AUSTRALIA HOLD ON TO BEAT INDIANS
AUSTRALIA’S turbulent time without Steve Smith and David Warner has continued after escaping with a thrilling Twenty20 victory against India in Brisbane last night.
Australia went within a whisker of losing the seemingly unlosable but managed to snap a four-game losing streak with a four-run win at the Gabba.
In a rain-affected clash reduced to 17 overs, India were in trouble needing 60 runs off the final 24 balls chasing a total of 174 before Australia nearly imploded.
Andrew Tye (1-47), Australia’s best T20 bowler this year, was hammered in the closing overs of the match as India threatened to pull off a remarkable victory.
But a strong final over from Marcus Stoinis (3-27) gave Australia a much-needed win to start the three-match T20 series.
Australia are a team desperately in need of confidence and their vulnerability was on show last night.
After losing their past four T20 encounters, Australia produced an encouraging performance with the bat to post 4-158 in 17 overs, a total which was later adjusted due to rain.
Leg-spinner Adam Zampa was the pick of the bowlers for Australia, finishing with 2-22 from four overs, including the prized scalp of India captain Virat Kohli (4).