Nagpur: India levelled the T20 International series against Australia after winning the truncated second match by 6 wickets here on Friday night.
The series-decider will be played on Sunday at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.
Chasing 91 to win in 8 overs, skipper Rohit Sharma set the tone with a power-packed unbeaten 46 off 20 balls, which included 4 fours and 4 sixes. Needing 9 runs in the last over, Dinesh Karthik blasted a six and a four off the first two balls of Daniel Sams to seal the victory.
The start of the match was delayed due to a wet outfield. With over 50,000 people waiting patiently, the umpires decided on a 9.30 pm start with both sides to face 8 overs.
Skipper Aaron Finch raced to 31 off 15 balls before being castled by comeback man Jasprit Bumrah. Axar Patel choked the runs in a spell of 2/13 in 2 overs, but Matthew Wade’s unbeaten 43 off just 20 balls took Australia to 90.
But it wasn’t enough, thanks to Rohit’s brilliance.
Brief scores: Australia 90/5 in 8 overs (Matthew Wade 43 not out, Aaron Finch 31; Axar Patel 2/13). India 92/4 in 7.2 overs (Rohit Sharma 46 not out; Adam Zampa 3/16).
Result: India won by 6 wickets.
Series: Tied 1-1
Final match: Sept 25, Hyderabad.
