Hazlewood’s Fiery Spell, Marsh’s Counterattack Seal Australia’s Four-Wicket Win Over India in Melbourne T20I

Melbourne, Oct 2025 : A destructive opening burst from Josh Hazlewood, followed by a commanding knock from skipper Mitchell Marsh, powered Australia to a four-wicket victory over India in the second T20I at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday. The victory gave the hosts a 1–0 lead in the five-match series after the first game was washed out.

Hazlewood’s exceptional figures of 3 for 13, carved out through relentless accuracy and movement off the pitch, derailed India’s top order and ensured the visitors never fully recovered. Despite a sparkling 68 from Abhishek Sharma, India were bowled out for a modest 125 in 18.4 overs — a total Australia overhauled with 40 balls to spare, though not without some late stutters.

Hazlewood Wrecks India Early

India’s innings began with a burst of aggression as Abhishek Sharma flicked and lofted Xavier Bartlett for a four and six. But that early promise evaporated almost instantly under Hazlewood’s disciplined assault.

Shubman Gill miscued a lofted drive to mid-off, giving Hazlewood his first breakthrough. Sanju Samson, returning to the XI, lasted only a few deliveries before Nathan Ellis jagged one back sharply to trap him lbw. Hazlewood continued to probe with impeccable lengths, luring Suryakumar Yadav into an edge behind the stumps.

Tilak Varma, trying to break the shackles, attempted a flick that ballooned into the hands of deep square leg, giving Hazlewood his second wicket of the over and leaving India reeling at 27 for 4 within the Power-play.

A disastrous mix-up between Abhishek and Axar Patel added to India’s misery as Axar was run out cheaply. With the pitch offering seam movement and extra bounce, India’s batters looked visibly uncomfortable against Australia’s unrelenting attack.

Abhishek Sharma Fights Back Amid Collapse

From the ruins emerged Abhishek Sharma, who combined clean hitting with smart placement to orchestrate a spirited counterattack. He found gaps at will, timed the ball beautifully, and reached his fifty in just 23 balls — keeping India afloat with his bold strokeplay.

His counterattack received valuable support from Harshit Rana, promoted up the order to No. 7. The pair stitched a 56-run stand for the sixth wicket, with Rana showing composure to compile 35 off 33 balls. However, his lengthy stay at the crease did at times slow India’s momentum, forcing Abhishek to watch from the non-striker’s end.

The partnership broke when Rana was caught by Tim David off Bartlett, opening the gates once more for Australia. From 92 for 6, the innings unraveled quickly. Shivam Dube edged behind off Bartlett, Kuldeep Yadav holed out to mid-on off Marcus Stoinis, and Abhishek’s brilliant knock ended when Ellis trapped him lbw.

Jasprit Bumrah’s run-out marked a tame finish to an innings where only two batters — Abhishek and Rana — crossed double digits. The remaining nine contributed just 22 runs combined.

Australia’s Chase Begins With Power and Momentum

Australia’s reply started with an unexpected gift from Jasprit Bumrah, who conceded 18 runs in his opening over — an anomaly for the ace pacer and a momentum boost for the hosts. Harshit Rana compounded India’s troubles, bowling a costly over that included a no-ball and two sixes, leaking 20 runs.

Travis Head provided brisk early scoring with a lively 28, peppering the boundary and enabling Australia to sprint ahead of the chase. His aggression forced India to turn to spin as early as the fourth over.

Tilted Momentum, Then a Stunning Catch

Varun Chakaravarthy finally gave India an opening. Head, attempting another big stroke, was undone by a brilliant boundary catch from Tilak Varma, who caught the ball near the rope, released it mid-air to regain balance, and came back in to complete the catch — one of the night’s standout moments.

But Marsh took charge immediately, launching into India’s spinners and punishing anything landing in his hitting arc. His dominance over Kuldeep Yadav and Chakaravarthy saw Australia cruise comfortably ahead of the required rate.

Marsh smashed 46 off just 26 balls, until Kuldeep outfoxed him with a full, wide delivery that drew a mis-hit to long-off. Ironically, the same over, despite the wicket, became Kuldeep’s most expensive in T20Is, costing 20 runs.

India Spark Late Drama, but Too Little, Too Late

India’s bowlers showed grit in the middle overs. Chakaravarthy removed Tim David with a return catch off a tentative push, and Kuldeep trapped Josh Inglis lbw with a skiddy delivery. Bumrah returned to clean-up Matthew Short for a duck, while Mitchell Owen edged behind soon after.

Australia slipped from a commanding 89 for 2 to 117 for 6, raising faint hopes for India. But Marcus Stoinis ensured there would be no late twist, calmly steering Australia home with 40 balls remaining.

Series Outlook

The win gives Australia the early upper hand in the five-match series. India will look to regroup quickly, address their top-order fragility, and tighten their bowling as the action moves forward.

Brief Scores

India 125 all out in 18.4 overs
(Abhishek Sharma 68, Harshit Rana 35; Josh Hazlewood 3-13, Nathan Ellis 2-21)

Australia 126/6 in 13.2 overs
(Mitchell Marsh 46, Travis Head 28; Varun Chakaravarthy 2-23, Kuldeep Yadav 2-45)

Australia won by 4 wickets