The Indian cricket team stamped their authority with a comprehensive 44-run triumph over Australia in a fast-paced, high-scoring second T20 International on Sunday, November 26, in Thiruvananthapuram. It was a day where records tumbled and Indian batsmen outshone their counterparts, setting the highest T20I total of 235 runs against the Australians. Despite a valiant effort, the visitors were restricted to 191 runs, as Indian bowlers, especially the spinners, turned the screws on their opposition.
Electing to field first, Australian captain Matthew Wade hoped to exploit any potential advantage at the Greenfield International Stadium, no doubt wary of the batting prowess India possessed. The Australian side brought in the skilled duo of Adam Zampa and Glenn Maxwell to bolster their lineup. India, brimming with confidence and in no mood for changes, entered the arena with an unchanged squad.
Although the Indian openers had failed to make their mark in the preceding match, they responded to the challenge with gusto. Yashasvi Jaiswal lit up the powerplay overs, bludgeoning the ball to all parts of the ground for a quickfire 53 off 25 deliveries. His momentum was halted in the sixth over as Nathan Ellis managed to procure his wicket. Ruturaj Gaikwad assumed the mantle of stability, knitting together crucial partnerships, notably with Ishan Kishan, who accelerated through the middle overs. The pair’s alliance amassed 87 runs, witnessing both cricketers cresting past the half-century mark with elegant stroke play.
As the innings waned, Australia instigated a mini-collapse, hoping to salvage some dignity—only to be thwarted by Rinku Singh’s blistering cameo. His unbeaten 31 off nine balls, including a splendid late partnership with Tilak Varma, propelled India past the 200-run milestone, setting a formidable target. Ellis emerged as the pick of the Australian bowlers with three wickets, albeit for 45 runs, while Stoinis was the most economical, yielding a single wicket for 27 runs.
Faced with a daunting target, the Australian cohort set off to a brisk start. Matthew Short and Steve Smith amassed 35 in three overs, appearing to set the stage for a competitive chase. However, Indian bowlers, particularly the spinners, had different plans. Ravi Bishnoi deconstructed the visitors’ aspirations, claiming the scalps of Short and then Josh Inglis, the previous match’s centurion, sending shockwaves through the Australian camp.
A brief counterattack was mounted by heavy hitters Tim David and Marcus Stoinis, who delivered a quickfire 81 runs in 37 balls. This stand provided Australia with a sliver of hope, which was promptly extinguished as the disciplined Indian bowlers executed a succession of incisive spells, effectively disintegrating Australian resistance. From 139/4, the visitors stumbled to close their innings at 191/9.
India saw a collective bowling effort with Prasidh Krishna and Ravi Bishnoi scalping three wickets apiece. Stoinis, with a valiant knock of 45 from 25 deliveries, and Tim David, with a rapid 37, become significant contributors to the Australian totals. Nonetheless, it was not enough to deter India from securing a dominant 2-0 lead in the series, setting a high bar for the third and final T20I at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on November 28.
The series now moves to the northeast of India, with Australia seeking redemption and India aiming to clinch a clean sweep. As the teams prepare for this final showdown, fans eagerly anticipate if India will maintain their momentum or if Australia can salvage some pride and end the series on a high note.