Australia beat India by four runs in T20 clash in Brisbane
Australia were in total control against India at the Gabba last night - until they weren’t. And it was only an inspired final over effort that left the local crowd cheering.
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Australia’s turbulent time without Steve Smith and David Warner has continued after escaping with a thrilling Twenty20 victory against India in Brisbane on Wednesday night.
Australia went within a whisker of losing the seemingly unlosable, but managed to snap a four-game losing streak with a four-run win at the Gabba.
In a rain-affected clash reduced to 17 overs, India was in trouble needing 60 runs off the final 24 balls chasing a total of 174 before Australia nearly imploded.
Andrew Tye (1-47), Australia’s best T20 bowler this year, was hammered in the closing overs of the match as India threatened to pull off a remarkable victory.
But a strong final over from Marcus Stoinis (3-27) gave Australia a much-needed win to start the three-match T20 series.
Captain Aaron Finch hailed Australia’s gutsy performance.
“I thought the boys played really well, particularly through the middle overs with the bat,” Finch said.
“We showed a lot of courage to take it on the way we did.
“I thought some of our bowling was outstanding as well under a lot of pressure.”
ANXIOUS AUSSIES
Australia is a team desperately in need of confidence and their vulnerability was on show throughout Wednesday night’s encounter.
After losing their past four T20 encounters, Australia produced an encouraging performance with the bat to post 4-158 in 17 overs, a total which was later adjusted due to rain.
Leg-spinner Adam Zampa was the pick of the bowlers for Australia, finishing with 2-22 from four overs, including the prized scalp of India captain Virat Kohli (4).
After some nervous moments Australia escaped with a win, but it was far from convincing.
IN-FORM INDIA
India has never won a Test series in Australia in 11 attempts dating back to 1947-48, but this summer could be their best chance to break that duck.
While Australia’s Test team will look very different to the T20 outfit, India has kicked off its tour with some momentum.
India’s T20 team is ranked No. 2 in the world and to produce such a quality performance in their first match of the tour is proof they will challenge Australia all summer.
LEADERSHIP SPILL
Australian cricket is crying out for a leader with the bat. Who wants to pick this team up on their shoulders and carry it?
Last night’s batsmen did a terrific job of getting started, but no-one kicked on.
Glenn Maxwell (46), Chris Lynn (37), Marcus Stoinis (33 not out) and captain Aaron Finch (27) threatened to blow India away before falling.
With Australia’s best two bats in Smith and Warner suspended for the summer, Australia desperately needs a batsman to stand up and take India on.
Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan (76) proved how important it is to have at least one batsman produce a big score.
KOHLI START TO SUMMER
Kohli is set to once again be public enemy No. 1 in Australia this summer and he gave the locals some ammunition early last night.
The controversial Indian captain dropped a relatively straight forward catch to give Australian counterpart Aaron Finch a life on six and was sloppy in the field later on.
He dropped himself down the order during India’s run chase before being caught playing a poor shot for 4 (8).
“That’s how it goes in this game sometimes,” Kohli said.
“You have to take these days and learn from them and come back in the next game and try to do better.
“These are variables you take as a cricketer. Every game is not going to be the perfect game.
“It was a see-sawing battle. We thought we were going to win and it turned.
“There were a lot of variables in the game but that’s T20 cricket. It’s a see-saw game.”
If India is to succeed they need Kohli to fire and the early signs were not good. But the world’s best batsman cannot be written off, especially with his stellar record against Australia.
BACK LYNN THE HUNT
Chris Lynn was so close to proving he deserves to be a long-term fixture in the international arena.
Under pressure following a lean run of results for Australia, Lynn sprinted to the crease at his home ground in Brisbane.
He cracked his first delivery through cover to the boundary then whacked four sixes as he raced to 37 (20) before playing a timid shot to be a caught and bowled by Kuldeep Yadav.
Lynn is still yet to reach 50 in 16 T20 internationals, but last night’s cameo should give him a shot of confidence for this series.
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Originally published as Australia beat India by four runs in T20 clash in Brisbane
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