Hazlewood and Marsh Lead Australia to Dominant T20 Victory Over India at MCG
Josh Hazlewood delivered a lethal bowling performance, leading Australia to a convincing four-wicket win against India in front of 82,438 spectators at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
India was restricted to 125 runs in 18.4 overs, which Australia chased down comfortably, reaching 6-126 in just 13.2 overs, with 40 balls remaining. This victory puts Australia ahead 1-0 in the five-match T20 international series.
Match Highlights
- The opening game in Canberra was washed out, making this win Australia's first in the series.
- Captain Mitch Marsh won the toss and chose to bowl first, a decision that paid off.
- Hazlewood’s early strikes effectively silenced the majority Indian crowd at the MCG.
Batting Performance
After bowling India out cheaply, Marsh and Travis Head led the chase, aiming to finish the game quickly.
"Marsh (46) and fellow opener Travis Head (28) went about trying to end the match as quickly as possible."
Marsh displayed exceptional form, hitting four sixes, including one of the biggest sixes ever seen at the MCG, sending Harshit Rana’s ball to the second level of the Olympic Stand.
"Marsh smashed one of the biggest ever sixes at the MCG when he blasted Harshit Rana into the second level of the Olympic Stand."
However, Marsh was caught at long-off while Australia was still 39 runs away from victory. The team lost 4-39 after his dismissal, with Jasprit Bumrah nearly securing a hat-trick.
Despite these late wickets, Australia maintained control and finished comfortably, never coming close to losing the match.
Summary
Australia’s clinical bowling and commanding batting display secured an impressive win to take the lead in the T20 series against India at the MCG.
Author's summary: Hazlewood's incisive bowling and Marsh's explosive batting powered Australia to a commanding four-wicket T20 win over India at the MCG, securing a 1-0 series lead.