Australia Beat India by Four Wickets to Take 1–0 Lead in T20I Series

Australia began their five-match T20I series against India with a commanding four-wicket victory at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday, chasing down a modest target of 126 in just 13.2 overs. The win gave the hosts an early 1–0 lead, exposing India’s frailties with the bat despite a spirited start.

India, sent in to bat first, were dismissed for 125 in 18.4 overs. Opener Abhishek Sharma stood out as the lone fighter, smashing a brisk 68 off 37 deliveries laced with eight fours and two sixes. However, his dismissal triggered a collapse, as the rest of the Indian batting order crumbled against Australia’s disciplined bowling. Apart from Sharma, no other batter managed to cross 15 runs, with Australia’s bowlers maintaining tight lines and exploiting uneven bounce effectively.

For Australia, the chase was aggressive from the outset. Captain Mitchell Marsh led the assault with a blistering 46 off just 26 balls, hitting four sixes and two boundaries. His opening partner Travis Head contributed 28 off 15 deliveries, setting up a strong platform that ensured Australia remained in control despite losing a few quick wickets midway.

India’s bowlers tried to pull things back, with Jasprit Bumrah claiming two late wickets and Ravi Bishnoi maintaining pressure through his variations. Yet, defending such a low total left little margin for error. Australia’s middle order saw through the final stages calmly, securing the win with 40 balls to spare.

The defeat once again highlighted India’s ongoing struggle with consistency in the shorter format, especially under pressure conditions away from home. Their middle-order fragility and lack of partnerships have been recurring issues, while Australia’s composure and clarity of approach stood in sharp contrast.

With four matches remaining, India will need to regroup quickly to stay alive in the series. The second T20I, scheduled in Sydney, offers them a crucial chance to bounce back. For Australia, the emphatic win reinforced their dominance at home and set the tone for what promises to be an intense and high-energy series between two of the world’s leading T20 sides.