Melbourne, Oct 31 (UNI) India’s batting lineup suffered a collective failure in the second T20 International against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, folding for just 125 in 18.4 overs.
The only bright spark was Abhishek Sharma, who played a sensational knock of 68 off 37 balls, fighting almost single-handedly against a disciplined Australian attack led by Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Ellis.
Having won the toss and opting to bowl first, Australia’s pace trio of Hazlewood (3/13), Ellis (2/21), and Bartlett (2/39) rattled India with seam, bounce, and clever variation. Marcus Stoinis and spinner Matthew Kuhnemann provided steady support as India crumbled under pressure after a promising start.
Shubman Gill (5) was the first to go, caught by Marsh off Hazlewood in the third over. Sanju Samson (2) soon followed, trapped lbw by Ellis. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav (1) was undone by a sharp delivery that squared him up, while Tilak Varma (0) departed soon after, leaving India reeling at 32 for 4 inside the fifth over.
Abhishek Sharma, however, counterattacked with confidence and flair — pulling, cutting, and lofting with precision. His 50 came off 32 balls, drawing applause from the MCG spectators. The left-hander struck eight boundaries and two sixes, including a magnificent pick-up over long leg off, to Bartlett in the 17th over.
Harshit Rana (35 off 33 balls) provided the only real support, sharing a 56-run stand for the sixth wicket with Abhishek. But once Rana holed out to Tim David and Dube (4) nicked off soon after, the tail fell apart quickly.
Abhishek’s spirited innings ended in the 19th over, trapped lbw by a clever Ellis yorker after anticipating a wide line. He received a warm ovation from the crowd as Bumrah came in last. Moments later, a mix-up with Varun Chakaravarthy resulted in Bumrah’s run-out, closing India’s innings at 125.
Score Summary:
India 125 all out in 18.4 overs (Abhishek Sharma 68, Harshit Rana 35; Hazlewood 3/13, Ellis 2/21, Bartlett 2/39)
Australia are yet to bat.
