It was a unforgettable night for India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground as Australia outplayed the visitors in every department to seal a comfortable four-wicket win in the second T20 International on Friday. The victory gave the hosts a 1-0 lead in the five-match series after the rain-hit opener in Canberra.
Opting to bat first, India struggled right from the start and were bowled out for 125 in 18.4 overs. Only Abhishek Sharma (68 off 37 balls) showed resistance with a composed knock that included crisp boundaries and timely strokes. He found brief support from Harshit Rana, who chipped in with a gritty 35 off 33 balls. The duo added 56 runs for the sixth wicket, helping India recover from a dismal 49 for 5.
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Hazlewood’s early fire, Marsh’s brilliance sink India’s hopes
Australia’s pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood was the standout performer, finishing with outstanding figures of 3 for 13. His early spell dismantled India’s top order on a lively surface that offered movement and bounce.
In response, Australia made light work of the chase, reaching 126 for 6 in just 13.2 overs. Skipper Mitchell Marsh led from the front with a brisk 46 off 26 balls, while Travis Head provided a strong start at the top. Although India’s spinners Varun Chakravarthy (2/23) and Kuldeep Yadav managed to pick up wickets in the middle overs, the low total offered little cushion for a comeback.
Jasprit Bumrah produced a late burst with two quick wickets, including a trademark yorker to dismiss Matthew Short, but it was too late to turn the tide.
This was India’s first T20I defeat at the MCG since 2008, snapping their four-match winning streak at the iconic venue. For Australia, it was a commanding display ahead of the remaining matches in the series, with both their bowlers and top order firing in unison.
