Whenever two best teams of world cricket face each other, it’s expected to be a run-fest but the 1st T20I between India and Australia left everyone disappointed. Except for KL Rahul, other batsmen were failed to score and ended up putting a mere 126 on board.
However, an 84-run partnership between D’Arcy Short and Glenn Maxwell put them in a safe side from where the target was easily chased. But the format is so unpredictable that no one knows what would happen till the last ball of the game. Likewise, Maxwell’s dismissal in the 14th over gave India to fight back.
Though Australia kept their nerves under pressure and took 1-0 lead in the T20I series.
Let’s have a look at three talking points from the game at Vishakapatnam:
1. KL Rahul’s form returns
After having missed some of the matches due to controversies off the field, he started his International game with a bang. While Shikhar Dhawan was being rested, Rahul opened the innings with Rohit Sharma and he looked comfortable from the beginning. Rahul used his feet really well and played some big shots as well. He scored six boundaries and a six in his way to the half-century where he took 36 balls.
But fall of wickets in quick succession kept him under pressure and just when he was looking set to the crease, he mistimed Coulter-Nile’s delivery and got dismissed and somewhere that caused India’s hope to put up a big total. However, his return to form will be a good sign for India prior to the ICC World Cup.
2. Excellent spells from Australian bowlers
Australia won the toss and elected to bowl first. They got the first breakthrough in the form of Rohit Sharma; who got out in the third over of the match for mere 5 off 8. All the bowlers had a proper plan to restrict India within a below per. They didn’t give batsmen any room to open their hands which created pressure on the batsmen. Nathan Coulter-Nile was the most successful among bowlers (3/26).
3. Glenn Maxwell’s formidable form
After Australia lost two wickets within 5 runs, Maxwell came to his side’s rescue. He started hitting all over the park and steadied the ship with D Arcy Short. They both added 84 runs. He played some excellent strokes against pace and spins both and put the pressure back on the Indian bowlers.
He completed his half-century. His 56 off 43 guided Australia in a safe position. Though a couple of wickets in between troubled Australia, his knock didn't go in vain, as Australia won the nail-biting match in the last ball.
