A breathtaking fast-bowling display from Josh Hazlewood stunned a packed MCG crowd of over 82,000 fans, guiding Australia to a 1-0 series lead over India in commanding fashion.
Under the lights, with the atmosphere almost entirely pro-India, Hazlewood produced a masterclass of precision and pace — claiming 3 for 13 in four overs — to dismantle India for 125, despite a brilliant solo knock of 68 off 37 balls from Abhishek Sharma.
Australia’s chase was never in doubt. Mitchell Marsh (46 off 26) and Travis Head (28 off 15) tore into India’s bowlers, comfortably sealing victory with 40 balls to spare, despite a late flurry of wickets from Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy.
Abhishek’s Lone Resistance
While wickets tumbled, Abhishek played like a man on a mission. He hammered eight boundaries and four sixes, crafting an innings full of flair and timing. His fifty came off just 23 balls, but lack of support around him meant India could only post 125, far below par for the MCG.
Only Harshit Rana’s steady 35 provided some resistance before Ellis’ yorker ended Abhishek’s brave fight in the 19th over.
Marsh and Head Seal the Deal
In reply, Australia’s top order faced an early threat from Bumrah, but once Marsh and Head settled, it was pure domination. Marsh launched four massive sixes, including a towering hit into the second tier, while Head’s quickfire innings ensured momentum never dropped.
Although Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy picked late wickets, the result was beyond doubt — Australia romped home with ease to go 1-0 up in the series.
Match Summary
India – 125 all out (Abhishek Sharma 68, Harshit Rana 35; Hazlewood 3-13, Ellis 2-21, Bartlett 2-39)
Australia – 126/6 in 13.2 overs (Marsh 46, Head 28; Bumrah 2-18, Varun 2-23)
Australia won by 6 wickets (40 balls remaining)
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