Virat Kohli led side takes on Australia in the three-match T20I series starting from 7th October at Ranchi after dominating World Champions 4-1 during 50 overs format. India has played Australia in 13 T20I matches with India winning 9 and Australia 4. In India 3 Matches, India 3 & Australia 0. In Australia 6 Matches, India 4 & Australia 2. It promises to be an exciting series between two cricketing powerhouses.
Here we look at the top 5 T20I matches between India and Australia.
- India vs. Australia (World T20 Group Stage match 2016)
India took on Australia in the virtual quarterfinal match played at PCA Stadium, Mohali on 27th March 2016. In this match Australian captain Steve Smith won the toss and elected to bat. The opening pair of Usman Khawaja and Aaron Finch gave the team a flying start adding 54 runs in 4.2 overs for the first wicket. After that the Indian bowler made a great comeback to restrict the run flow, also taking wickets at regular intervals. Glenn Maxwell scored a quick fire 31 and the lower order contributed some runs to help Australia post 160 for 6 in 20 overs.
Chasing 161, India lost 2 early wickets of Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma at the score of 37. Also, Suresh Raina went cheaply for 10. With 47 runs needed in 24 balls, Kohli took on Australian bowlers and remained not out on 82 off 51 balls helping India to win the match by 6 wickets with 5 balls to spare.
- India vs. Australia (3rd T20 In 2016)
India took on Australia in the last T20 match of their tour to Australia. The match was held at SCG, Sydney on 31st January 2016. Shane Watson won the toss and elected to bat first. It was a good batting pitch as the hard-hitting Watson played one of best knocks in T20 cricket remaining not out on 124 in 86 balls with 10 fours and 6 sixes. The rest of batting order failed to contribute much and Australia posted a competitive total of 197 for 5 in 20 overs.
Chasing 198 to win, Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma gave the team a flying start scoring 46 in 3.2 overs. The second wicket partnership of Rohit Sharma and Kohli added 78 runs. Both players scored half-centuries. With India needing, 17 runs off 6 balls, Yuvraj Singh smashed 10 runs in 2 balls. With 2 runs required off the last ball, Suresh Raina smashed a boundary to help India win the match by 7 wickets. It was first a team whitewashed Australia in Australia.
- India vs. Australia (2nd T20 In 2016)
India took on Australia in the 2nd T20 match at iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, MCG on 29th January 2016. In this match, Australian captain Aaron Finch won the toss and elected to field. Indian openers Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma played with positive intent adding 97 runs for the opening stand which gave a solid foundation for team India. Rohit Sharma scored 60, Shikhar Dhawan 42. Virat Kohli continued his brilliant form with 59 not out which helped Men in Blue post 184 for 3 in 20 overs.
Chasing a competitive total of 185, the opening pair of Shaun Marsh and Aaron Finch provided a great start for hosts adding 94 runs in 9.5 overs. After that Indian bowlers did not allow the rest of the Australian batsmen to score runs easily and were restricted to 157 for 8 in 20 overs. Indian total proved too much for Australia as Men in Blue won the match by 27 runs and also won the series.
- India vs. Australia (1st T20 In 2016)
India took on Australia in the first T20 match at Adelaide Oval on 26th January 2016. Australian captain Aaron Finch invited India to bat first. Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan gave team India a flying start scoring 40 runs in 4.2 overs. Virat Kohli and Suresh Raina smashed the Australian bowlers adding 134 runs for the third wicket. Kohli remained not out on 90. India posted a competitive total of 188 for 3 in 20 overs.
Chasing a competitive of 189, Warner and Aaron Finch added 47 runs in 5.1 overs for the first wicket. After that none of Australian batsmen were able to score runs. Team India bowled out Australia for 151 in 19.3 overs winning the match by 37 runs. Jasprit Bumrah made his debut for team India in T20 format.
- India vs. Australia (World T20 Cup 2014)
India took on Australia in the Super 10 Group 2 match at T20 World Cup that took place in 2014. The match was held at Sher E Bangla Stadium, Dhaka on 30th March 2014. Australian captain Geroge Bailey invited India into bat. India lost 4 quick wickets at the score of 66. Yuvraj Singh played a great 60 in 43 balls and added 84 runs with MS Dhoni for the 5th wicket. India posted 159 for 7 in 20 overs.
Chasing 160, the Australian batsmen lost wickets at regular intervals. R Ashwin was the top wicket taker with 4 wickets for 11 runs. India bowled out Australia for just 86 runs in 16.2 overs giving MS Dhoni-led side a resounding 73 runs win. They reached the finals of the tournament losing to Sri Lanka.