Australia took a 1-0 lead in the ongoing India Tour of Australia 2025 after a convincing four-wicket victory in the second T20I at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The hosts, led by a masterful bowling display from Josh Hazlewoodoutclassed India in both departments to comfortably chase down a modest target of 126 inside 14 overs.

Josh Hazlewood destroys Indian batting unit

After winning the toss, Australia captain Mitchell Marsh opted to bowl first — a decision that paid immediate dividends. Hazlewood struck early with his trademark precision, removing both openers within the powerplay. The right-arm pacer was virtually unplayable, extracting seam movement and maintaining a nagging length that troubled the Indian batters throughout his spell. His outstanding figures of 3 for 13 in 4 overs earned him the Player of the Match award.

Nathan Ellis complemented Hazlewood perfectly, picking up two crucial wickets, including that of Sanju Samsonwith a sharp nip-backer that trapped him plumb in front. Xavier Bartlett also chipped in with a couple of scalps, while Marcus Stoinis kept things tight from his end. The collective effort saw India bundled out for 125 in 18.4 overs, never really recovering from the early blows.

For India, it was once again a case of one man standing tall against the odds. Young opener Abhishek Sharma was the lone bright spot in an otherwise disappointing batting performance. Showing remarkable composure and aggression, he hammered 68 runs off just 37 balls, striking 8 fours and 2 sixes to keep India afloat.

While Abhishek looked fluent and confident, wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals from the other end. Later, Harshit Rana contributed a fighting 35 off 33 balls, hitting a few crisp boundaries to add some respectability to the total.

However, the lower order crumbled quickly as Australia’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure. India’s innings ended at 125, a total that was never going to challenge the hosts on a batting-friendly MCG surface.

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Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head power Australia’s chase

Australia began their chase with intent, as captain Marsh and Travis Head launched a flurry of boundaries during the powerplay. The duo added a rapid partnership, with Marsh leading from the front, smashing 46 off 26 balls with 2 fours and 4 towering sixes. Head supported him well with 28 off 15, finding the fence three times before being dismissed by Varun Chakaravarthywho continued to impress with his control and variations.

Despite a brief wobble in the middle overs, with India picking up quick wickets through jasprit bumrah (2/26), Chakravarthy (2/23), and Kuldeep Yadav (2/45), Australia’s depth ensured there were no major hiccups. Mitchell Owen (14 off 10) and Marcus Stoinis (6 off 6) guided the hosts past the finish line with 126/6 in 13.2 overs, sealing the match comfortably.

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