Rohit’s blitzkrieg complements Axar’s spell as India pulls level
The Hindu
Wade’s dazzling, unbeaten 43 and Zampa’s triple strike go in vain for Australia in the second T20I reduced to an eight-a-side shootout due to a wet outfield; Bumrah shows encouraging signs on his comeback; Karthik provides the winning punch
Rohit Sharma (46 n.o., 20b, 4x4, 4x6) and Axar Patel (two for 13) scripted a six-wicket win for India against Australia in the second T20I here on Friday. The victory helped the Men in Blue level the three-match series 1-1.
The outing was reduced to an eight-over-per-side shootout as the start was delayed due to a wet outfield. The full house at the VCA Stadium (Jamtha) was naturally disappointed with the long wait, given that there was no rain around.
The venue had witnessed showers a full day earlier, so it was surprising that the outfield could not be readied in time for action.
The deep third-man area, when bowling from the pavilion end, was the worst affected spot. The umpires K.N. Ananthapadmanabhan and Nitin Menon made three inspections before deciding that it was safe to play.
After being put in to bat, Australia posted a fighting 90 for five. Matthew Wade (43 n.o., 20b, 4x4, 3x6) was the best batter on view.
Wade took a liking to Harshal Patel, hitting the pacer for three sixes in the last over.
Left-arm spinner Axar was exceptional, conceding just 13 runs in his two overs. Axar was rewarded for accuracy, as he castled middle-order batters Glenn Maxwell and Tim David. Both batters cleared their front legs to slog, but failed to make contact.