Difficult Conditions for the Indian Batters
The second T20 in Melbourne was cloudy and cold. The pitch had extra bounce and swing, which usually troubles the Indian batters. And Team India once again failed to adjust to that. The team's batting lineup collapsed despite getting some excellent crowd support at the MCG. Except for Abhishek Sharma and Harshit Rana, nobody could help India put up a good score. India folded without much resistance.
Australia Takes Series Lead
- After the first T20 was abandoned due to rain, India lost the second T20 by four wickets. Josh Hazlewood, Bartlett and Nathan Ellis with 3/13, 2/39 and 2/21 respectively, provided pace and precision for Australia’s bowling attack.
- India batted first and were bowled out for 125 runs in 18.4 overs.
- Abhishek Sharma played a brilliant knock of 68 runs off 37 balls, laced with 8 fours and 2 sixes, while Harshit Rana struck 35 off 33 balls. But for these two, India’s score would have been far lesser.
- Australian captain Mitchell Marsh scored 46 off 26 balls, with 2 fours and 4 sixes, to help his side take a series-leading 1-0 lead in the five-match series. The third T20 will be played on Sunday.
Hazlewood's Impact with the Ball
- The atmosphere was akin to a home crowd in the Melbourne stadium, but the India batters struggled with the pace and bounce. Shubman Gill survived an early LBW review but found himself out to Hazlewood, caught while playing a mistimed shot. Sanju Samson was trapped LBW by Ellis as India slumped to 20/2.
- Hazlewood continued his dominance and removed Suryakumar Yadav (1) and Tilak Varma (0) in the same over. His first spell included 15 dot balls and three wickets, thus breaking India’s top order.
- At 49/5, the team was in deep trouble. Axar Patel (7) was run out while trying for a quick single.
Abhishek Sharma Leads the Fight
- Despite the regular falling of wickets, Abhishek Sharma wasn't holding back. He was timing the ball exceptionally well and made some brilliant choices in his shots. He was driving, cutting, and pulling with authority. Reaching his half-century in 23 balls, Sharma was confident against quality bowling.
- A useful innings of 35 runs by Harshit Rana supported him as both added 56 runs for the sixth wicket. Once he got out, the lower order collapsed again.
- Abhishek, with a six and a four in the 18th over, tried to push the score past 120, but he was dismissed in the 19th over. India’s innings ended at 125 all out with eight balls remaining.
Australia's Confident Chase
- Australia chased the small target with ease. Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head, 28, began in aggressive intent as 50 runs came in a little over 4 overs. The power and clean timing of Marsh kept the run rate high.
- Even after Head was dismissed by Varun, Marsh continued attacking. In Kuldeep’s eighth over, Marsh hit two sixes and two fours to score 20 runs before getting out. By then, Australia had reached 82/2 in 8 overs.
- Though Australia lost four more wickets - Tim David (1), Inglis (20), Owen (14), and Short (0) - the result was never in doubt as Australia won with 40 balls remaining. Bumrah (2/26) and Kuldeep (2/45) picked up two wickets each.
- The two teams wore black ribbons in memory of Ben Austin, the young Australian cricketer who died recently after being hit by a ball.
Match Summary
India Innings: 125 all out (18.4 overs) Top scorers: Abhishek Sharma 68, Harshit Rana 35 Best bowlers (AUS): Hazlewood 3/13, Ellis 2/21, Bartlett 2/39
Australia Innings: 126/6 (13.2 overs) Top scorers: Marsh 46, Head 28, Inglis 20 Best bowlers (IND): Bumrah 2/26, Kuldeep 2/45, Varun 2/23
Result: Australia won by 4 wickets Series: Australia leads 1–0
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