The first T20I between India and Australia in Mohali lived up to its billing. Even though the Men in Blue failed to defend a daunting score, the match provided edge-of-the-seat entertainment with batters ruling the roost on a batting paradise. In a high-scoring thrilling that saw both teams score in excess of 200 runs, a total of 63 boundaries were recorded during the contest. Both teams combined for 22 sixes and 41 fours as bowlers struggled to stem the flow of runs.
After being asked to bat first, India rode on Hardik Pandya's sparkling innings of 71 not out in just 30 balls and posted a score of 208-6 in 20 overs. The explosive right-hander mauled Australian bowlers in the death overs and played some stunning shots in the process. In his thunderous knock, Hardik sent five balls into the stands and seven into the fence.
The Gujarat Titans skipper put on a masterclass of finishing as he ended India's innings by smashing three successive sixes off Cameron Green's over.
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As Hardik ended India's innings with a flurry of sixes, it brought back fond memories of MS Dhoni, who during his playing career, was the master of finishing matches or innings by sending the ball into the stands.
In reply to India's score, Australia came out all gun blazing, with make-shift opener Green taking a special liking to the Indian attack. The right-hander muscular batter smashed 61 runs in 30 balls and set a perfect platform for Matthew Wade to put on the finishing touches.
Wade played a sizzling cameo of 45 runs in 21 balls and dashed all Indian hopes to take Australia to the promised land. With the win, the Baggy Greens took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.