IND vs AUS: Rain threat looms large ahead of second ODI in Visakhapatnam

Dr. YS Rajasekhara Reddy Stadium. (Photo Source: Twitter)

After a remarkable victory in the first ODI of the series, India will now hope to seal the deal against Australia in the second match at Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam. However, as per reports, rain is expected to play a spoilsport as the match could see reductions in the number of overs due to factors beyond control.

There are also chances of thunderstorms during the first innings. The weather will be cloudy throughout the day but is expected to get better as time passes. 76 percent cloud cover is expected while the temperature will be around 25-degree celsius during the course of the match.

Notably, India won the first match of the series by five wickets, although weak areas in the setup were exposed which the team would look to improve when they take on Australia in the second ODI. In the absence of skipper Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan was asked to open the innings but couldn’t make the most of the given opportunity, scoring just three runs.

Former skipper Virat Kohli, who has been sensational in white-ball cricket in the recent past, couldn’t deliver as well while flamboyant batter Suryakumar Yadav got out for a duck for the first time in ODIs.

KL Rahul and Jadeja come together for a deciding partnership to take India home

After sustaining early failures in the top-order, KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja played some brilliant cricket to help India register a five-wicket win over the visiting team at the Wankhede Stadium. Rahul, who was playing amidst a lot of criticism for his form, rose to the occasion, scoring 75* runs off 91 deliveries. Jadeja supported him well in the middle as the southpaw hit 45* runs off 69 deliveries. Both of them stitched together an unconquered partnership of 108 runs to give India a 1-0 lead in the series.

On the other hand, Mohammed Shami was really impressive with the ball. The veteran seamer decimated Australia’s middle order, picking up three wickets. His partner in crime from the other end, Mohammed Siraj picked up three as well, as Australia could post only 188 runs in the first innings. Mitchell Marsh (81 runs off 65 deliveries) played some remarkable cricket in the middle but soon after his dismissal, Australia fell like a house of cards.

Thus, both teams will come to Vishakapatnam with the hope to better their previous performance as the ODI World Cup is just around the corner.

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