Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
Australia’s fast bowler Josh Hazlewood produced a stunning bowling performance to lead his team to a comfortable nine-wicket victory over India in the second T20 International at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Hazlewood took 3 wickets for just 13 runs in his four overs, including 15 dot balls, completely dismantling India’s top order and setting the tone for Australia’s dominant win.
India, who were put in to bat first after Australian captain Mitchell Marsh won the toss, struggled badly on a pitch that offered extra pace and seam movement. The visitors were bowled out for only 125 runs in 19.3 overs, unable to recover from early wickets. Opener Abhishek Sharma was the lone bright spot, scoring a brilliant 68 off 37 balls. However, the rest of the Indian batting lineup failed to provide any real support, with only one other player managing to reach double figures.
Hazlewood struck with the very first ball of the match, trapping Shubman Gill lbw. Though the decision was overturned after a review, he soon dismissed Gill for 5 after a short ball crashed into the helmet and forced a mistimed shot. He continued his fiery spell by removing Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav for just 1, marking the skipper’s fourth single-digit score in his last six innings. Two balls later, Tilak Varma fell for a duck, caught behind by Josh Inglis, leaving India reeling at 32 for 4.
Despite the collapse, Abhishek Sharma tried to steady the innings with aggressive stroke play. He smashed 14 runs in one over off Xavier Bartlett, hitting boundaries all over the park. Along with Harshit Rana, who scored 35, Sharma added 56 runs for the sixth wicket, saving India from a total disaster. Their partnership gave India some hope of reaching a competitive total.
However, Australia’s bowlers remained relentless. Xavier Bartlett recovered well from his expensive first over to claim two wickets in quick succession, dismissing Rana and Shivam Dube (4). Wicketkeeper Josh Inglis took a stunning diving catch to send Dube back, while Sean Abbott added to India’s woes by removing Kuldeep Yadav for a duck with a sharp catch close to the wicket. Nathan Ellis then wrapped up the innings by dismissing Abhishek Sharma lbw, ensuring India fell short of a competitive total.
Chasing 126, Australia’s openers made the target look small. Captain Mitchell Marsh smashed 46 runs off just 26 balls, hitting with power and confidence. He shared a 51-run opening stand with Travis Head, who played a steady supporting role. The hosts reached the target comfortably with 40 balls to spare, finishing on 126 for 1 and taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match series after the first match in Canberra was washed out due to rain.
For his brilliant spell, Josh Hazlewood was named Man of the Match. Speaking after the win, he said, “The ball feels like it’s coming out really nicely at the moment. It’s about putting it in the right areas and letting the pitch do the work.” His disciplined bowling, backed by a strong fielding effort, highlighted Australia’s dominance on home soil.
India will need to regroup quickly before the third T20 in Hobart on Sunday. Their batting collapse exposed weaknesses in handling pace and movement, something the team will look to address before the next game. Meanwhile, Australia will aim to build on this momentum and strengthen their position in the series.
The second T20 in Melbourne showcased Australia’s superior bowling and batting balance. Hazlewood’s precise spell and Marsh’s attacking captaincy ensured a one-sided contest, leaving India with much to reflect upon. As the series moves to Hobart, all eyes will be on whether India can bounce back or if Australia continues their commanding run.
English
