India beat Australia by six wickets, draw 3-match T20 series 1-1
Sydney, Nov 25 (IBNS): Indian skipper Virat Kohli played a heroic knock which helped his side beat Australia by six wickets in the third and crucial T20 match of the series and draw the three-match contest 1-1, here on Sunday.
After Australia posted 164 runs for the loss of six wickets, India reached the target of 168 runs by losing only four wickets with two balls to spare.
With the win, India finished the series 1-1.
Australia had taken 1-0 lead in the series after their victory in the first run-hit match.
With the second T20 getting abandoned due to rain, India had to win this match to end the series without a defeat in their opening campaign on the Australian soil this year.
After Australia posted 164 runs for the loss of six wickets, Indian batsmen came down to the field with a purpose and Shikhar Dhawan (41) and Rohit Sharma (23) were prompt in providing the national side the best possible start.
The opening duo contributed 67 runs before Dhawan departed and gave the way for Kohli to join the party.
Sharma soon departed as India were left in a tough spot with 2-67 on the scorecard.
KL Rahul added 14 runs with his willow before he returned to the crease. Rishabh Pant departed without contributing a single run with his willow to leave India in a tight spot at 4-108.
Kohli (61*) and Dinesh Karthik (22*) played sensibly and helped India reach the target at the end.
Kohli smashed four boundaries and two sixes in his crucial innings that once again helped India in winning a vital match on the foreign soil.
Karthik gave him strong support at the other end of the crease and hammered one boundary and a six.
Starc, Maxwell, Zampa and Tye picked up a wicket each for Australia.
Earlier, Australia posted competitive 164 runs for the loss of six wickets in the third and deciding T20 match of the series against India here on Sunday.
Left-arm off-spinner Krunal Pandya returned with career best figures of 4/36 but Australia tackled the other Indian bowlers easily to post over 160 runs on the scorecard.
Aaron Finch (28) and D Arcy Short (33) played Indian bowlers well as they posted 41 runs in just five overs.
They contributed racy 68 runs in the first wicket partnership and provided a strong base for the rest of the innings/
As few quick wickets fall, Australia were at one point of time struggling at 90/4.
Glenn Maxwell (13) and Ben McDermott (0) did not disturb the scorers much.
Stumper Alex Carey (27) and Marcus Stoinis (25*) made some crucial contributions which helped Australia settle at 164 runs in their 20 overs.
Image: BCCI Twitter page
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