Australia pull off historic run chase with thrilling victory over India
History created by Australia
Australia's successful run chase was the ninth highest in the history of Men's T20I. with Aaron Finch's side already holding on to the record for the highest when they mowed down New Zealand's score of 243/6 at Eden Park in 2018.
Their efforts in Mohali on this occasion were full of class and also ended up being the second highest run chase achieved by any team in a T20I on India soil.
It was skipper Finch (22) and young all-rounder Cameron Green (61) - in what was just his second T20I – that got the ball rolling at the start of the chase, before veterans Steve Smith (35) and Matthew Wade (45*) ensured Australia reached the lofty victory target with four deliveries remaining.
Australia complete a terrific run chase in Mohali to go 1-0 up in the series 👏🏻#INDvAUS | 📝 Scorecard: https://t.co/Afs4NOJP1W pic.twitter.com/5ijuFzoZJF
— ICC (@ICC) September 20, 2022
Kohli misfires, but fellow batters save his blushes
Australia's tactics to try and quell Virat Kohli were spot on, with experienced spinner Adam Zampa introduced into the attack as soon the India star came to the crease.
Kohli struggled to find the middle of the bat against Zampa and his frustrations came to a fore in the next over when he holed out to Green at mid-on off the bowling of Nathan Ellis.
Fortunately for Kohli, KL Rahul (55) and Suryakumar Yadav (46) scored with ease and Hardik Pandya (71*) was at his brilliant best as he catapulted India to a big total.
Things went right down to the wire but it's Australia who won the first #INDvAUS T20I.#TeamIndia will look to bounce back in the second T20I.
— BCCI (@BCCI) September 20, 2022
Scorecard 👉 https://t.co/ZYG17eC71l pic.twitter.com/PvxtKxhpav
Matthew Wade a reliable finisher for Australia
The veteran may be getting on in years, but he is still the most reliable finisher Australia have in their line-up and he displayed his talents with an unbeaten 45 to guide his side to victory.
Wade six fours and two massive sixes during his 21-ball stay and it wasn't the first time we have seen the 34-year-old drag his team over the line.
At last year's T20 World Cup in the UAE, Wade hit Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi for three consecutive sixes in the penultimate over of the knockout semi-final to move Australia into the final.