's Kuldeep Yadav who helps India to get Australia's first wicket. Aaron Finch tried to play a sweep shot to Yadav, but completely missed the ball and was judged leg before the wicket OUT.
Less than 170 needed now, and it wouldn't be wrong to say that Australia is chasing this target with ease. Kohli tried Jadeja from Kuldeep Yadav's end but didn't do any good to team India. After 14 overs, it's 82/0.
Kedar Jadhav replaces Ravindra Jadeja into the attack, who had given 19 runs in his first two overs.
Aaron Finch welcomes Kuldeep Yadav with a huge six over mid-wicket region. Off she goes.
Runs are flowing for Australia, and with ease for men-in-yellow. They haven't had any problem in playing spin yet. However, in no time we will see Kuldeep Yadav into the attack. 11 overs gone, it's 69 for no wicket.
ALERT: 50 run partnership between Aaron Finch and Usman Khawaja.
Nine runs off Jadeja's second over. Virat Kohli may introduce Kuldeep Yadav from that end. After 9 overs, it's 47/0.
India is badly in a need of a wicket now. Bumrah has bowled four overs, Shami dome with three, Jadeja has also bowled one. But wicket is nowhere to be seen. After 8 overs, Australia is 38/0.
So far, so good for Australia. Finch has looked more confident with his forward defence while Khawaja is playing anchor's role. This has been a watchful and steady start from Australia. Will India introduce spin early, just like the Australians did? After 6 overs, it's 32 for no loss.
With no wicket in the first five overs, Virat Kohli employs one at short mid-wicket, and one slip gives hint that a wicket is coming real soon.
Edges. Glorious shots - doesn't matter. Till now runs are flowing for Australia, the team would be happy. After the first four overs, it's 25/0.
Finch's first boundary of the series. It was a juicy half-volley from Shami as he drives to the cover for four runs.
Australia will be happy with this start. They have seen Bumrah and Shami for an over each, and haven't lost a wicket. After the first two overs, it's 13 for no loss.
Jasprit Bumrah, from the other end, starts off with a WIDE.
Finch and Khawaja will start the proceedings for Australia. Virat Kohli, on the other hand, starts with his favourite aide Mohammad Shami. And Action of the second inning begins.
India lost four wickets in quick succession, and this has been the story for the team. They lost wickets in pair which eventually build the pressure on them. With this, India all out for 250, and couldn't play their quota of 50 overs.
WICKET: Knocked him over. Kuldeep OUT for 3 runs. Cummins picks his fourth.
WICKET: Virat Kohli out after a memorable inning of 116 runs. Cummins pick his second.
WICKET: Jadeja looks for the big one but finds the fielder running back from mid-off. After 45.5 overs, it's 238/7.
With Virat still at the crease, 270 runs are looking within the range for team India. However, this remains to be seen if Jadeja can play a few aerial shots. After 45 overs, India is 233/6.
CENTURY ALERT: Another day, Another century. Virat Kohli once again proves he his from different class. One of the best ODI ton, spectators would have ever witnessed. This is also the first century of this series. Makes his mark, every time he steps on the field.
With one run down to the mid-wicket, Virat Kohli is now just 8 runs away from reaching his 40th ODI ton. After 41.2 overs, it's 210/6.
MILESTONE ALERT: 2000 runs for Ravindra Jadeja in one-day Internationals.
Just three of the 40th over. Ravindra Jadeja is struggling to rotate the strike. He has scored just 9 runs off 23 balls. With last 10 overs to start, India will be hoping him to go big.
Ravindra Jadeja and Virat Kohli are playing sensibly as the total goes up to 200. With another 11 overs to go, this remains to be seen if the duo can add another 70-80 runs. After 39 overs, it's 201/6.
India lost two wickets in quick succession, which eventually pushed down their overall run-rate. With Virat Kohli still at the crease, India will be hoping to finish between 250-260. As of now, it's 190/6 after 37 overs.
Virat Kohli is just 24 runs away from his 40th ODI ton. Can he reach that milestone today?
After introducing Zampa and Lyon into the attack, Finch has brought Maxwell into the scheme of things. He dismissed Dhawan at the start and has produced a very economical over, giving just 5 runs. After 35 overs, it's 181/6.
Ravindra Jadeja SURVIVES. Just a part of a foot behind, but even then, it wouldn't be wrong to say that India is under pressure.
After losing Kedar for 11, India lost their wicket-keeper batsman MS Dhoni for a golden duck. Statistically, this is his second golden duck against Australia; first came at Vizag in 2010.
Just when India was looking under control, the team lost Shankar. With this, Jadhav come ahead of MS Dhoni as India see themselves at 166/4 after 31 overs.
WICKET: Kohli smashes a tossed up delivery back to the bowler as Adam Zampa gets his finger to the ball. Vijay Shankar, unfortunately, was out of the crease and had to take a long walk back to the pavilion. Got to feel for Shankar. OUT for 46.
Adam Zampa comes back into the attack, and Vijay Shankar welcomes him with a delightful boundary. Comes onto 46 now; which is his highest Individual ODI Score.
India is currently dealing in boundaries. After Shankar, Virat ticks one down to the third man region and off she goes - FOUR!
Suddenly the run-rate goes over 5, as Vijay Shankar starts to deal in boundaries. First four and then SIX. Shankar reaches 40; just 5 away from his highest ODI score. After 27 overs, it's 127/3.
In no time, Vijay Shankar and Virat Kohli bring 50 runs partnership. After 25.2, it's 125/2.
MILESTONE ALERT: Virat Kohli punches one down the off region to bring up his 50th ODI fifty.
India had promoted Vijay Shankar ahead of MS Dhoni in this game, and till now he hasn't disappointed the team management at all. Till now, he has paced his innings perfectly, having scored 25 off 24deliveries. The partnership between two is now 40 as India's total notches up to 119 for 3 after 24.1 overs.
After losing Rayudu for 18, both Virat Kohli and Vijay Shankar are playing positively and have registered a partnership of 20 in no time. In this rebuilding phase, it's important for the skipper to play the anchor's role and let Shankar express himself. After 20 overs, it's 97 for 3.
Back to back boundary for the Indian skipper, comes into 40s. Can he get to his 50th ODI fifty?
WICKET! Super stuff from Nathan Lyon. He floats a flatter delivery from round the wicket and it skids on, Rayudu plays down the wrong line and gets hit on the back pad, the umpire raises the finger and Rayudu reviews. Replays show that the ball pitched in line and was hitting middle of middle stump. India are 75/3
Rayudu pounces on a full toss from Zampa and carts it over deep midwicket for a boundary.
Kohli holds the key for India now and he is looking in great touch. Australia need to maintain the intensity. Adam Zampa, who has dismissed Kohli four times, is into the attack now.
Ambati Rayudu replaces Dhawan. After 10 overs - India are 39/2.
Rayudu 1(9), Kohli 16(16)
Loud appeal for LBW... Maxwell is excited so is captain Finch but the umpire said no. Australia takes first review. And it looks out. Three reds and Dhawan has to go. A good review by Australia. India lose second. Dhawan departs for 21 off 29.
A very good start for Maxwell. Just three off his first over. And now comes Adam Zampa. So spin from both ends.
Here comes Australia's man in form - Glen Maxwell. Seeing their pacers on receiving end, Australia introduce spin early.
Its raining boundaries in Nagpur.... He stands tall and guided it towards the backward point.... Fine timing, good placement. Score after 5 overs: IND 24-1
FOUR! Dhawan joins the party and he decided to take on Pat Cummins. He banged it short but Dhawan picked it early and pulled away over mid-wicket for a boundary.
FOUR More! It looks that the skipper came all set from the dressing room. Nathan Coulter-Nile bowled it full Kohli just flicked it with soft hands through mid-wicket.
FOUR! Kohli hits a stunning boundary off Nathan Coulter-Nile as he gently pushed it through mid on. A difficult on drive but Kohli played that effortlessly.
Pat Cummins bowls a very tight third over. Just one run off it with five dot bowls. He is looking in a very good rhythm.
Interesting facts: This is the first time Rohit Sharma has been dismissed for a duck in a home ODI.
Shikhar Dhawan gets going with a boundary off Nathan Coulter-Nile as he flicks a full ball to the deep square leg.
This is the first time Rohit Sharma has been dismissed for a 0 in a home ODI.
WICKET! Rohit Sharma falls for 0. Pat Cummins strikes in his first over. Rohit upper-cut the short ball and Adam Zampa takes the catch at third man.
So, in addition to Shaun Marsh, Nathan Lyon is the other change in the Australian team. Aaron Finch's side are playing two spinners and Ashton Turner, who made a solid start in Hyderbad, misses out. Jason Behrendorff is also out.
Here are the playing XIs for both the teams
India: Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli(c), Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni(w), Kedar Jadhav, Vijay Shankar, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah
Australia: Usman Khawaja, Aaron Finch(c), Shaun Marsh, Marcus Stoinis, Peter Handscomb, Glenn Maxwell, Alex Carey(w), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, Adam Zampa
Australia has chosen to bowl against India in Nagpur. Virat Kohli's side are unchanged while Shaun Marsh returns for Aaron Finch's side.
Just in for the Australian team - Shaun Marsh is back and he will be a welcome addition to the batting. Marsh was the standout performer in the previous ODI series Down Under.
The bowling started off well but it lacked intensity as the game wore on. When the chips are down, it has been observed that Kedar Jadhav plays aggressively and it pays off.
India are blessed with a problem of plenty, so much so that Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav are the top spinners in the Indian team in such a short time, displacing Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. In fact, Jadeja is in the current squad only because Hardik Pandya was injured. However, Jadeja's chances in the world Cup appear slim.
The major issue confronting Australia will be MS Dhoni. He has a century against them which he smashed in 2009 and his average at this venue is a staggering 134. Expect more fireworks from MS at his favourite venue.
While India have all their departments sorted, Australia has a massive problem and it begins right at the top. Aaron Finch has not led from the front and in 17 innings so far, he averages a miserable 9.59. In the previous match, only Usman Khawaja reached 50 and that has been Australia's problem, no major contributions.
The history of Jamtha suggests that it is a batting paradise which will assist the spinners as the game progresses. However, dew could play a factor with temperatures in the day time hovering near 35 while in the night, it dips to 17 degrees. Bat first could be the mantra.
What are Australia's odds of winning the Jamtha ODI? Well, very difficult. MS Dhoni and the baggage of history weigh heavily on Australia. Here are some of the stats associated with Australia's pain.
There are less than 90 days to go for the ICC Cricket World Cup. India have four more games remaining to lock in on their ideal team combination. They arrive in Jamtha high on confidence in all departments while Australia's nightmare in ODIs is all set to be prolonged at a venue where they have never had too much success. Hello and a warm welcome to the second ODI between India and Australia from the VCA stadium in Jamtha, Nagpur.
