Australia defeated India by four wickets in the second T20 International, leveling the series with a dominant all-round display at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Friday. The visitors showcased disciplined bowling and aggressive batting to outplay India on their home turf.
India, after winning the toss, opted to bat first a decision that backfired as the Australian bowlers struck early. The hosts were bowled out for just 125 runs in 18.4 overs, with only a few batters managing to cross double digits. Abhishek Sharma stood out with a quickfire 68 off 37 balls, but the rest of the lineup failed to provide support.
Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood delivered a stellar spell, taking 3 wickets for 13 runs, dismantling India’s top order in the powerplay. His early breakthroughs ensured that India never built momentum. The spin duo of Adam Zampa and Glenn Maxwell further tightened the screws during the middle overs, restricting India to a below-par total.
Chasing 126, Australia started confidently despite losing an early wicket. Captain Mitchell Marsh led the charge with a blazing 46 off 26 balls, smashing boundaries all around the park. His partnership with Travis Head, who added 28 valuable runs, helped Australia maintain control of the chase.
The visitors reached the target comfortably in 13.2 overs, finishing at 126 for 6, sealing the win with ease. India’s bowlers tried to fight back, but the low target offered little room for error.
This victory gives Australia the upper hand in the series and a morale boost ahead of the next matches. Their balance between pace and spin proved too strong for India, whose batting frailties were again exposed.
The result comes at a crucial time for both teams, as they prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup, where form and confidence will play major roles. Australia’s win also demonstrates their growing depth in limited-overs cricket.
Earlier, India’s middle-order collapse was reminiscent of their recent struggles in the shorter format. The team management is likely to reconsider their batting combinations before the next game.
Australia’s emphatic win follows their consistent run in international cricket this season, echoing performances seen in previous tournaments. For instance, their recent dominance mirrors their control in the ODI series against Pakistan, where aggressive intent proved decisive
With the series finely poised, the third T20 promises to be a thrilling decider. Both teams will aim to refine their strategies and deliver a stronger performance in the next match.
