In a stunning reversal of fortunes at the Sydney Cricket Ground, India produced a spectacular batting performance to level the three-match T20 series against Australia, winning the second encounter by five wickets with seven deliveries remaining.
Australia's Innings: Wade and Short Shine
The home side posted a competitive 175-6 from their 20 overs, with Matthew Wade leading the charge with a blistering 43 from just 25 deliveries. The Australian wicketkeeper-batsman smashed three sixes and two fours in his explosive knock, providing crucial momentum during the middle overs.
Opener D'Arcy Short contributed a steady 33 from 29 balls, while Tim David provided late fireworks with 30 from 19 deliveries. The Australian innings featured several promising partnerships but struggled to maintain consistent momentum against a disciplined Indian bowling attack.
Indian Bowling: Bishnoi's Breakthrough
Leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi emerged as the pick of the Indian bowlers, claiming the vital wicket of the dangerous Glenn Maxwell and finishing with impressive figures of 1-28 from his four overs. The young spinner's ability to contain the Australian batters during the crucial middle overs proved instrumental in restricting the hosts to a chaseable total.
Arshdeep Singh and Mukesh Kumar supported well, taking two wickets apiece, while Axar Patel maintained economic pressure throughout his spell.
India's Chase: Jaiswal and Samson Lead the Way
In reply, India approached the run chase with calculated aggression from the outset. Yashasvi Jaiswal set the tone with a quickfire 21 from just 13 balls, including three boundaries, before falling to Spencer Johnson.
The foundation of India's successful chase was built around a magnificent 72-run partnership between Sanju Samson and Rinku Singh. Samson played the anchor role to perfection, scoring 34 from 23 deliveries, while Singh provided the fireworks with an unbeaten 44 from just 26 balls.
The Finishing Touch: Rinku's Heroics
With the game hanging in the balance, Rinku Singh displayed remarkable composure under pressure. The left-hander struck three crucial sixes and two fours, steering India to victory with an over to spare. His partnership with Shivam Dube, who contributed 16 from 13 balls, ensured there would be no late collapse.
Australian bowlers struggled to contain the Indian batters, with Nathan Ellis being the most successful, claiming 2-33 from his four overs. Spencer Johnson and Glenn Maxwell took a wicket each, but the hosts lacked the penetration needed to defend their total.
Series Perfectly Poised
This victory sets up a tantalising series decider, with both teams now having claimed a win apiece. The final match promises to be a thrilling conclusion to what has been an evenly contested series between two of cricket's powerhouse nations.
The result marks a significant comeback for India, who displayed both batting firepower and strategic maturity in their pursuit of 176 runs. For Australia, it's back to the drawing board as they seek to address their bowling concerns ahead of the series finale.
