The after-effects of the World Cup were evident in Australia’s performance as they suffered a 44-run defeat to India in the second Twenty20 match at Thiruvananthapuram.

India capitalized on a weak bowling performance to score a massive 235 runs for four wickets on Sunday (Monday AEDT). In response, Australia could only manage 191 runs for nine wickets, resulting in a 2-0 deficit in the five-match series, just one week after winning the 50-over World Cup.

Australia received valuable contributions from Marcus Stoinis (45), Matthew Wade (42 not out), and Tim David (37) to prevent a larger defeat, as several members of the team have been in India for almost two months due to the World Cup, causing noticeable fatigue.

India’s top batsmen, Ruturaj Gaikwad (58), Yashasvi Jaiswal (53), Ishan Kishan (52), and Rinku Singh (31 not out off nine balls), contributed to India’s record-breaking total of the highest score in T20s against Australia. This surpassed their previous highest score of 209 for eight, which was achieved just three days ago in Visakhapatnam and was also the highest score at the Greenfield International Stadium.

Jaiswal was the early aggressor, dominating India’s 77 for one powerplay, which was their best in T20s against Australia. The 21-year-old opener welcomed Sean Abbott to the bowling crease by going 4-4-4-6-6 to bring up his half-century inside the fourth over.

Australia’s bowling performance was subpar, particularly with the new ball. As the dew set in, they struggled to maintain control and ended up giving away 12 wides and a no-ball, including a chest-high full-toss from Glenn Maxwell. Nathan Ellis took three wickets but at the cost of 45 runs, while Sean Abbott’s three overs were expensive, conceding 56 runs. The three spinners used by Australia were also unable to make an impact.

The beginning of Australia’s response was not ideal as Matt Short (19) was knocked out by leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi, marking the second time in five attempts this tour. Josh Inglis (two), who scored a century in the previous game, was caught impressively by Tilak Varma. Jaiswal then caught Maxwell (12) and Steve Smith (19) in quick succession, causing Australia to struggle at 58 for four after eight overs.

Stoinis and David gave Australia some hope but the end of their 81-run fifth-wicket stand triggered a collapse of 16 for five before Wade limited some of the damage, swinging hard to the finish. Bishnoi (3-32) and the seamer Prasidh Krishna (3-41) were India’s best bowlers.

The third game will take place in Guwahati on Tuesday evening (Wednesday morning AEDT).

Source: theguardian.com