NEW DELHI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ishan Kishan, and Ruturaj Gaikwad shone brightly with quick-fire fifties, driving India to a commanding 44-run victory over Australia in the second T20I. With this win, India have surged ahead in the five-match series, leading 2-0.
Jaiswal set the tone with a spectacular 53 off just 25 balls, laying the foundation for India's massive total of 235 for four alongside Kishan (52 off 32 balls) and Gaikwad (58 off 43 balls).
AS IT HAPPENED: INDIA vs AUSTRALIA, 2ND T20I
Ravi Bishnoi's exceptional spell (3/32) dismantled Australia's top-order, restricting them to 191 for nine despite the aggressive efforts of Tim David (37 off 22 balls) and Marcus Stoinis (45 off 25 balls).
Prasidh Krishna's three crucial wickets further compounded Australia's downfall, resulting in a collapse of five wickets for just 16 runs.
Although Australia began with urgency, Bishnoi's dismissals of Matthew Short and Josh Inglis, coupled with Prasidh and Axar Patel's disciplined bowling, left them reeling at 58 for four.
However, David and Stoinis mounted a spirited fight, forming a dynamic 81-run partnership in just over seven overs, showcasing their boundary-hitting prowess.
Yet, pivotal breakthroughs by Bishnoi against David, caught by Gaikwad, and Stoinis' departure off Mukesh Kumar marked the turning point, sealing India's imminent victory.
The remarkable contributions of Jaiswal, Kishan, and Gaikwad were instrumental in India's triumph, capitalizing on Australia's wayward bowling. Jaiswal's aggressive assault, especially against Sean Abbott in the Power Play, set the stage for India's dominant start.
Despite Jaiswal's departure, Gaikwad and Kishan continued the onslaught, denying the Australians any control over the match. India cruised to 101 for 1 after 10 overs, maintaining a steady run rate of around 11.5 runs per over.
Kishan's brisk fifty in 29 balls, including a massive six off Tanveer Sangha, and Gaikwad's composed innings, complemented by Rinku Singh's quick cameo (31 off 9 balls), ensured India finished emphatically, amassing a total that remained beyond Australia's reach.
