Hazlewood and Marsh Lead Australia to T20 Win Over India at MCG
A powerful bowling performance from Josh Hazlewood guided Australia to a commanding four-wicket victory over India in a thrilling Twenty20 match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, witnessed by 82,438 spectators.
India were bowled out for 125 in 18.4 overs before Australia swiftly chased down the target, finishing at 6-126 in just 13.2 overs — leaving 40 balls unused. This result gave Australia a 1-0 lead in the five-match international series, after the first game in Canberra was washed out.
Hazlewood’s Dominant Spell
Captain Mitch Marsh elected to bowl first after winning the toss, and Hazlewood immediately put India on the back foot. His early breakthroughs silenced the largely Indian crowd and set the tone for the match.
Marsh and Head Secure the Chase
In the chase, Mitch Marsh (46) and Travis Head (28) started aggressively, determined to end the contest quickly. Australia surged toward victory, making light work of India’s modest total.
Marsh, who has been in exceptional white-ball form, launched one of the largest sixes ever seen at the MCG when he struck Harshit Rana into the second tier of the Olympic Stand.
After hitting four sixes, Marsh was caught at long off with 39 runs still needed. The team briefly stumbled, losing 4-39, including Jasprit Bumrah threatening a hat-trick. Nevertheless, the Australians remained firmly in control and completed the win without difficulty.
Series Outlook
The emphatic victory put Australia ahead in the series and underscored the team’s depth, with Hazlewood’s precision and Marsh’s explosive batting proving decisive.
Author’s summary: Hazlewood’s precision and Marsh’s power combined to give Australia a dominant start against India in the T20 series at the packed MCG.