India vs Australia 2nd T20I Called Off Due To Rain, Hosts Lead Series 1-0
Riding on a terrific bowling effort from the seamers, India restricted Australia to a moderate 132 for seven in 19 overs in the second T20I in Melbourne on Friday. But with rain again playing a spoilsport, India were set a revised DLS target of 137 in 19 overs. After winning the toss, Indian skipper Virat Kohli opted to bowl and pacers Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2-20) and Khaleel Ahmed (2-39) made full use of the overcast conditions, rattling the Australian top order. Bhuvneshwar dismissed Aaron Finch (0) in the first over with an away swinger. Chris Lynn (13) got off to a good start but then played a poor shot. Opener D’Arcy Short followed Lynn soon, leaving his side reeling at 37 for three. Marcus Stoinis also departed cheaply, putting Australia further into trouble. Glenn Maxwell (19) and Ben McDermott tried to steady the Australian innings but the former got out trying to up the scoring rate. Towards the end, Nathan Coulter-Nile (20 off 9 balls) and Ben McDermott (32 not out) played handy knocks, helping their team post a fighting total. For India, it was a combined bowling effort as all the bowlers chipped in with wickets at regular intervals. Apart from Bhuvneshwar and Khaleel, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav and Krunal Pandya bagged a wicket apiece.