India avenged their defeat to Australia in the final of the 50-overs Cricket World Cup by winning the T20 series against them with a match to spare following a 20-run victory in Raipur.
In the series’ finale encounter, India batted first and produced 174-9, with Rinku Singh (46) and Jitesh Sharma (35) shining despite failing to make the most of the closing overs.
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When they returned to defend, Axar Patel (3-16) shredded Australia’s top order, and the tourists finally managed 154-7, giving India a commanding 3-1 series lead.
Earlier, Yashasvi Jaiswal (37) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (32) put on a 50-run opening partnership before the hosts lost three wickets in short succession, including skipper Suryakumar Yadav.
Rinku and Jitesh bolstered India, and at 129-4 after 15 overs, the hosts were prepared for a late surge that might take them close to 200.
Australia, on the other hand, came back in the final five overs, surrendering only 45 runs and taking five wickets.
Patel went for a first-ball duck, but as Australia began their chase, the all-rounder chose to make apologies with the ball.
In his first two overs, the left-arm spinner dismissed opener Travis Head (31) and number four hitter Aaron Hardie before dismissing Ben McDermott in his last over to reduce Australia to 87-4 in the 12th over.
Matthew Wade hit an undefeated 36 from 23 balls, but it wasn’t enough.
Both ODI World Cup finalists sent out second-string lineups for the T20 series, which culminates on Sunday in Bengaluru.
Yadav was overjoyed with his team’s comeback from Tuesday’s setback.
“The toss didn’t go our way, but the character the boys showed is important,” he stated after the game.
“We said we have to go out and show ourselves – be fearless and be precise in your mind.”
Wade confessed that his team was defeated by the Indian spinners in this game.
“We failed to execute the spin very well through the middle,” he said afterward.
“They caught us in the fifth over and wouldn’t let go.”
“We need to strengthen up in a few places.” We must continue to learn, especially the team’s inexperienced players.
“The World Cup is close to the corner, so these are opportunities to impress.”
