NEW DELHI: Young spinner Ravi Bishnoi etched his name in the records book by matching Ravichandran Ashwin's feat of claiming the most wickets for India in a bilateral T20I home series.
Bishnoi's stellar performance was a highlight of the series, and he ended with nine wickets, equalling Ashwin's tally achieved against Sri Lanka in 2016.
His crucial two-wicket haul in the final T20I played a pivotal role in India securing a win at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
After the game, Bishnoi shared insights into his bowling plan, stating, "The first match, I didn't bowl. I just focused on my execution. My plan is simple - bowl stump-to-stump. (On South Africa series) Different wicket, different challenge, will try to adapt as quickly as I can."
In the final T20I clash, Axar Patel and Shreyas Iyer's 46-run partnership was instrumental in propelling India to a score of 160/8. Jitesh Sharma also played a crucial role, contributing 24 runs off 16 balls with his aggressive style.
Australia, chasing the target, got off to a strong start, but consistent wicket falls tilted the balance. Mukesh Kumar and Arshdeep Singh led the Indian bowling attack, claiming three and two wickets respectively. Bishnoi contributed with two crucial wickets, while Axar took one.
The thrilling encounter reached its climax in the final over, with Australia needing 10 runs in six balls. Arshdeep delivered a stellar performance, dismissing Aussie skipper Matthew Wade for 22 runs in the 19.3 overs and securing a remarkable six-run victory for India.
1/10:India clinch T20I series 4-1 with a thrilling victory over Australia
IANS
2/10:Shreyas Iyer's heroics
India posted 160/8 after Shreyas Iyer propelled the total with his 37-ball 53 knock despite losing regular wickets after the tourists elected to field first in Bengaluru.AFP
3/10:Impressive bowling performance
Fast bowler Mukesh Kumar (3-32), leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi (2-29) and left-arm spinner Axar Patel (1-14) stood out as the hosts, who took an unbeatable 3-1 lead in the fourth T20I, restricted Australia to 154/8.AFP
4/10:Arshdeep's final over heroics
It was left-arm quick Arshdeep who defended nine in the last over when he began with two dot balls and then the wicket of skipper Matthew Wade for 22 to dim Australia's hopes.PTI
5/10:India's fearless approach
"It was a good series from day one," skipper Suryakumar Yadav said. "We wanted to be fearless and enjoy ourselves when we were in the middle. So, very happy with that."AFP
6/10:Consolation for Indian fans
It was a second-string Indian team which gave some consolation to the fans who witnessed hosts India lose the ODI World Cup final to Australia on November 19 in Ahmedabad.PTI
7/10:Ben McDermott's valiant effort
Ben McDermott smashed 54 off 36 deliveries but the batting wobbled after his departure and Mukesh struck twice on two deliveries to dent the chase.PTI
8/10:Controversial no-ball
A rising delivery from Arshdeep at the start of the final over made Wade angry as he signalled to the umpires for a no-ball. Wade protested and got out two balls later to take back his team's hopes, still dejected and waving his bat.AP
9/10:Learning from tough conditions
"It would've been nice to get the result, but we learn and I thought Ben McDermott bounced back, Behrendorff, Dwarshuis, Sangha made an impact in tough conditions," skipper Wade said.AFP
10/10:Iyer's match-winning partnerships
Iyer put on fighting partnerships of 42 with Jitesh Sharma, who made 24, and 46 with Axar, who hit back with 31 from 21 balls and was named man of the match.APAs India clinched the series with a 4-1 margin, the standout performances of young talents like Bishnoi bode well for the team's future, showcasing their potential in the international cricketing arena.
(With inputs from ANI)
