R ohit blames bowlers after India’s defeat to Australia in T20 opener
Mohali: Skipper Rohit Sharma pointed out the poor efforts by his bowlers and fielders as the reasons for India’s four-wicket defeat to World Champions Australia in the opening T20I match of the three-match series here on Tuesday.
Though the baters did well, especially Hardik Pandya (71 not out), who made a late charge with three sixes off the last three deliveries of the innings, K.L Rahul (55) and Suryakumar Yadav (46), which helped the host reach 208/6 in 20 overs -- their highest score in a T20 against Australia.
But the visitors chased the target easily, thanks to Cameron Green (61 off 30), a 35 of 24 by Steve Smith and a 45 not out by Mathew Wade as they reached 211/6 in 19.2 overs.
Rohit said, his bowlers did not bowl well despite defending a big total.
“I don’t think we bowled that well. 200 is a good score to defend and at the same time, we didn’t take our chances on the field. That’s about it,” Rohit Sharma said during the post-match ceremony at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium here.
Rohit said it was all a mater of taking one wicket --between Wade and Tim David (18 off -- to seal victory in the match.
“For us, it was just about that one wicket between Wade and Tim David. And we were not able to do that. I think they got a 60-odd partnership in 32 balls, which was a turning point from their perspective,” said Rohit.
WE HAVE GOT A LOT OF DEPTH TO FIND A WAY TO CHASE BIG SCORES, SAYS WADE: Wade was one of the big two pillars in the reigning world T20 champions’ successful chase.
With Australia needing 64 off 35 balls, Wade applied perfect finishing touch with an unbeaten 45 off 21 balls to take his side over the line with four balls to spare.
The chase of 209 highlighted yet again the enviable deep bating depth which Australia has which helps them in acing chases like the one on Tuesday, which Wade pointed out.
At the same time, he felt that lot of work was let for the visitors’ finishers like him and Tim David in the business end of the chase.
“The way that we structured up and the way that we drove the game early gave us every opportunity at the back end to win the game. Everybody that stepped out had really good intent; even (Josh) Inglis’s was a small innings but it keeps the momentum of the innings rolling.”