IND beat AUS by 36 runs | India vs Australia, Highlights And Cricket Score 2nd ODI Match

Righto! First win for India in Rajkot in three attempts. But as the home season nears a close, one has to say, this is the best series which we have witnessed. India-West Indies came close but two teams loaded with firepower in batting and bowling have given the fans their money's worth. Now, can the final ODI enthrall us as well and end India's home season with a bang? Well, join us for another batting paradise and bowlers' demise on Sunday, 19th January 2020 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. ADIOS! TAKE CARE!

KL RAHUL HAS BEEN NAMED THE MAN OF THE MATCH. Says that he could not asked for a better start to 2020. On batting at number 5, KL says that it was a different position and he just needed a couple of balls to adjust to the situation. Is happy with the way he batted and got a few partnerships along. On his wicket-keeping, Rahul says that it is something which he has grown up doing but didn't quite get to do it as he was mostly playing first-class cricket. Ends by saying that he has been keeping for Karnataka in the domestic circuit in the last season, so he was pretty confident about his skills.

Victorious Indian captain, Virat Kohli, smiles on being asked about his batting position again. Says that it is very important to figure out what is the best batting position for a player (KL Rahul) when he is in such great form. Lauds that innings as one of his best in his opinion, in international cricket. Observes that the last few games have been very important for Shikhar Dhawan and calls him as one of India's best players in ODIs. Adds that India are always in good shape when Rohit and Dhawan are looking good and Rahul's innings here adds the icing on the cake. On Rohit's fitness after he landed awkwardly on his left shoulder, Virat says that he just had a word with his vice-captain and says that Rohit was confident of being fit for the final game. On the yorkers coming one after another at the death, VK says that the bowlers told him that this is the best chance to showcase their skill and they did. On KL Rahul's keeping, Kohli says that it is great for the team if he becomes a multi-dimensional player as it opens up a lot of options for the team.

Australian skipper, Aaron Finch, admits that it is very cold in Rajkot and he did not expect it. Agrees that his bowlers conceded a few too many but also praises the Indian batsmen. Is full of praise for Adam Zampa for his progressive improvement. Lauds Marnus Labuschagne for his wonderful display in his first innings with the bat. On Harsha joking about Smith and Labuschagne being long-lost brothers, Finch smiles and also jokes that they are always together and further says that the only time they aren't together is when they are asleep. On the main reason why the chase faltered, Aaron says that they probably lost a wicket too many with the required rate climbing up.

Earlier in the day, after being asked to bat, India put their best foot forward as they amassed 340 on the board. The top three were in top gear as they batted at a better rate than on Tuesday and the result showed, as almost 350 was reached. Australia had a tough outing with the ball again and unlike the first ODI, could not quite turn things around this time. As many as four batsmen in the match got close to scoring a century but none got there. These are the most runs in an ODI in India without an individual century.

Kuldeep Yadav says that his fingers are cold but he is fine. On his 100th ODI wicket, Yadav says that it was a tough 4-5 months after the World Cup, but he is slowly getting his rhythm back. On his mindset while bowling his last two overs, Kuldeep says that Smith and Labuschagne were batting really well and he only thought that if he got one wicket, he would get another one. On him flighting the ball and worrying the batsmen, Yadav says that the wicket was on the slower side and hence, was looking to vary his flight and pace. Is happy that his plans and hard work are being shaped into place.

India tried their best on a pitch which was not aiding the bowlers much. Bumrah was good and economical as usual while Shami and Saini took care of the wickets. They went for runs but critically, kept the wickets coming. It was the spin duo of Jadeja and Kuldeep which made the real difference, going for 123 in 20 overs for 4 wickets. Here is Kuldeep talking to Harsha Bhogle.

Australia did not get off to the best of starts chasing 341, losing Warner early, but then got a lot of partnerships after that. 62 between Finch and Smith, then 96 between Smith and Labuschagne, followed by 38 between Smith and Carey and then 38 between the two Ashtons. They had the plans in place to chase down 341, with the blueprint neatly laid down but the slow pitch hampered their execution. Smith had to play till the end and the others around him. That almost happened, till that magical 38th over where Kuldeep removed Carey and Smith. Looking at the finish, one will feel had one of them stayed till the end, we could have had a different finish.

When 644 runs are scored in 99.1 overs, you really cannot blame the captains for wanting to field first. But perhaps, Aaron Finch read it wrong a bit. The pitch did slow down a touch in the second innings and there was not enough dew to pose problems for the bowlers.

Two days, two clinical performances, two different teams. Australia were resounding in Guwahati, while India were professional here in Rajkot. That sets up a cracking finale in Bengaluru.

Jasprit Bumrah to Adam Zampa. OUT! CAUGHT! The match ends and the series is levelled. Zampa backs away to the leg side, attempting to pull but Bumrah bowls it short and into the body. As a result, Zampa is cramped for room. He now looks to run it down to third man but only manages to guide it straight to the keeper. KL Rahul. INDIA WIN BY 36 RUNS.

Mohammed Shami to Kane Richardson. FOUR! Just over! A full toss, outside off, Richo backs away and goes hard. The ball hits the toe end of his bat and just about clears a leaping Kohli at mid off. 19 from that over, an ego-booster for the tail-enders.

Mohammed Shami to Kane Richardson. SIX! Unbelievable shot. A length ball, outside off, Richardson backs away and lofts it over mid off. Clears long off with ease! AUSTRALIA REACH 300. That is a terrific effort.

Mohammed Shami to Kane Richardson. FOUR! That is a low full toss, around off, Richardson is early into his swing. But he adjusts well and just chips it over mid on. The timing is good and it beats long on!

Mohammed Shami to Kane Richardson. FOUR! TONK! A length ball, following the batsman, down the leg side, Richardson backs away and swings it over mid-wicket for a boundary!

Mohammed Shami to Kane Richardson. Full on middle, driven back to the bowler.

Mohammed Shami to Adam Zampa. Full and outside off, driven through the covers where the fielder has made a good stop. A single taken.

Jasprit Bumrah to Kane Richardson. Full and outside off, pushed straight to cover.

Jasprit Bumrah to Kane Richardson. FOUR! THWACK! The tail-enders are enjoying themselves. Full and in line of the stumps, Richardson backs away and hammers it straight back over the bowler. Long on tries to get across but cannot do so in time.

Jasprit Bumrah to Kane Richardson. Full and outside off, driven straight to mid off.

Jasprit Bumrah to Adam Zampa. Landed outside off, down to third man for a run.

Jasprit Bumrah to Kane Richardson. On middle, driven through mid on for a single.

Jasprit Bumrah to Kane Richardson. Full and outside off, driven straight to cover.