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As the twilight deepened over the Adelaide Oval, the tension in the second ODI reached a boiling point. India, defending a target of 264, desperately needed to break Australia’s solid second-wicket partnership. The hosts, chasing the target, were beginning to gain momentum, but Harshit Rana provided India with a crucial breakthrough. With the pressure mounting, Virat Kohli made a key contribution in the field, taking a straightforward catch at mid-on to dismiss Travis Head.
Virat Kohli’s batting woes persist despite solid fielding contribution
The dismissal of Head came in the 13th over, with Rana delivering a length ball around leg and middle. Head attempted to flick it square, but the ball stuck in the pitch and ballooned straight up, allowing Kohli to take the catch comfortably. This wicket was a significant blow to Australia, as they were cruising at 54/1 before the breakthrough. While Kohli’s batting form has been a concern in the series, this fielding moment was a timely reminder of his class in the field, coming through when it mattered the most.
While Kohli’s fielding has remained top-notch, his batting performance in this ODI series against Australia continues to be a major concern for India. Having set a high standard over the years in the 50-over format, Kohli’s struggles with the bat have been evident, with dismissals at crucial moments and a lack of significant contributions. In the first ODI and now in the second, Kohli has been dismissed cheaply after promising starts, failing to convert his innings into a match-winning contribution. This has placed additional pressure on India’s middle order to compensate for his loss.
Here’s the video:
You cannot keep this man out of the game! 😎#HarshitRana outfoxes Travis Head who gives a simple catch to #ViratKohli. 👏#AUSvIND 👉 2nd ODI | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/dfQTtniylt pic.twitter.com/Hrfh9iRlhS
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) October 23, 2025
Australia’s steady progress despite early setback
Following Head’s dismissal, Australia’s chase has moved forward at a measured pace. At 54/2, with 156 runs still required from 28.4 overs, the match is finely poised. While the required run rate stands at a manageable 5.44, Australia’s run rate currently sits at 5.10, indicating the careful approach taken after the early loss. Despite this, the hosts have shown resilience, with the last five overs yielding 33 runs at a brisk 6.60 per over, keeping their hopes alive.
The game remains in the balance as Australia seeks to rebuild after losing two key wickets. The partnership formed by the new pair at the crease will be crucial for Australia’s pursuit of 265. India, with Rana leading the charge, will look to continue the pressure, knowing that another breakthrough could drastically shift the momentum in their favor. Australia’s middle order will need to absorb the pressure and accelerate when necessary, while India will look to capitalize on their advantage and close in on victory. The next phase of play will determine how the match unfolds, with both sides keen to seize control of the contest.
Also WATCH: AUS vs IND: Virat Kohli departs for his second duck of the series in Adelaide ODI
