Imagine needing just 36 runs from 54 balls with 5 wickets in hand. Now imagine doing it while smashing sixes like you’re playing backyard cricket. This was Australia’s reality as Cooper Connolly turned India’s bowling attack into mere spectators at Adelaide Oval.
The Collapse That Started It All
India’s batting never found its rhythm. The scorecard tells a painful story:
| Batter | Runs | Fate |
|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 0 | Another duck |
| Shubman Gill | 12 | Early departure |
| Rohit Sharma | 46 | Failed pull shot |
Only Shreyas Iyer (50) and late fireworks from Harshit Rana saved India from complete embarrassment. But 264 always looked 30 runs short on this pitch.
Australia’s Chase Masterclass
When Matthew Short smashed his quickfire fifty, the writing was on the wall. But the real drama unfolded when Connolly joined Mitchell Owen at 229/5.
The Over That Broke India’s Back
Axar Patel’s 41st over became the stuff of nightmares:
- 40.5: Owen clears front leg – FOUR over mid-wicket
- 40.6: Short ball demolished – SIX rows back into stands
13 runs in six balls. The required rate dropped below run-a-ball. Game over.
Cooper Connolly just announced himself on the international stage! That six off Siraj was pure class. Future superstar in the making 🔥 #AUSvIND
Partnership of Destruction
Owen and Connolly’s stand wasn’t just about runs. It was a psychological dismantling:
- Targeted Axar’s gentle spin
- Forced Siraj out of the attack
- Converted 1s into 2s effortlessly
Their 50-run partnership came in just 42 balls. When Washington Sundar finally dismissed Owen for 35, it was too little, too late. Connolly remained unbeaten on 50* off just 38 balls – the perfect finishing act.
What This Means for Both Teams
Australia have uncovered two new weapons:
| Player | Impact |
|---|---|
| Cooper Connolly | Finisher potential |
| Xavier Bartlett | 3-wicket game changer |
Meanwhile, India face tough questions:
- Why did Kohli open instead of in-form players?
- When will Gill deliver as captain?
- How can they fix their death bowling?
The Final Nail in the Coffin
As Connolly hit the winning runs through long-off, Australian fans erupted. The series was theirs with a game to spare. For India, this loss cuts deep – outplayed by a team missing key players.
One thing’s certain: Cooper Connolly isn’t just a rising star. He’s arrived. And cricket world should take notice.
Relive the action through official highlights on Cricket Australia’s website.
