Australia successfully chased a 300-plus total set by India for the second consecutive time, as they beat Mahendra Singh Dhoni's men by seven wickets at Brisbane on Friday. Rohit Sharma's second successive century again proved insufficient as the Indian bowlers failed to trouble Australia's batsmen. The hosts took a 2-0 lead in the five-match One-Day International series, leaving India a mountain to climb if they want to stage a comeback.
Like in the first ODI at Perth, Dhoni won the toss, gave his batsmen a go and India were powered past 300 by a Rohit Sharma century. The Mumbai batsman shared a 125-run partnership with Virat Kohli (59) and a 121-run stand with Ajinkya Rahane (89), before being run out in heartbreaking fashion. Sharma's 124 off 127 balls led India to a challenging 308-8, but the tourists, like in the first match, could have got a few more in the last 10 overs.
Sharma was adjudged man-of-the-match for his efforts, but it was George Bailey who won the bragging rights. The Australian No 4 followed his Perth ton with another match-winning unbeaten 76, made off just 58 balls, that took his team over the finish line with ease. Openers Aaron Finch and Shaun Marsh both scored 71 as the hosts chased down 309 with an over to spare and seven wickets in hand.
The third ODI is at Melbourne on Sunday.
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