IND vs AUS (2nd T20I) – Highlights
Australia pulled off a clinical victory over India in the 2nd T20I at Melbourne, chasing down a modest target of 126 in just 13.2 overs to take a 2-0 lead in the series. The match, curtailed by rain, saw Australia dominate from the outset, with a brilliant bowling performance from Josh Hazlewood setting the tone for a one-sided contest. Hazlewood’s impeccable line and length earned him three crucial wickets for just 13 runs, earning him both the Player of the Match award and Cricinfo’s MVP honor.
IND, after winning the toss and opting to bat, struggled to build partnerships as their top and middle order faltered against a disciplined Australian attack. Shubman Gill’s brief stay ended cheaply for 5, while Captain Suryakumar Yadav and wicketkeeper Sanju Samson contributed minimally, scoring 1 and 2 runs respectively. The lone standout in the Indian innings was Abhishek Sharma, who fought hard for his 68 off 37 balls, striking eight boundaries and two sixes.
Despite Sharma’s efforts, IND was unable to accelerate collectively, losing wickets at regular intervals. Harshit Rana chipped in with a handy 35, showing promise in the lower middle order, but it was too little too late as India managed 125 all out in 18.4 overs. Kuldeep Yadav’s expensive spell went for 45 runs from 3.2 overs, highlighting India’s struggle to contain Australia’s batting firepower.
AUS’s response was emphatic, powered by a brilliant 46 from captain Mitchell Marsh. Marsh showcased aggressive stroke play, particularly against the spin duo of Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav, helping Australia maintain a brisk scoring rate. Travis Head provided a solid supporting knock of 28 off 15 deliveries, while Josh Inglis contributed a composed 20 before falling to Kuldeep. The Australian innings also highlighted the impact of Varun Chakravarthy, who managed to take two wickets but leaked runs at nearly 9.45 per over. Despite India’s attempts to claw back into the game through spin, the Australians’ superior power-hitting ensured they reached the target in just over 13 overs, finishing 126/6 with a massive 40 balls to spare, underscoring their dominance.
Josh Hazlewood’s spell was the standout, reducing India to 32/4 within the first five overs and effectively dismantling the Indian top order. Xavier Bartlett and Nathan Ellis supported well, each taking two wickets and keeping India’s scoring in check. The fielding was sharp, with AUS executing run-outs and catching opportunities with precision, reflecting a high level of coordination and planning. On the other hand, India’s fielding lapses, combined with inconsistent batting, proved costly in a low-scoring encounter where every run mattered.
India vs Australia Scoreboard
India – 125/10 (18.4)
Australia – 126/6 (13.2)
Result – Australia won by 4 wickets (with 40 balls remaining)
Player of the Match – Josh Hazlewood
Josh Hazlewood
IND vs AUS Playing XIs
India | Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah. |
Australia | Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Tim David, Mitchell Owen, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Short, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Matthew Kuhnemann. |
Disclaimer: This blog post reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the perspectives shared and draw their own conclusions.
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