India vs Australia, a rivalry that perhaps isn’t as old as England-Australia but certainly has been more intense and invigorating in the past decade. As the build-up for the T20 World Cup 2024 starts, the two titans of cricket will face off for a 5-match T20I series in India. While this series is at the forefront, one must not forget what happened the last time these two sides faced each other in a T20I series.
A battle for the ages occurred the last time Australia faced India in T20Is. Team India led by Rohit Sharma came back after being downed by the Aussies in the first T20I and staged a remarkable fightback tale, that’ll be remembered for ages.
India had lost the first T2OI to Australia in Mohali despite an impressive 208 for 6 off their 20 overs. In hindsight, India should have probably scored a few more after KL Rahul’s blazing half-century at the top of the order. The problem was India had lost Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli cheaply and the bulk of the rebuilding process had to be carried out by Rahul and Suryakumar Yadav, who will lead India this time. SKY smashed 46 off 25 and the pair added 68 off 8 overs. India then pressed Hardik Pandya into service and the gun all-rounder plundered 71 off 30, leaving a trail of destruction in the later overs.
However, the chase turned out to be a breeze for Australia. Aaron Finch and Cameron Green were in shock and awe mood that night. Finch perished first but by then, the Aussies had raced away to 39 in the 4th over. Steve Smith, not exactly known for his flair in the shortest format, played one of his memorable T20 knocks for Australia – an ultra-aggressive 35 off 24. There was never really any doubt of an Australian victory that evening and the finishing touches were laid by Matthew Wade, who stormed to a 21-ball 45 and remained unbeaten to see his side through.
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