The three-match T20 series between Australia and India started last night at Punjab Cricket Stadium, where Australia made a record run chase to beat India. Last night, the Aussies chased down 208 runs, which is their second-highest run chase in T20 internationals. Opener Cameroon Green received the Player of the Match award for his devastating batting display. He scored 61 off 30 balls to help Australia chase the massive target.
As it happened
Australia have come to India to play a three-match ODI series against the home team. However, the series started last night at Punjab Cricket Stadium, where Aussie skipper Aaron Finch won the toss and decided to bowl first. So, India started their batting innings with KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma.
But they couldn’t build a decent partnership in the opening wicket as captain Rohit Sharma departed the pitch in the 3rd over. Virat Kohli, the next batsman, also failed to get runs in this match. He lost his wicket after scoring only two runs. However, KL Rahul remained rock solid on the crease. He made a brilliant partnership with the new batter, Suryakumar Yadav.
Both batsmen were very aggressive against the Aussie bowlers. They added 68 runs together on the scoreboard. Although Suryakumar Yadav lost his wicket after scoring 46 runs, KL Rahul didn’t miss the half-century. He scored 55 off 35 balls before losing the wicket.
In addition, Hardik Pandya played a crucial role in the middle order. His devastating 71 runs from 30 balls helped India to set a massive target of 209 runs.
Chasing the target, Australia had a flying start. Two openers, Aaron Finch and Cameroon Green, started hitting boundaries from the very first over. They added 39 runs together in just four overs. However, their partnership broke in the 4th over as Axar Patel picked up Aaron Finch.
On the other hand, Cameroon Green continued scoring runs. He made another partnership of 70 runs with Steven Smith. Anyway, India made the match very exciting by taking three wickets in a concise time. They picked up Cameroon Green, Steven Smith, and Glenn Maxwell between 10 to 12th overs.
It seemed India could tie up Australia before 200 runs. But Matthew Wade changed the scenario. He hit six fours and two sixes after coming into the pitch. Moreover, Matthew Wade remained not out in 45 runs. Relying on his bat, Australia chased 208 runs within 20 overs. As a result, the Aussies sealed the victory at Punjab Cricket Stadium by four wickets.