Aus v Ind 1st T20I review: Indian spinners wreck Australia to set up a wonderful win

India got off to a winning start in the T20 series after they defeated Australia by 37 runs in the opening T20I of the three-match series at the Adelaide Oval.

India were put into bat after they lost the toss Australia. They did well and got off to a flying start as Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan negotiated the pace of Shaun Tait quite easily. However, comeback man Shane Watson landed a twin blow to India after he removed both the Indian openers in one over.

Virat Kohli and Suresh Raina did not give the Aussies any chance to get a grip over the match afterwards. The duo pummeled Australian bowlers’ mercilessly and together added 135 runs partnership for the 3rd wicket to take India to a commanding position. Kohli was spectacular and ended unbeaten at 90 runs off 55 balls studded with 2 sixes and 9 fours.

Fans were also treated by an entertaining 3-ball 11 runs cameo by vintage MS Dhoni. India eventually finished at an imposing total of 188/3 after 20 overs.

With a highly competitive target to chase, the Aussie openers Aaron Finch and David Warner got off to a flier, scoring at over 10 runs every over. However, their rampage was brought to a halt immediately by Jasprit Bumrah.

Smith batted well with Finch to take Australia to a comfortable position by the time the second innings reached its half-way. However, the Indian spinners created their impact in the match from this point. Ashwin (2/28) and Jadeja (2/21) both picked two wickets each to trigger a collapse in the Australian batting line-up.

Both the spinners shared two wickets apiece to throw the Australian chase off the track. Both Ashwin and Jadeja found some assistance in the pitch and took advantage of that perfectly. Debutant Hardik Pandya, who was all over the place in his first over, also bounced back and snapped up the wickets of Lynn and Wade to inflict a heavy dent to hopes of Australian fans. He ended with the figures of 2/37. Jasprit Bumrah (3/23) gave the final blow to Australia and bowled them out for just 151 in 19.3 overs.

Brief Scores:

India: 188/3 in 20 overs (Kohli 90; Watson 2/24)

Australia: 151 all out in 19.3 overs (Aaron Finch 44; Bumrah 3/23)

Man of the Match: Virat Kohli (India)