In a spectacular display of cricketing prowess, Rajasthan Royals' Prasidh Krishna and Yashasvi Jaiswal played pivotal roles as India clinched a commanding victory against Australia in the second T20I in Thiruvananthapuram. With this win, India now leads the five-match series 2-0, maintaining their winning momentum.
The innings kicked off with a dynamic partnership between Yashasvi and Ruturaj Gaikwad, both showcasing their batting brilliance at the top. The opening duo laid a solid foundation, amassing 77 runs in just 5.5 overs before Jaiswal departed after a brisk 25-ball 53. Gaikwad continued the onslaught, completing a well-deserved half-century with a total of 58 runs off 43 balls. Ishan Kishan joined Gaikwad in the middle, guiding India beyond the 100-run mark at the midway stage. Kishan, displaying a versatile batting style, reached his half-century in 29 balls before being dismissed by Marcus Stoinis. Rinku Singh added firepower with an unbeaten 31 off just 9 deliveries towards the end to take India well above the 200-run mark.
Yashasvi Jaiswal receives the Player of the Match award for his solid opening act with the bat 👏👏#TeamIndia complete a 44-run win over Australia in the 2nd T20I 👌👌
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 26, 2023
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/nwYe5nOBfk#INDvAUS | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/smMRxGogSy
Australia, in response, faced a slow start as Prasidh and Axar Patel orchestrated three key dismissals within the powerplay. Bishnoi's consecutive blows removed Matthew Short and Josh Inglis, while Axar Patel sent the dangerous Glenn Maxwell packing for 12 off 8 balls in the final powerplay over. Prasidh continued the onslaught, dismissing Steve Smith for 19 off 16 balls.
Despite a resilient partnership between Stoinis and Tim David, adding 81 runs for the fifth wicket, Bishnoi's crucial dismissal of David shifted the momentum. Mukesh Kumar then removed Stoinis for 45, causing Australia to lose wickets rapidly. Bishnoi and Prasidh showcased their bowling prowess, securing three wickets each, while Arshdeep, Axar, and Mukesh contributed with one wicket each. Yashasvi Jaiswal was named the deserving Player of the Match for his explosive innings at the top that set the foundation for the rest of the batting order.
The caravan now moves to the North East, with the third T20I slated to be hosted by the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Wednesday (November 28).
