India’s batting lineup collapsed for just 125 runs in 18.4 overs during the second T20I against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Abhishek Sharma stood tall amid the wreckage, scoring a valiant 68 off 37 balls and keeping India in the contest with a counterattacking display.
From the start, Australia’s bowlers dominated. Josh Hazlewood led the charge with figures of 3/13, while Nathan Ellis chipped in with 2/21. India lost wickets in clusters, with no other batter crossing 20 runs. Harshit Rana offered brief support, but the innings revolved around Abhishek’s aggressive strokeplay.
This marks only the 13th time India has been bowled out in a T20I. Interestingly, the only time they won after being dismissed entirely was against Pakistan in New York during the 2024 T20 World Cup.
With the series opener washed out, India now faces an uphill battle. Defending 125 will require early breakthroughs from Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, and the rest of the bowling unit. Australia needs just 126 to take a 1–0 lead in the five-match series.
The team selection has sparked debate. Critics point fingers at Gautam Gambhir’s choices, questioning the exclusion of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, and Ruturaj Gaikwad, while favoring Shubman Gill and sidelining Shreyas Iyer.
India’s hopes now rest on their bowlers to pull off a miracle at the MCG.
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