Powered by yet another Steve Smith century, Australia notched up a mammoth 389/4 before handing down a 51-run defeat to India in the second One-day International (ODI) played at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Sunday. While Australia clinched the series with one match remaining, India have now lost their last five ODIs.

Winning the toss and opting to bat, Australia took apart the Indian bowling department with ease and continued their rampaging form from the first ODI. Aaron Finch (60) and David Warner (78) stitched together a massive 142-run partnership to set the tone for the match as Indian bowlers struggled to stem the flow of runs.

Mohammed Shami got India its first breakthrough by dismissing Finch. During his stay in the middle, the right-handed batsman hit six boundaries and a solitary maximum. Before that, Warner got the Australian inning underway with a boundary through the point region off Shami in the first over. This authoritative shot showed Warner’s plan.

Also Read | Steve Smith powers Australia to 389 with a scintillating ton

He continued the onslaught, picking Jasprit Bumrah and Navdeep Saini with ease and scoring runs at will. Australia maintained the momentum through the inning as the Indian bowlers suffered on a hot, sunny day in Sydney.

Centurion Steve Smith, who notched up his fifth 50+ score, was in sublime form and scored his consecutive century. This also marked Smith’s fifth century against India in the 50-over format. His century, which came off just 66 deliveries, was laced with 14 boundaries and two maximums. 

Besides Smith’s 104-run, Australia’s top order was in superlative form as each of their batsmen scored a 50+ plus. For India, Hardik Pandya was brought into the attack to dismiss Smith.

The duo of Marnus Labuschagne and Glenn Maxwell continued the annihilation. Labuschagne scored 70 and Maxwell played a T20 inning, scoring 63 off 29 balls.

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In reply, India could only muster 338/9, with captain Virat Kohli (89) and KL Rahul (76) finishing as their main contributors in what turned out to be a one-sided affair.

Shikhar Dhawan and Mayank Agarwal opened for India but were soon sent back to the pavilion. After their dismissal, Kohli and Rahul tried taking India forward in the run-chase but it wasn’t enough in front of a formidable Australian bowling attack.

Australia fast bowler Pat Cummins picked up 3/67 in his 10 overs. Adam Zampa and Josh Hazlewood returned with two wickets apiece.

The third and final ODI is scheduled for December 2nd.