Melbourne, October 31, 2025 – Australia delivered a dominant performance to claim a four-wicket victory over India in the opening T20I of the five-match series at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), thanks to a sensational spell from Josh Hazlewood.
The win gives the hosts a 1-0 lead in the series, marking their first T20I triumph against India at the MCG since 2008.
Australia outclassed India in all departments, restricting them to just 125 runs. Abhishek Sharma stood out as the lone warrior for India, scoring a fighting 68 off 37 balls, while Harshit Rana added useful runs down the order. Apart from these two, no other Indian batter managed to reach double figures, leading to a disappointing total. Hazlewood was the chief destroyer, taking three wickets, supported by Xavier Bartlett and Nathan Ellis with two apiece, and Marcus Stoinis chipping in with one.
In response, the Australian openers made light work of the chase, adding 51 runs in the Powerplay. Skipper Mitchell Marsh played aggressively for his 46 runs, while Josh Inglis contributed valuable runs to ensure a smooth pursuit. Though the hosts slipped from 112/3 to 124/6, they comfortably sealed the match.
Hazlewood, named Player of the Match, said the ball “was moving nicely” and credited his team’s plan to “keep things simple.”
Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav admitted the side fell short with the bat, acknowledging Hazlewood’s “exceptional Powerplay spell.”
The series now shifts to Hobart’s Ninja Stadium for the second T20I on November 2, Sunday, where India will aim to bounce back.