Xtra Time Web Desk: In a thrilling encounter in Bengaluru, India secured a remarkable six-run victory against Australia, clinching the five-match T20I series 4-1. Mukesh Kumar starred with the ball (3/32), picking three wickets, while Shreyas Iyer scored a gritty fifty (53 off 37). Opting to bat first, Yashasvi Jaiswal (21 off 15) provided an early boost with two sixes and a boundary, but Australia’s Behrendorff and Dwarshuis struck crucial blows within the Powerplay, including the dismissal of captain Suryakumar Yadav.
Amidst the early collapse, Shreyas Iyer and Jitesh Sharma’s 42-run partnership stabilized India’s innings. Axar Patel’s aggressive 31 from 21 balls further boosted the total, and Iyer’s gritty fifty in the last over propelled India to 160 for eight in 20 overs.
Australia, in response, faced early setbacks with Ravi Bishnoi claiming two wickets. Ben McDermott’s resistance and partnerships with Tim David and Matthew Short kept Australia in the hunt. Despite regular wickets, Matthew Wade’s defiant stand kept the pressure on India.
With ten needed in the last over, Arshdeep Singh bowled a crucial over, benefiting from an umpiring decision that overlooked a short delivery. Arshdeep’s impressive performance, including the crucial wicket of Wade, sealed India’s six-run victory and capped off a series win by 4-1 margin.