Australia defeats India in an ODI series

 Australia defeated India by 21 runs on Wednesday to win the three-match One-day International series 2-1 thanks to the four wickets taken by leg-spinner Adam Zampa.

Australia chose to bat, but they were bowled out for 269 in 49 overs on a sluggish pitch at the MA Chidambaram Stadium after failing to capitalise on a promising start.

Following a 2-1 loss in the four-test series, Australia's bowlers, headed by Zampa, performed an outstanding job protecting the target and knocked out India for 248 in 49.1 overs.

Steve Smith, who led Australia in the absence of Pat Cummins, who stayed in Sydney to be with his mother who passed away last month, stated, "It's been an enjoyable tour."

"The spinners bowled superbly, they did an excellent job."

Although Ashton Agar, a fellow spinner, was named player of the match, Virat Kohli, whose 54 was the highest score by a batsman from either side, and Suryakumar Yadav were both dismissed in quick succession by Zampa.

For the hosts, Hardik Pandya claimed bowling figures of 3-44 and scored 40 runs per over, but it was insufficient to prevent India's first home series loss since they were defeated by Australia in 2019.

Although Australia brought back a healthy David Warner, it was the in-form Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head at the top of their batting order that helped the visiting team get off to another fast start.

Australia quickly reached 68 for no loss, and Head, who had made 33 runs, received mercy after being dropped by Shubman Gill at deep square leg.

To pin back Australia, Pandya took out Head, Smith, and Marsh (47).

Warner made 23 while batting at position four before Kuldeep Yadav demolished Australia's middle order.

The left-arm unconventional spinner dismissed Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, and Alex Carey (38) but Australia's middle order contributed significant runs despite not being able to complete their 50 overs allotted.

AUSTRALIAN cricketers celebrate with the series trophy.—AFP

Rohit Sharma (30) and Gill (37) played a couple eye-catching strokes early on for India.

Kohli attempted to form partnerships with Pandya and KL Rahul (both 32), but by the end he was worn out.

Zampa's decision to take out Pandya basically ended the match.

India promoted Axar Patel as the pinch-hitter while holding back Suryakumar, who entered at number seven, but neither strategy was successful.

Patel was out for two after being run out, while Suryakumar was out for the third time in a row on a first-ball duck.

Big partnerships were lacking in the Indian innings, something Rohit bemoaned.

You were created and raised on these wickets. The opener added that sometimes you have to put in effort and give yourself a chance.

Marsh scored 194 runs in just three innings to win the series player of the year award.