Attempting to settle scores post-World Cup, although the two games differ significantly in magnitude, this victory will bring satisfaction to the youthful Indian side.
While it may not completely heal the wounds from the World Cup, Indian fans can take joy in reclaiming a win against the Australians just three days after the heartbreak in Ahmedabad.
The chase of 209 runs posed a challenge on any surface, yet SKY, on his captaincy debut, played a pivotal role in orchestrating a remarkable win alongside Ishan Kishan.
There was a complete absence of any lack of intent; in fact, there was an abundance of it. It’s also noteworthy to reflect on the excellent final over delivered by Mukesh Kumar in the first innings, particularly when considering how closely contested the match became in the end.
After the match Ishan Kishan went on to say that I think bowlers did a great job, we were put under pressure, but credit to Mukesh for the way he bowled, the wicket wasn’t easy to bowl on, but to go at less then 9 rpo was outstanding, Rinku as well, playing at the early stage of his career and playing that kind of innings, it was special. We didn’t want to put too much pressure on the later batters, credit to Surya bhai, he planned his innings superbly, he can always play the big shots whenever needed.
Earlier, India won the toss and elected to bowl first at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam.
Despite the challenging final over, Australia concluded their innings with an impressive total of 208. The standout performer was Josh Inglis, who notched up a stunning century in just 47 balls. Inglis aggressively took on the opposition right from the beginning, entering the game after the fall of Matthew Short in the fifth over.
At the end of 10 overs, Australia was 83/1, with Inglis (43*) and Smith (24*) unbeaten. Maiden T20I fifty came up for Inglis in just 29 balls, with six fours and three sixes. A century partnership was up between Inglis and Smith in just 57 balls.
Steve Smith accompanied Inglis for the majority of the innings, contributing to a solid partnership of 130 for the second wicket. While Inglis displayed a powerful batting display, Smith faced difficulties in finding his rhythm, managing a 52-run innings off 41 balls before getting dismissed. The significance of Smith’s innings may pose a challenge for Australia on the batting-friendly pitch in Visakhapatnam. A fine last over by Mukesh Kumar kept Australia at 208/3.