Credit: ICC
In the second T20I between Australia and India played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Friday, October 31, the former team played a fierce brand of cricket and bagged a convincing four-wicket win. Bowling first after winning the toss, Australia saw their bowlers’ domination as they took four wickets in the powerplay. India’s mainstay batters Shubman Gill, Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav, and Tilak Varma got completely outclassed against the disciplined bowling
Josh Hazlewood spearheaded the Aussie pace attack extraordinarily as he played the role of wrecker-in-chief. Off India’s four wickets in the powerplay, three were scalped by Hazlewood. Axar Patel, whose responsibility was to support Abhishek Sharma, also got run out in eighth over after accumulating seven off 12. Harshit Rana was sent before Shivam Dube and he did his job decently with his 35 off 33.
After Rana’s departure in the 16th over, India’s batting-unit completely collapsed and got bundled out on 125 in 18.4 overs. Abhishek Sharma emerged as the highest run-scorer for India with his 68 off 37. Hazlewood ended the innings as the most effective bowler with his 3/13 figures in his four overs.
Australia chased down the 126-run target with ease
Chasing the 126-run target, Australia’s batting attack looked ferocious as their openers Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head added 51 runs in just 4.3 overs. Head departed after notching up 28 off 15 due to a stunning catch from Tilak Varma but Marsh continued his attacking approach and smashed 46 off 25. Tim David also departed after scoring one off two.
Australia lost three more wickets in a haste but eventually chased down the target with 40 balls to spare. Josh Hazlewood became the player of the match (POTM) for his stunning bowling. Both teams will now square off against each other in Tasmania.
