Melbourne, Feb 3 (IANS) India finally tasted success in Australia winning the second and last Twenty20 international by eight wickets with their outstanding outcricket at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) here Friday.
The win comes after the 0-4 whitewash in the Test series and the 31-run loss in the first Twenty20 international in Sydney Wednesday.
India were at their best in the field, effecting four run-outs, in front of a sizeable Indian crowd among the 62,275 fans.
After bowling out Australia for 131 in 19.4 overs, India coasted home with two balls to spare, opener Gautam Gambhir remaining unbeaten on 56.
But the star of India’s win was Ravindra Jadeja, who effected two brilliant run outs that proved crucial in restricting Australia to a 131. Jadeja (1/16) also picked up the wicket of David Hussey (24) and was adjudged Man of the Match.
Chasing a small target, the Indian top order fired in unison for the first time in the series.
Gambhir and Virender Sehwag (23) gave India a good start with their 43-run stand. Sehwag, during his 16-ball stay, hit a massive six, the only one in the India innings, over the head of bowler Xavier Doherty. He was later caught at cover off a Brad Hogg full toss.
Gambhir and Virat Kohli (31) added crucial 54 runs quickly for the second wicket. Kohli was caught behind off Mitchell Marsh after hitting three fours in his 24-ball innings.
India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni promoted himself and with Gambhir took the team home safely — he remained unbeaten on 21. The only anxious moments India suffered during the match came near the close when needing one run, India endured five dot balls. But Gambhir found a four through the mid-wicket with two balls to spare for the winning runs.
Earlier, opting to bat first, Australia put on a respectable total after crucial knocks from Aaron Finch (36), Hussey and Matthew Wade (32).
Australia lost David Warner (8) early in the innings caught in the deep just a few metres away from the boundary by Gambhir off Praveen Kumar (2/21). In the next delivery Praveen removed Shaun Marsh caught behind for a golden duck.
Finch took the attack to the Indians and his quickfire knock was ended by a brilliant throw from Jadeja. Nine balls later, another brilliant piece of fielding from Jadeja got rid of skipper George Bailey. Jadeja also struck with his left-arm spin to dismiss Hussey, who have an easy return catch to the bowler.
Wade’s impressive knock was ended by a direct hit from Rohit Sharma as Australia lost the last four wickets for just 10 runs.
