In a landmark encounter that has since captured cricket enthusiasts’ imaginations, India snatched a jaw-dropping last-ball victory in the opening T20 International against Australia on Thursday, November 23. An evening at Visakhapatnam’s atmospheric ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium became the scene where Suryakumar Yadav, stepping up as the stand-in skipper, made a grand debut as captain, propelling India towards their most significant chase in the T20I history books.
The aftermath of the ICC World Cup 2023, while somber, had done little to quench the thirst for white-ball cricket, with all eyes eagerly turning to the T20I format for redemption. Under the fresh leadership of Yadav, the Indian team encountered a stout Australian outfit. The clash did everything but disappoint, offering a full-throttle contest filled with twists, turns, and records that left fans on the edge of their seats.
The Australian innings was a testament to their batting prowess on a track that seemed to have been tailor-made for runs. Their batters, especially Josh Inglis, who soared to a spectacular 47-ball century, left the Indian bowlers in turmoil. The likes of Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, and Prasidh Krishna found themselves at the receiving end of a relentless assault as Australia set an imposing 208-run target.
Faced with a Herculean task, Indian bats began the chase but stumbled at the very start with an untimely setback. Ruturaj Gaikwad’s outing came to an abrupt end without facing a delivery, as the enigma of the diamond duck — only the third in India’s cricketing chronicles after Jasprit Bumrah’s in 2016 and Amit Mishra’s in 2017 — struck in an unlikely runout.
Yet, Suryakumar Yadav’s blades were fearless and undeterred. His electric 80 off a mere 42 balls was a masterclass in chasing, keeping India in the hunt. With the score finely hanging in the balance, Arshdeep Singh, taking the crease in the decisive last over, faced the misfortune of a diamond duck himself, marking the first time two Indian batsmen had their innings curtailed without troubling the scorers in a single international match.
In a not-so-glorious hat-trick of sorts, Ravi Bishnoi’s golden duck further deepened the narrative, as the game’s climax neared with India precariously requiring two runs off two balls. The record books had been inked with the rarity of three Indian ducks in a single match, a twist in the script almost overshadowing the impending result.
Yet, it was the captain’s innings, coupled with spirited contributions down the order, that saw India emerge victorious, scripting a victory from the jaws of uncertainty. In light of the thrilling win, Arshdeep Singh took to Instagram, sharing a light-hearted story where he, alongside fellow ‘duck’ companions Ravi Bishnoi and Ruturaj Gaikwad, was seen with the duck emoji mirthfully placed over their heads — an amusing acknowledgment of the unusual event.
Turning the page to the match specifics, the Australian lineup presented a hefty challenge with notable performances and a formidable playing eleven. Likewise, India’s team selection featured a blend of fresh and seasoned talent, taking the field with a point to prove.
Australia’s Playing XI comprised Matthew Short, Steven Smith, Josh Inglis, Aaron Hardie, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Matthew Wade (c & wk), Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Jason Behrendorff, and Tanveer Sangha.
India countered with Ruturaj Gaikwad, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ishan Kishan (wk), Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Mukesh Kumar, and Prasidh Krishna.
As the win ebbed into cricketing lore, the game yet again proved why it seduces with its unpredictability — where heroes arise amidst chaos, and records are but a backdrop to the drama of the contest.