India’s top order once again faltered against Australia’s new-ball attack as they crawled to 29/2 at the end of the first powerplay during the 2nd ODI at Adelaide Oval. This marks India’s third-lowest powerplay total since 2023, continuing a trend of early collapses against Australia’s pace battery.
The list of India’s lowest powerplay scores since 2023 reads as follows:
- 27/3 vs Australia, Chennai (2023)
- 27/3 vs Australia, Perth (2025)
- 29/2 vs Australia, Adelaide (2025) *
- 35/2 vs England, Lucknow (2023)
- 37/3 vs New Zealand, Dubai (2025)
- 39/3 vs Australia, Wankhede (2023)
What stands out is that four of these six instances have come against Australia, highlighting India’s persistent struggles against the Australian quicks in the opening overs. The pace duo of Josh Hazlewood and Xavier Bartlett once again exploited the early movement, sending back both Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli cheaply — the latter falling for a second consecutive duck in the series.
Rohit Sharma (19 off 43 balls) and Shreyas Iyer (0 off 4 balls) looked tentative as Australia’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure with disciplined lines and lengths.
With the series already witnessing fiery spells from the Aussie pacers, India’s early batting woes continue to be a worrying sign heading into the next games.
