Australia beat India by four wickets to lead the T20 series 1-0

Australia raced to a four-wicket win over India in 14 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the T20 series.

After being put in to bat in Melbourne, only Abhishek Sharma, who top-scored with 68 off 37 deliveries, and Harshit Rana (35) reached double figures as India were bowled out for 125 in the 19th over.

Seamer Josh Hazlewood (3-13) caused early damage to the home side, dismissing Shubman Gill, visiting skipper Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma, as India slumped to 32-4 in a power play.

Openers Abhishek and Rana scored 56 runs for the sixth wicket to give their side hope, but Xavier Bartlett (2-39) ended the partnership when he caught Rana at long-on.

Abhishek was the ninth wicket to fall, trapped lbw by Nathan Ellis (2-21), and Jasprit Bumrah was run out off the next delivery to end India’s innings prematurely.

Australia captain Mitchell Marsh led the reply from the top of the order, scoring 46 runs off 26 deliveries and setting up an opening partnership of 51 with Travis Head (28).

By the time Abhishek caught it off Kuldeep Yadav, the home team were well on their way to their goal, and while the middle ball was dismissed cheaply, they still finished with 40 balls to spare.

Australia leads the five-match group 1-0, after the opening match on Wednesday in Canberra was canceled due to rain, with the third match to be held in Hobart on Sunday.