In the opening game of the five-match T20I series in Vizag on Thursday (November 23), India defeated Australia by two wickets. Rinku Singh’s heroics, an explosive 42-ball 80 from Suryakumar Yadav on his captaincy debut, and his 112-run stand with Ishan Kishan (58 off 39 balls) were all crucial. Australia amassed a formidable 208 thanks to Josh Inglis’ explosive 47-ball century, which also put India at 22/2. However, India was able to take control because of their skipper Suryakumar and Ishan
India defeated Australia by two wickets in the first encounter of the five-match Twenty20 International series on Thursday, November 23, in Vizag. The critical moments came from Rinku Singh’s heroics, Suryakumar Yadav’s blazing 42-ball 80 on his captaincy debut, and his 112-run stand with Ishan Kishan (58 off 39 balls). Josh Inglis’ brilliant 47-ball century helped Australia amass a threatening 208, putting India at 22/2. Ishan, who almost batted through the chase, and captain Suryakumar allowed India to seize the initiative. Despite a late collapse, Rinku kept his cool to send India through off the last ball.
, who nearly batted through the chase. Rinku maintained his composure to send India through off the final ball despite a late collapse.
For Steve Smith, a first
Although he has been around for a while, Australia’s top batter did not open the innings in his career until November 23, 2023. Smith did not exactly time his boundaries early on, but he did have a few. Australia began steadily, with his opening partner Matthew Short hitting three boundaries as well.
India’s wrist spin strikes
Australia’s openers were off to a strong start, so Suryakumar quickly adopted a spin strategy. Leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi made a breakthrough, but Axar Patel’s opening over was not successful. A well-placed googly swerved past Short’s swipe across the line, upsetting the wood.
Inglis starts a fire in Vizag
Josh Inglis’s skill really shines in Twenty20 cricket, but he didn’t get many chances to show it during the ODI World Cup. Arriving at number three, Inglis did not take long to adjust to the pitch’s pace and exploited India’s bowling. There were shots everywhere, and Inglis took full advantage of the narrow size of the pitch. Even though Spin was difficult to handle, he handled it expertly while Smith had trouble with timing the entire time. With his century off just 47 balls, Inglis maintained the momentum and set Australia on track for a total of 200 or more.
Mukesh, the one bright spot in India
India’s bowlers were all given the rough treatment, and although Axar Patel was also frugal, he was given some extra attention in his later overs. But Mukesh Kumar distinguished himself with his well-thought-out strategies and execution, giving India some respite with just 29 runs conceded in four overs, including just five in the twentieth over.
Something Ruturaj would prefer to forget about a diamond
Ruturaj Gaikwad was the unfortunate recipient of a diamond duck, which is priceless, after a major miscommunication with opening partner Yashasvi Jaiswal. Early in the second half, Australia gained a gift-wrapped wicket, and a straightforward run-out followed.
Ishan and Suryakumar turn it on
In his first captaincy appearance, Suryakumar showed no signs of nervousness as the top-ranked T20I batsman got right to work. Ishan gave Jason Behrendorff a rough start with a maiden, but as his captain hit them clean at the other end, the left-hander also eventually settled into a groove. The hilarious duo completely destroyed Australia’s bowlers, especially leggie Jason Sangha, who was repeatedly hit for sixes and boundaries. The absence of dew, which Suryakumar had expected while choosing to bowl at the toss, was the one factor working to Australia’s advantage. But in the chase, this stand kept making merry for India.
With his two strikes, Sangha gives Australia hope
Sangha slightly weakened India’s lead by getting rid of Ishan and Tilak Varma in consecutive overs, going against the flow of the game. Despite taking a beating, the leggie had an incredible amount of composure, and his bravery allowed Australia a brief window of time to get back into the game.
Stepping up to the plate, Suryakumar puts India in danger
Despite losing two wickets, the interim captain remained unfazed and improved his strokeplay. In the 16th over, which lasted for 18 runs, even Australia’s death specialist Nathan Ellis went the entire distance. With only 20 left over from the previous 18 deliveries, it departed India. Rinku also hit timely boundaries at the opposite end, providing his skipper with the perfect assistance.
In the middle of the frantic late drama, Rinku maintains her composure
In an attempt to immediately terminate the match, Suryakumar lost his wicket, which again allowed Australia a sniff to creep back in. With two vital boundaries, one off the final ball of the 19th over and the other to begin the 20th over, Rinku maintained the pace. These were invaluable in light of the events that followed. India had one ball remaining off the penultimate ball after Bishnoi was run out on the second run and Axar misplayed one straight up for Sean Abbott to collect the return catch. Two were needed from three balls. Rinku maintained his composure to smash a six over long-on, but in the end, Abbott overstepped, meaning there was no ball.