Australia made a mockery of India's bowling as they clinched the high-scoring thriller in the first T20I of the three-match against Men in Blue on Tuesday (September 20).
Rohit Sharma & Co's frailties with the ball were laid bare as Australia gunned down a formidable 209-run target rather comfortably with four balls to spare to start their campaign on a high.
Matthew Wade's 45 off 21 and Cameron Green's 61 off 30 were too hot for India despite KL Rahul's handsome 55 off 35 and Hardik Pandya's stunning 71 off 30.
Meanwhile, India skipper Rohit Sharma is normally not so expressive on the field but an incident happened during the match which drew his epic reaction. Australia star batter, Steve Smith, who was looking fluent with the bat as he struck 35 off 24, refused to walk off despite edging a delivery into the hands of the wicket-keeper, leaving Rohit a little disappointed.
It happened in the 12th over of Australia's batting when India's ace pacer Umesh Yadav was bowling to Smith. Smith shuffled across the crease and looked
The incident took place in the 12th over of Australia's batting, with Umesh Yadav being the Indian bowler bowling to the Aussie. Umesh appeared to recognise Smith’s effort at a paddle scoop as he moved over the crease. The Australian batter was forced to attempt a shot towards the third man when the India bowler altered his line and length.
Umesh appeared to recognise Smith’s effort at a paddle scoop as he moved over the crease. The Australian batter was forced to attempt a shot towards the third man when the India bowler altered his line and length.
Rohit Sharma instantly signalled DRS, but he was unhappy with Smith’s choice to continue. Rohit chuckled to express his emotions even though he refrained from confronting the Australian superstar. Here is the video from the match:
The third umpire reviewed the video and determined that Smith had indeed been caught behind.
Smith's dismissal was expected to put the game in India's favour but Matthew Wade had other ideas. The wicket-keeper batter produced incredible blitzkrieg in the death overs, scoring a 21-ball 45 to win the contest for his side.
It was a formidable total but the way Australia started, an early finish was on the cards.
Opening for the first time in international cricket, Green was in a menacing mood as he hammered comeback man Umesh Yadav for four successive boundaries in his first T20 since February 2019.
The seasoned Indian pacer felt the heat straightaway, and resorted to bowling slower balls in his very first over, which did not work.
There wasn't heavy dew but no swing was on offer for both Umesh and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The batters were able to hit through the line, making the Indian attack look very ordinary.
The stand out bowler for India, Axar Patel, removed opposition skipper Aaron Finch to get a much-needed breakthrough. However, more carnage was in store as Green, who is not even part of Australia's T20 World Cup squad, toyed with the bowling while Steve Smith enjoyed from the other end.
In the eighth over, he slog swept Yuzvendra Chahal for a couple of sixes and a four for a 19-run over. India dropping Green and Smith also did not help their cause.
At 109 for one in 10 overs, Australia were running away with the contest before India fought back with three quick wickets, two of those coming via Rohit Sharma's brilliant DRS calls, which sent Smith and Glenn Maxwell back in the hut.
With five wickets in hand, Australia needed 55 off the last 24 balls.
However, Australia debutant Tim David in the company of the experienced Wade went ballistic in the death overs to complete a fine run chase.
Two big overs in which Bhuvneshwar leaked 15 and Harshal 22 sealed the home team's fate.
Team India will play the second T20I against Australia on September 23 and look to bounce back in order to keep the series alive.
