Hobart: India bounced back brilliantly in the second T20 International at Hobart on Sunday, defeating Australia by five wickets to square the series at 1-1. Chasing 187, the visitors reached the target with nine deliveries remaining, thanks to Washington Sundar‘s unbeaten 49 and Jitesh Sharma‘s crucial 22 not out.
Australia posted 186/6 after winning the toss, with Tim David’s explosive 74 off 38 balls being the highlight of their innings. However, Arshdeep Singh’s exceptional spell of 3/35 restricted the hosts from posting a more commanding total.
David’s Explosive Counter-Attack
Walking in during the third over after Travis Head and Josh Inglis departed cheaply to Arshdeep’s swing bowling, David launched an audacious assault. He dispatched his first delivery for four past mid-off and lofted Jasprit Bumrah over the covers with disdain. After being dismissed softly by Varun Chakravarthy in Melbourne, David took revenge by smashing consecutive boundaries off the spinner.
Despite offering a chance on 20 when Washington Sundar spilled a difficult catch at backward point, David continued his onslaught. He demolished Axar Patel with two enormous sixes, one crashing into the stadium roof with a projected distance of 129 meters. Shivam Dube received similar treatment as David raced to fifty in just 23 deliveries.
His partnership with Mitchell Marsh yielded 59 runs, though Marsh contributed merely five. David particularly dominated Varun Chakravarthy, scoring 26 from 10 balls despite having a modest record against the mystery spinner previously. He seemed destined for a century before miscuing Dube to Tilak Varma at long-off, who executed a brilliant catch near the boundary.
Arshdeep’s Crucial Breakthrough
Arshdeep proved why he was included in the playing eleven, utilizing early swing to dismiss both openers cheaply. His ability to extract movement troubled the Australian batsmen throughout his spell. Marcus Stoinis played a valuable knock of 64, showcasing his versatility with reverse sweeps and powerful pulls, but Arshdeep returned to claim his wicket as well, finishing as the pick of India’s bowlers.
Varun Chakravarthy chipped in with two vital wickets, including Mitchell Marsh and Mitch Owen, while Bumrah maintained his usual economical standards. Matthew Short remained unbeaten on 26 off 15, though Bumrah and Arshdeep’s death bowling excellence ensured Australia couldn’t maximize the final overs.
India’s Measured Chase
Abhishek Sharma provided another explosive start with two fours and two sixes before Nathan Ellis dismissed him for the third consecutive match with a sharp bouncer. Suryakumar Yadav struck two sixes but fell for 24, while Shubman Gill was trapped lbw by Ellis, leaving India at a slightly precarious position despite being ahead of the required rate.
Washington Sundar then took control, treating short-pitched deliveries with contempt by depositing three consecutive bouncers from Ellis and Sean Abbott into the square leg stands. His calculated aggression kept India ahead of the asking rate despite regular wickets falling at the other end.
Jitesh Sharma, returning to international cricket after 18 months, played a composed innings. He survived a dropped catch by Mitch Owen and showcased his range with an audacious scoop shot off Ellis. The duo added an unbroken 43-run partnership that sealed the victory comfortably.
Washington remained composed throughout, striking Stoinis straight down the ground before Jitesh lofted over cover to complete the win with nine balls unused, giving India the perfect platform heading into the remaining matches of the series.
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