Post by : Rameen Ariff

In a commanding display at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday, Australia clinched a four-wicket victory over India in the second T20 International. Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood delivered a masterclass with the ball, taking 3-13 and bowling an incredible 15 dot balls, while Mitchell Marsh’s aggressive 46 off 26 balls anchored the chase.

After rain washed out the first game in Canberra, Australia took a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. Hazlewood’s devastating opening spell set the tone early, dismantling India’s top order and restricting them to a modest total of 125 runs in front of a crowd of 82,438 at the iconic MCG.

Hazlewood’s opening ball trapped Shubman Gill lbw, though the decision was overturned on review. However, Hazlewood continued his relentless pressure, forcing Gill to edge a short ball to the keeper for just five runs. The pacer then removed Suryakumar Yadav for one and Tilak Varma for a duck, leaving India struggling at 32 for four.

India’s Abhishek Sharma stood out with a fighting 68 off 37 balls, forming a vital 56-run partnership with Harshit Rana (35) to stabilize the innings. However, Australia’s bowlers kept chipping away with Xavier Bartlett, Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, and others taking key wickets to prevent India from posting a challenging total.

With the ball in hand, Australia’s captain Mitchell Marsh took charge. He forged a 51-run opening partnership with Travis Head before accelerating to guide Australia to victory with 40 balls to spare.

Marsh’s 46 runs came off just 26 deliveries, blending patience with power to keep the scoreboard ticking. His performance earned him the man-of-the-match award, highlighting his leadership and skill in pressure situations.

With the series shifting to Hobart for the third T20I, Australia will look to build on this momentum and continue their strong start against India.

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