Half-centuries by Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan proved pivotal as India pulled off their highest ever T20I run chase to defeat Australia by two wickets in a nail-biting finish during the first T20I match of the five-game series on Thursday at Visakhapatnam. The thrilling victory puts India ahead with a 1-0 series lead, surpassing their previous record chase of 208 against the West Indies in 2019.
India’s pursuit of the formidable 209-run target began with an immediate setback as a mix-up led to Ruturaj Gaikwad being run-out without scoring. Despite this early loss, young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal provided a brief counter-attack but succumbed to Matthew Short, giving the Australian his first T20I wicket. What followed was an electrifying partnership, as Ishan Kishan and India’s captain, Suryakumar Yadav, took charge, propelling the team past the 50-run mark in under five overs.
During their partnership, they targeted Australia’s young spinner Tanveer Sangha, launching an assault in the ninth over that significantly swung the momentum in India’s favor. Kishan reached his fourth T20I fifty off just 37 balls but fell shortly after for a well-made 58. Suryakumar continued the onslaught, as his rapid knock of 80 featured nine fours and four sixes, before a mishit saw him fall close to the climax.
Losing a couple of quick wickets towards the finish momentarily swung the game back in Australia’s favor. However, with only two required from the last two deliveries, Rinku Singh pulled off a double, resulting in Arshdeep Singh’s run-out. It all boiled down to one required off the final ball, and Rinku Singh did not disappoint, smashing what should have been the winning six. Alas, the drama peaked as Sean Abbott overstepped, and the delivery was called a no-ball, giving India the victory.
Tanveer Sangha, more effective than his first over suggested, ended as the best bowler for Australia with figures of 2/47. Matthew Short and Jason Behrendorff managed one wicket each, but ultimately, it wasn’t enough to contain the Indian batters.
Earlier in the day, Australia had set the stage with an explosive batting display, primarily thanks to Josh Inglis’ sensational century and his 130-run stand with Steve Smith, propelling them to a total of 208 for the loss of three wickets. The Australian innings also began with early troubles as Ravi Bishnoi dispatched Matthew Short. However, Inglis’ arrival resulted in a controlled acceleration, alongside Smith’s equally adept handling of the Indian bowlers.
Inglis, particularly severe on the Indian spinners, brought up his maiden T20I hundred in 47 balls. His innings included nine fours and eight sixes, injecting energy into the Australian innings. Yet, Prasidh Krishna struck to remove Inglis, subtly shifting the momentum before a quick-fire contribution from Tim David elevated the Australian score beyond the 200 mark.
India’s bowlers had mixed performances, with the young leg spinner Bishnoi and fast bowler Prasidh Krishna capturing one wicket each. However, Mukesh Kumar, though wicketless, delivered an economical spell of four overs that curbed Australia’s final charge, a key factor in a game decided by fine margins.
The thrilling win is a significant morale booster for team India, as they chase their first series win in this format against the Australians in recent times. The victory also laid the foundation for an exciting series, setting the stage for a fiercely competitive second match in the T20I series. Both teams are now looking ahead, knowing the importance each game holds, not just for the series but also in the lead up to the World Cup in 2023.
India’s record run-chase will be remembered for its high drama and the stalwart performance of its young players, proving the depth and talent that exists within the squad. The second match promises to provide even more enthralling cricket, with both teams eager to stamp their dominance in white-ball cricket.
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