Shreyas Iyer struck a half-century and fast bowlers Mukesh Kumar and Arshdeep Singh combined for five wickets as India defeated Australia by six runs in the last Twenty20 International on Sunday, denying the visitors a consolation win.
Australia, chasing 160 in Bangalore, appeared to be on track for victory after Ben McDermott struck 54, but the chase was wrecked when the 28-year-old attempted to hammer Arshdeep (2-40) for six and ended up holing out to long-off.
Following McDermott’s departure, Kumar (3-32) struck again in quick succession to leave Australia reeling at 129-7 before Arshdeep produced a superb final over in which he conceded only three runs and claimed the wicket of visiting captain Matthew Wade.
India needed a half-century from Iyer (53) to post a defendable total after being put in to bat early, with Axar Patel (31) also adding runs. Australia’s Jason Behrendorff and Ben Dwarshuis both took two wickets.
“I’m elated to be honest to see everyone chipping in and contributing for the team,” Iyer was quoted as saying. “The shots, the innovation, and Arshdeep’s calmness when bowling the last over were all excellent.”
“It wasn’t a simple wicket to bat on.” I believe 160 was the correct figure, which we eventually achieved. To defend, the team delivered an outstanding performance.”
India will travel to South Africa for a multi-format series consisting of three T20Is, three one-day internationals, and two tests, while Australia will return home for a three-test series against Pakistan.