Virat Kohli inspires India to Twenty20 victory over Australia

A strong bowling performance, coupled with a quickfire half-century by Virat Kohli helped India to a 37-run victory over Australia in the first Twenty20 global (T20I) at the Adelaide Oval here on Tuesday. “It’s upon us to be responsible and professional to understand that’s what’s happened when you’re out there”, he said. When you are looking to restrict his scoring, he can work it into the gaps and he runs hard, always putting pressure back on the bowler.

“But we will go back and have a look at the way we played and be pretty honest with the things we could have done better”.

The wicket was fine, I don’t think it changed much.

Ashwin then trapped Finch leg before and when Jadeja dismissed newcomer Travis Head the same way in the next over, Australia were 93-4. When you are ultra aggressive against them, that makes for favouring them.

Despite losing the hard-hitting David Warner (17) to T20 debutant Jasprit Bumrah, Australia were in the hunt to chase down the target at 89 for one in the ninth over.

“The run rate was up around 10-an-over like it was for most of the first 12-13 overs”.

“India have brought in a lot of experienced players, which I think leading up to a world tournament in a couple of months is about trying everyone possible”. I wouldn’t say it backfired.

The Australians, on the other hand, have been left with plenty to ponder after the loss, and will want to ensure keep the series alive. I couldn’t hit boundaries for a period there so I take full responsibility for them getting out.

However not all of them wanted to selfies though, skipper Mithali Raj was engrossed in a discussion with fielding coach of the men’s team R Sridhar. “In the end his addition would be fantastic for us throughout middle overs and we know what he is capable of with the bat”, said Warner. Of course, he’s a good cutter and puller of the ball also, but at the same time, he looks to hit in front of the wicket and that always gives you more chances of success. Even though Shikhar Dhawan remained dormant today, Sharma’s blitz gave India a 25-ball-40-run opening stand. Shane Watson, however, managed to rattle the Indians soon afterwards as he bagged both Sharma and Dhawan in his first over.

Shane Watson: Actually, I haven’t seen the wicket out here. He changed his pace, changed his length and stuff, and the guy has played 50 T20Is now.

The process was a Cricket Australia’s signature style of providing the viewers with a first-hand experience of the match.

“Obviously it’s not in the interests of Channel Nine to disturb us while we’re out there and for us to be dismissed”. He did well coming back later on, got his yorkers and wide deliveries right.