India captured a 2-1 series victory in the five-match T20 series against Australia. This underdog final match had to be canceled due to heavy storming. Torrential rain, followed by severe thunderstorms, forced an early conclusion with only 4.5 overs of play possible, denying both squads the chance to test themselves. The series showed just how amazing India can be in the shortest format of the game. As such, they went on to achieve a historic number one ranking with the ICC.
The four-match series started with an opening game in Canberra that was rained out. Australia claimed a narrow victory in the second T20 in Melbourne by four wickets, bolstered by a strong performance from Josh Hazlewood. India responded in tremendous style though and won the third T20 in Hobart by five wickets. They emphatically extended that dominance, zipping to a 48-run win in the fourth T20 on Australia’s Gold Coast.
Abhishek Sharma emerged as a standout player throughout the series, notably scoring an unbeaten 23 in the final match before it was abandoned. Both Glenn Maxwell and Ben Dwarshuis dropped him during his innings. Still, he lit up the tournament and was named Player of the Series, amassing 163 runs at a cracking average of 40.75.
India’s captain, Suryakumar Yadav, praised his team’s collective effort, stating, “The way everybody chipped in in every game and we came back from being one match down, I think credit goes to all the boys; a complete team effort.”
India are now preparing to defend their T20 World Cup title on home soil in February next year. Soon, it will be their turn to head home with renewed confidence and a wealth of player options to choose from. That trend continued in a successful T20I series against Australia, providing an encouraging build-up to what’s becoming a hugely anticipated tournament.
Australia captain Mitch Marsh reflected on the series, saying, “I thought all in all it was a good series, two teams really going at it.” He further acknowledged India’s performance by commenting, “India won the games when it mattered, so congratulations to them.” What’s not in doubt is the level of play and competitive spirit that both teams brought during the epic series.
Meanwhile, Australia is preparing for their Ashes series against England. To concentrate on preparations for the red ball format, they’ve pulled players such as Hazlewood out of the T20 squad and into red ball duties. India’s first T20 World Cup victory reaffirms their status as a formidable force in T20 cricket. This all bodes well for a rip-roaring year ahead.
