In the thrilling opener of the five-match series, India clinched a heart-stopping victory against Australia in the T20I. Suryakumar Yadav, leading India for the first time, showcased his prowess with a stellar 42-ball 80, and Ishan Kishan's explosive 58 off 39 balls propelled India to a two-wicket win.
Opting to bowl first, India faced a daunting task as Australia, powered by Josh Inglis' blistering century off just 47 balls and his record-setting 130-run partnership with Steve Smith, posted a commanding total of 208/3 in their 20 overs.
In response, India faced early setbacks with Ruturaj Gaikwad's run-out and Yashasvi Jaiswal's quickfire 21 off 8 balls. However, Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan's resilient partnership steered India back on track, setting the stage for an enthralling chase.
The final over turned dramatic as Rinku Singh's boundary and a crucial bye brought the game to a tantalizing climax. With seven runs required off six balls, Axar Patel's dismissal set nerves jangling. Despite the back-to-back run-outs of Ravi Bishnoi and Arshdeep Singh, Rinku held firm. Requiring one run off the last ball, a no-ball from Sean Abbott led to a sensational finish as Rinku smashed the free-hit for a boundary, securing victory for India in a thrilling climax.
Suryakumar's nine boundaries and four sixes, coupled with Ishan Kishan's aggressive play fueled India's chase, drawing from their camaraderie in the Mumbai Indians squad of the Indian Premier League.
Amidst Australia's formidable innings, Indian bowlers staged a late resurgence, with Mukesh Kumar and Axar Patel applying the brakes. Despite Inglis' explosive ton, India's bowlers managed to limit the damage, aided by key breakthroughs from Bishnoi and Prasidh Krishna.
Inglis' scintillating century, achieving it in a joint-fastest 47-ball effort for Australia, along with Smith's composed 52 off 41 balls, formed the cornerstone of Australia's innings. However, Smith's dismissal at a crucial juncture shifted the momentum.
India's heroics in the chase capped a memorable victory, setting the stage for an intense series. The teams are set to clash in the second T20I at Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday, November 26.
Brief scores:
Australia 208/3 in 20 overs (Josh Inglis 110, Steve Smith 52; Ravi Bishnoi 1-54, Prasidh Krishna 1-50) lost to India 209/8 in 20 overs (Suryakumar Yadav 80, Ishan Kishan 58, Rinku Singh 22, Tanveer Sangha 2-42) by two wickets.
(With Agency Inputs)
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