India defeated Australia by 37 runs in the first cricket Twenty20 International to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, here today. Virat Kohli was declared as man of the match.
After having asked to bat first, the visitors posted 188/3, aided by strong middle-order partnership of 131 runs between Kohli and Suresh Raina. The Indian vice-capitain remained not out and scored 90 runs from 55 deliveries. Raina scored 41 before getting dismissed for 41.
Australia started steady with meaty blows from David Warner and Aaron Finch early in the innings. However, their chase was marred by wickets falling at constant intervals as spinners and slow bowlers cashed in on the pressure of increasing run rate for the hosts.
Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja picked two wickets each. Playing his first T20I, pacer Jaspreet Bumrah's spectacular spell at the end helped him end up with three wickets, sealing the deal for India. Meanwhile, another debutant, Hardik Pandya, bagged 2/37.
India win the first T20I by 37 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the series https://t.co/ytGXdgZQl0 #AusvInd pic.twitter.com/GQaDGnhRtg
— ICC (@ICC) January 26, 2016
Winners are grinners! @imVkohli is all smiles after receiving the MoM award for his knock of 90 not out #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/8bYoTv6Qxt
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 26, 2016