In a thrilling match in Chennai, Australia emerged victorious over India, securing a 21-run victory in the decisive one-day international. The result sees Australia overtake India as the top-ranked team in the 50-over format in the world.

Leg-spinner Adam Zampa was the hero for the Aussies, taking 4-45 as India were dismissed for 248 in pursuit of Australia’s 269 all out. India had been in a strong position needing 52 from 38 balls, but Zampa’s quickfire dismissals of Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja turned the tide in Australia’s favour.

Australia had made a solid start to their innings, reaching 68-0 in the 11th over. However, Pandya took a wicket in each of his first three overs, putting Australia on the back foot. Despite this, David Warner made a promising return from an elbow injury, scoring 23 runs, while Marnus Labuschagne hit 28 and Alex Carey contributed 38.

Left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav proved to be India’s main threat with the ball, taking 3-56 and dismissing Warner, Labuschagne, and Carey. However, the lower order rallied to add a further 131 runs, with Marcus Stoinis and Sean Abbott both making useful contributions.

India were well-placed at 185-4, requiring just 85 runs from 90 balls. However, left-arm spinner Ashton Agar dismissed Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav in successive balls, with the latter being dismissed for a third consecutive first-ball duck in the series.

The victory for Australia completes a 2-1 series win and comes after their 2-1 defeat in the Test series. The result will provide a boost for Australia ahead of the 50-over World Cup, which is scheduled to be held in India later in the year. For India, it represents their first ODI series loss at home since 2019.

Leon Osamor