NEW DELHI: Josh Hazlewood clinically dismantled India’s top order with a probing spell as Australia coasted to a comfortable four-wicket win in the second T20I at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday.

In front of a crowd of 82,438, India folded for just 125 in 18.4 overs, with nine batters failing to reach double figures. The innings was held together by Abhishek Sharma’s stunning 37-ball 68, an effort that prevented complete collapse after Hazlewood’s early burst left India tottering at 49 for 5.

Hazlewood’s spell sets the tone

Hazlewood bowled a spell straight out of a Test match manual, finishing with 3 for 13 and 15 dot balls, dismantling India’s famed batting line-up and killing the contest within the first 20 minutes. His precise lengths and subtle movement off the pitch made strokeplay nearly impossible.

Shubman Gill fell for 5 trying to lift one over mid-off, Sanju Samson was trapped plumb in front by Nathan Ellis for 2, and skipper Suryakumar Yadav perished to a beauty that kissed the edge on its way to Josh Inglis. Tilak Varma followed soon after without scoring, leaving India in disarray.

While Hazlewood dominated the early exchanges, India’s lower order offered little resistance apart from Abhishek Sharma and Harshit Rana, who added 56 for the sixth wicket to take India past 100.

Abhishek shines amid ruins

Abhishek, in the form of his life, produced a sparkling innings filled with audacious strokeplay. He raced to a 23-ball half-century with eight fours and two sixes, showing tremendous control against pace and bounce. Using the crease smartly, he mixed timing with intent, punishing anything short or wide.

However, the lack of support from the other end stalled India’s progress. Rana consumed deliveries without rotating strike, while Shivam Dube and Kuldeep Yadav also struggled to find rhythm. When Abhishek finally fell after a valiant effort, India were already staring at a modest total.

Marsh leads Australia’s chase

Australia made light work of the 126-run chase, finishing the job in just 13.2 overs despite losing six wickets. Captain Mitchell Marsh led from the front with a blistering 46 off 26 balls, ensuring the hosts were always ahead of the game.

Varun Chakravarthy, with figures of 2 for 23, and Jasprit Bumrah, who took 2 for 26 and bowled a pinpoint yorker to dismiss Matthew Short, were the only positives with the ball. But the total was too small to defend.

Looking ahead

The defeat, though heavy, may not worry India’s team management too much with the T20 World Cup set to be played at home. The conditions in India will favour spin and low bounce, bringing the likes of Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel into play.

For now, India will look to regroup ahead of the remaining three matches, with the batters taking inspiration from Abhishek Sharma’s fearless approach, a shining light on a tough night at the MCG.

(With PTI Inputs)