India vs Australia 2nd T20 Match - Live Cricket Score, Full Scorecard

Back for the chase! The Indian players have walked out, and they disperse to take their respective positions in the outfield. Also, out walk the two openers of Australia, where Travis Head will open the innings alongside skipper, Mitchell Marsh. The spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah, has the new ball in his hands as expected, and he will start the proceedings. With a slip in place, here is Bumrah to Marsh. Let's play...

... The Run Chase ...

So, what’s next? Australia will back themselves to chase this comfortably. The pitch looks fine, and it just demands discipline. India will need early wickets, lots of them, and perhaps a bit of magic from Bumrah or Kuldeep to make this total look defendable. For now, Australia sit pretty with the upper hand, while India’s hopes rest on a fiery start with the ball. Can they fight back from 125? Or will the Aussies make it look easy under lights? Grab your popcorn, as the chase is about to unfold!

Josh Hazlewood, who took a three-fer, is up for a quick chat. He says that there was a little bit of nip and swing early on. Adds that he just tried to keep it simple and hit the right areas - the pitch did the rest. Mentions that it was the skipper's call to bowl him out. Says that Bartlett has been amazing, and it is not surprising to see him do well at the big stage. Ends by saying that all the bowlers did well, and they managed to get 5 early wickets and are hopeful that they will chase this down.

Then, unexpectedly, Harshit Rana was sent up the order before Shivam Dube, who played a gritty and gutsy hand. Along with Abhishek, he added a fighting 56-run stand, bringing India back from the brink. Rana’s 35 had a blend of patience and bravery, while Abhishek reached his fifty in just 23 balls. For a moment, it felt like India were climbing back. But Bartlett spoiled the party, dismissing both Rana and Dube in the same over. Stoinis followed with Kuldeep’s wicket, and once Abhishek fell to Ellis for 68, the innings crumbled. India lost their last five wickets for just 20 runs, folding for 125 in 18.4 overs.

The carnage didn’t stop there. Josh Hazlewood bowled his spell straight through, and what a masterclass it was. Four overs. Three wickets. Just 13 runs conceded. Like clockwork precision. The ball swung a little, seamed a bit, but mostly, Hazlewood’s control made it unplayable. Ellis joined the act too, trapping Samson and later Abhishek with sharp deliveries. Amid the chaos, Abhishek stood tall, timed crisply, placed perfectly, and showed his intent clearly. While partners kept walking back, he kept sending the ball to the fence. A mix-up cost Axar Patel his wicket through a comical run-out, leaving India at 49/5, and things looked bleak.

Suryakumar Yadav called wrong again at the toss, and Australia chose to bowl. Their pacers repaid them instantly. Abhishek gave India a zippy start, striking boundaries, while Gill looked scratchy and fell early after surviving a first-ball LBW scare. Samson and SKY followed in quick succession - both undone by the sheer precision of Aussie pacers. Then came Tilak Varma, and the poor lad barely got a look before getting dismissed too. From 18/0 to 40/4 in the Powerplay, India’s bright beginning turned gloomy in a flash. Marsh’s bowling changes clicked perfectly, and every Australian fielder seemed to have magnets in their hands.

A storm of wickets and a spark of brilliance - Australia dominated, while India stumbled to 125! What a first half we’ve had in Melbourne. The Aussies, after electing to bowl, turned the MCG into a maze for the Indian batters. The pitch offered a bit, sure, but it was more about relentless accuracy and smart bowling. Only one man - Abhishek Sharma - looked like he was playing on a different strip altogether, smashing a stunning 68 off 37. Apart from him, though, India’s innings resembled a musical chair of dismissals. Australia couldn’t have asked for a better Powerplay or a better grip on the game.

Nathan Ellis to Jasprit Bumrah, OUT! JASPRIT BUMRAH IS RUN OUT! Nathan Ellis bowls this on a good length and on off, Jasprit Bumrah taps it to the off side and sets off for the single, but Varun Chakaravarthy is not on the same page and sends him back. However, by then, Bumrah is already halfway down the track. Ellis quickly runs towards the ball, picks it up, and goes on to take the bails off with Bumrah nowhere near the crease. India have been bowled out for 125!

Jasprit Bumrah is the last man in.

Nathan Ellis to Abhishek Sharma, OUT! LBW! Nathan Ellis gets the big wicket of Abhishek Sharma! He absolutely nails the yorker, on middle. Abhishek moves across early to whip it away to the leg side, but fails to get his bat down in time and gets hit on the pads right in front of the stumps. There is a big shout for LBW, and the finger goes up instantly. Sharma goes for a review more in hope, as this looks plumb to the naked eye. UltraEdge confirms no bat, and Ball Tracking shows three reds with the ball crashing into the middle stump. Abhishek departs to a big applause from the crowd after scoring an excellent 68 off 37. India are 125/9!

Is this OUT? Abhishek Sharma is given LBW out by the umpire, and he has reviewed it straightaway. The third umpire is called in, and there is nothing on the UltraEdge. Ball Tracking shows three reds with the ball projecting to hit the middle stump. It is deemed OUT, and Abhishek Sharma walks back. Also, Australia have to keep an extra man inside the inner circle from the start of the 19th over since they have been penalised for slow over rate.

Nathan Ellis to Abhishek Sharma, Good wide yorker, outside off, Abhishek Sharma loses his bottom hand and jams it out towards extra covers.

Nathan Ellis to Abhishek Sharma, A low full toss, outside off, Abhishek Sharma backs away a bit too much. He has to reach out for it and slices it towards deep point but does not take the run.

Xavier Bartlett to Abhishek Sharma, Low full toss, on off, Abhishek Sharma drills it through cover-point for one and retains the strike. 15 runs off the over!

Xavier Bartlett to Abhishek Sharma, Back of a length and around middle, Abhishek Sharma pulls it away wide of deep square leg for a couple of more runs.

Xavier Bartlett to Abhishek Sharma, Slower one, full and on middle, Abhishek Sharma tucks it away with soft hands through mid-wicket and comes back for the second run. Good running!

Xavier Bartlett to Abhishek Sharma, SIX! BOOM! That is a shot and a half! Short of a length and outside off, Abhishek Sharma once again gets inside the line of it, as he shuffles way long across. And this time, he connects cleanly and hooks it a long way over the deep fine leg fence for a biggie.

Xavier Bartlett to Abhishek Sharma, FOUR! Put away! Xavier Bartlett serves a full toss, outside off, and there to be hit. Abhishek Sharma extends his arms and carves it over extra covers for a boundary.

Xavier Bartlett to Abhishek Sharma, Slower one, on a length and around off, Abhishek Sharma moves across early to scoop it away but misses as the ball goes off his pads towards the keeper.

Marcus Stoinis to Varun Chakaravarthy, Hard length and on off, takes off a bit, Varun Chakaravarthy keeps it out to the off side. Just one run and a wicket from the over!

Varun Chakaravarthy walks in next to bat.

Marcus Stoinis to Kuldeep Yadav, OUT! TAKEN! Another one bites the dust! The dot-ball pressure was building, and Marcus Stoinis got his first wicket now. He bangs this into the pitch, on middle and off. Kuldeep Yadav tries to pull it away but fails to get on top of the bounce and miscues it off the bottom half of the bat towards short mid-wicket. Sean Abbott (Sub), who is stationed there, dives forward and takes a good catch. India are 110/8 now!

Marcus Stoinis to Kuldeep Yadav, Three dots in a row now! Hits the length hard and well outside off, takes pace off again, does Stoinis. Kuldeep Yadav steps across but then withdraws his bat, seeing the ball close to the wide guideline. However, the umpire signals nothing, as this is just inside it.

Marcus Stoinis to Kuldeep Yadav, Nice change of pace! Back of a length and around off, Kuldeep Yadav tries to guide it away but misses due to the lack of pace.

Marcus Stoinis to Kuldeep Yadav, Good fielding! Fuller and on off, Kuldeep Yadav drives it wide of short covers. Mitchell Marsh dives to his right to stop the single here.

Marcus Stoinis to Abhishek Sharma, Short of a length and outside off, Abhishek Sharma slaps it towards sweeper covers for a single. Yadav wants the second but is sent back.

Xavier Bartlett to Kuldeep Yadav, A wide yorker, outside off, Kuldeep Yadav squeezes it away towards deep third, but Sharma denies the single. Just 4 runs and a couple of wickets from the over!

Xavier Bartlett to Kuldeep Yadav, On a length and on off, Kuldeep Yadav pushes it towards covers.

Kuldeep Yadav is in at 9.

Xavier Bartlett to Shivam Dube, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Xavier Bartlett gets his second of the over! He lands this back of a length, but much closer to the stumps this time. It is around the corridor of uncertainty and shapes away sharply after hitting the deck. Shivam Dube backs away and tries to play it away from his body again. Gets squared up as the ball takes a thin outside edge behind. Josh Inglis flings himself to his left and takes a fantastic diving catch. Dube goes back for 4 off 2, and India are seven down now.

Xavier Bartlett to Shivam Dube, FOUR! Streaky way to get off the mark! Short of a length and just around off, and it holds its line. Shivam Dube has poked away from his body and gets a thick outside edge towards the deep third fence for a boundary.

Shivam Dube walks in next to bat.

Xavier Bartlett to Harshit Rana, OUT! TAKEN! Xavier Bartlett strikes! The budding 56-run stand has finally been broken now. Xavier bangs it into the pitch, on middle, slower as well. Harshit Rana tries to take it on and looks to swat it down the ground. However, he goes through his shot a bit too early and ends up mistiming it straight towards long on, where Tim David takes an easy catch with a reverse cup. Rana falls for a valuable 35 off 33, and India are 105/6!

Xavier Bartlett to Harshit Rana, Good length and on middle, jags back in a bit, Harshit Rana backs away to play it with a straight bat but misses and gets hit high on the pads

Marcus Stoinis to Harshit Rana, A low full toss, down leg, following the batter. Rana backs away and pushes it towards cover for a single.

Marcus Stoinis to Harshit Rana, SIX! BELTED! Back of a length and around off, Harshit Rana remains deep in his crease and pulls it powerfully over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie. 100 IS UP FOR INDIA.

Marcus Stoinis to Harshit Rana, BEATEN! A slower delivery, on a length and outside off, Rana crouches and tries to slog across but misses to connnect as he gets deceived by the lack of pace on it.

Marcus Stoinis to Harshit Rana, A full toss, outside off, Rana backs away and slices it to the left of deep point for a couple of runs.

Marcus Stoinis to Harshit Rana, Short of a length and around off, Harshit presses back and tries to pull but misses due to extra bounce.

Marcus Stoinis to Harshit Rana, After seeing the batter backing away, Marcus bowls it full and wide outside off, Rana has to leave it as he can't reach out. He looks frustrated with himself.

Marcus Stoinis (2-0-14-0) replaces Matthew Kuhnemann

Nathan Ellis to Abhishek Sharma, On the fuller side, around off, Abhishek taps it down to cover off the front foot.

Nathan Ellis to Harshit Rana, Short of a length and outside off, with pace taken off. Harshit uses his feet and adjusts well his shot to swat it to mid off for a quick single.

Nathan Ellis to Harshit Rana, Fires a yorker, right at the blockhole, around middle, does Ellis. Harshit jams it back to the bowler.

Nathan Ellis to Harshit Rana, Lands it full and on leg, does Nathan. Rana gets forward and nudges it in the gap with soft hands towards deep mid-wicket. Both batters push each other and take two runs before the deep mid-wicket fielder could pick the ball and throw it to the non-striker's end.

Nathan Ellis to Abhishek Sharma, Short of a length and around middle and leg, Abhishek clips it to deep backward square leg for one.

Nathan Ellis to Abhishek Sharma, A slower delivery, back of a length and around middle. Abhishek tries to cut but the ball shapes back in and follows the batter with some awkward bounce. Sharma gets cramped and gets hit on his gloves and then the ball hits his chest before rolling down beside the pitch on the leg side.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Abhishek Sharma, Slower through the air, short and around leg, tucked away to deep backward square leg for a single by AS.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Harshit Rana, Keeps it shorter and around off, does Matthew. Rana punches it through covers for one.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Harshit Rana, FOUR! CARVED! Short and outside off, Harshit Rana backs away, opens his stance and uses the depth of the crease before slicing it in the gap between backward point and short third for a boundary.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Abhishek Sharma, FIFTY FOR ABHISHEK SHARMA! Short and outside off, Sharma waits back and cuts it in the gap towards deep backward point for a single to bring his milestone. This is his sixth T20I fifty and this has been a gem of an innings so far. He has held one end very well and all the hopes of India lie on him if they are looking for a good total.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Harshit Rana, Follows the batter, short and around leg, Rana backs away and punches it to beat the diving cover fielder to his left for a single.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Abhishek Sharma, A low full toss, around off, drilled down to the left of long off for a single by Abhishek. He moves to 49.

Slight halt! The physio comes in to check in on Harshit Rana. Abhishek Sharma is also getting a new pair of gloves and has a chat with Rinku Singh, who is probably delivering a message from the dressing room. We are good to go again.

Marcus Stoinis to Harshit Rana, Back of a length, angling in, around leg, Rana gets cramped as he looks to flick it but misses. Gets beaten on the inside edge and gets hit above on his back thigh. He looks in pain and goes down on his haunches. The physio is out.

Marcus Stoinis to Harshit Rana, WIDE! A bumper angling down the leg side. Rana tries to pull but misses. Called a wide.

Marcus Stoinis to Harshit Rana, A MISFIELD AND A FOUR! Back of a length and around leg. Harshit Rana gets across on his back foot and clips it towards deep backward square leg. Travis Head runs across to his left from deep fine leg and puts in a dive but ends up parrying it over the ropes.

Marcus Stoinis to Abhishek Sharma, Much fuller and around leg, Sharma goes deep in his crease and nudges it to deep backward square leg for a single.

Marcus Stoinis to Harshit Rana, Pitches up, full and around off, does Marcus. Rana drives it to the left of mid off for a quick single.

Marcus Stoinis to Abhishek Sharma, Short of a good length and outside off, Abhishek looks to cut it but ends up chopping it down off the inside half of the bat to the right of extra cover for a single.

Marcus Stoinis to Harshit Rana, Bye! Short of a length but slides down the leg side. Harshit Rana presses back and looks to pull it but misses. The ball touches his arm and goes to the left of the keeper behind the wickets. Josh Inglis flings himself fully to that side but fails to cling it. Ends up parrying it away towards deep fine. A bye is sneaked.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Harshit Rana, Much shorter and outside off, Harshit gets across and clips it to wide long on for one.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Harshit Rana, Spinning away, a bit shorter and around off, Harshit taps it back to the left of the bowler.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Harshit Rana, FOUR! SLICED! Shorter in length and outside off, Harshit Rana goes back and goes hard on his shot. Gets it sliced a bit uppishly but in the gap between backward point and short third for a boundary.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Harshit Rana, Nagging length and around off, Rana hangs back and defends it into the deck.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Harshit Rana, Angling in, short and around leg, Rana goes back and tries to flick but misses. Wears it on his front pad.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Harshit Rana, Short and outside off, punched down to cover off the back foot.

DRINKS! It has been a one-man show for India so far, with Abhishek Sharma showing his punches and form as he has racked up 46 runs in just 19 balls with 7 boundaries and one six. He has been rock solid at one end but has got no real support from the other. The visitors lost half their side before the halfway mark here, but a little partnership is growing here with Harshit Rana and Sharma, and they need to take this deep with Shivam Dube still to come. Australia have been superb with the ball, especially Josh Hazlewood, who was unplayable with the new ball, getting 3 wickets. They will be looking to keep the pressure on the batters, and they know if they get Abhishek, they can wrap things up quickly. Here's Matthew Kuhnemann to bowl after the break.

Mitchell Owen to Abhishek Sharma, FOUR! Easy pickings! Short and around leg, Abhishek Sharma gets inside the line of it and just helps it on its way towards the deep backward square leg fence for another boundary. He moves to 46 now.13 runs off Owen's first over!

Mitchell Owen to Harshit Rana, Mitchell Owen bangs this into the pitch, on off, takes off sharply off the deck. Harshit Rana tries to ride the bounce and keep it out, but it goes off his gloves onto his bicep and to the right of the keeper. They cross.

Mitchell Owen to Harshit Rana, Back of a length and just outside off, Harshit Rana gets on top of the bounce and cuts it towards deep point for a brace.

Mitchell Owen to Harshit Rana, Full again and on off, Harshit Rana drives it firmly but straight towards extra covers.

Mitchell Owen to Harshit Rana, WIDE! Fuller one but down the leg side, Harshit Rana fails to glance it away. Wided.

Mitchell Owen to Abhishek Sharma, On a length and on leg, Abhishek Sharma clips it through square leg for a run.

Mitchell Owen to Abhishek Sharma, FOUR! Welcome to the game, Mitchell Owen! Short of a length and outside off, begging to be put away. Abhishek Sharma gets the chance to free his arms and crunches it over point for a boundary. Looks like he is batting on an entirely different pitch here.

Marcus Stoinis to Abhishek Sharma, Short again and on middle, Abhishek Sharma heaves it to deep mid-wicket for one more. Six singles from Stoinis' first over!

Marcus Stoinis to Harshit Rana, In the air....SAFE! Bangs this into the pitch, on middle, Harshit Rana goes for the pull but gets a top edge. It flies in the air but lands safely well ahead of the deep mid-wicket fielder. They cross.

Marcus Stoinis to Abhishek Sharma, Another mix-up but no harm done! Hard length and on leg, Abhishek Sharma nudges it through mid-wicket and calls for the second run. Rana responds initially, but after looking at the fielder, he sends his partner back with a 'double-handed no.'

Marcus Stoinis to Harshit Rana, On a length and on leg, Harshit Rana clips it through square leg for another run.

Marcus Stoinis to Abhishek Sharma, Much fuller and on leg, Abhishek Sharma drills it towards long on for a run.

Marcus Stoinis to Harshit Rana, Short of a length and on off, Harshit Rana dabs it wide of point, where the fielder dives to his right to make a good stop. A single taken.

Xavier Bartlett to Harshit Rana, Back of a length and on off, Harshit Rana punches it towards cover-point for a single.

Xavier Bartlett to Harshit Rana, Touch fuller and ono ff, Harshit Rana steers it to point and wants the run, but is sent back.

Xavier Bartlett to Harshit Rana, On a length and on middle, angling in, Harshit Rana keeps it out to the leg side.

Surprisingly, Harshit Rana has been sent up the order to bat at number 7 by the Indian management.

Xavier Bartlett to Axar Patel, OUT! AXAR PATEL IS RUN OUT! Absolute chaos in the middle! Xavier Bartlett goes a bit fuller and just around off, Axar Patel drives it aerially and just wide of extra covers. The fielder flings himself to his left after getting across there, but just gets some fingertips on it to slow down the momentum. The batters get two runs comfortably, but Axar sets off for the third without looking at the ball or at his partner, who had no interest in this run. He slips while turning back. Tim David, in the deep, quickly gets across to his left and fires in a good throw at the batter's end, where Josh Inglis collects it and breaks the stumps. Patel puts in a desperate dive in, but looks in trouble, as he slipped when he tried to retreat and might have hurt himself too. The replay confirms that he is short of his crease, and India lose half their side now.

Is that a run out? That looks out to the naked eye. Both batters took two runs easily, and Axar Patel wanted a third and started running. He didn't look at the other end, where Abhishek Sharma tried to send him back. Though he rushed back and tried to get back to his home, he slipped and, despite putting in a full-length dive with his bat sliding, the keeper collected the throw and dislodged the bails in quick time. The third umpire is called in, and it is deemed an OUT.

Xavier Bartlett to Axar Patel, Hits the length hard and on middle, jagging back in a bit. Axar Patel gets a bit late on his shot and stabs it back to the bowler.

Xavier Bartlett to Axar Patel, DROPPED! A touch chance though! Back of a length and on middle, Axar Patel comes down the track and absolutely belts it down the pitch but uppishly. Bartlett, on his follow-through, gets both his hands to his left, but the ball just does not stick in. Patel gets a life!

Josh Hazlewood to Axar Patel, On a length and around off, Axar Patel stabs it towards extra covers for one. Josh Hazlewood finishes his spell with incredible figures of 4-0-13-3!

Josh Hazlewood to Axar Patel, Josh Hazlewood hits the deck hard, on middle, angling into the body of the batter. Axar Patel gets hurried a bit and keeps it out to the off side.

Josh Hazlewood to Axar Patel, Hard length and on middle and off, Axar Patel stays back and pats it towards point.

Josh Hazlewood to Abhishek Sharma, Short of a length and on middle, gets some extra bounce, Abhishek Sharma hops up but fails to ride the bounce. He just dabs it down behind the stumps and to the left of the keeper for a run.

Josh Hazlewood to Abhishek Sharma, EDGE AND FOUR! Luck is favouring Abhishek Sharma here! Josh Hazlewood lands this on a good length and on the fifth stump line, angling it away a bit. Sharma tries to push it away but gets an outside edge that flies past the keeper's dive to his left and to the deep third fence for a boundary.

Josh Hazlewood to Axar Patel, Back of a length and around off, Axar Patel runs it down to deep third for a single.

Powerplay is done! India are in a tough position as they have lost four top-order wickets, but Abhishek Sharma is looking in good nick, who is playing his shots and striking well over with a strike rate of 260. But on the other end, other batters failed to even hang around. Josh Hazlewood bowled extremely well as he has been phenomenal with his tight lines and lengths, reaping the rewards with three wickets. He will bowl his fourth over straightaway.

Nathan Ellis to Abhishek Sharma, FOUR! Fine shot! Pitched up and around middle, Abhishek Sharma makes some room by moving to the leg side. He extends his arms to reach out and smacks it over point for a boundary. After being 18/0 after 2 overs, India end the Powerplay on 40/4!

Nathan Ellis to Axar Patel, Bangs this into the pitch, on middle and leg, Axar Patel gets a bit cramped up and mistimes his pull towards backward square leg for one.

Nathan Ellis to Axar Patel, Swing and a miss! Nathan Ellis goes fuller and outside off, angling away. Axar Patel throws his bat at it but fails to connect. Indian batters are still playing their shots here.

Nathan Ellis to Abhishek Sharma, Bowls it slower, on a length and on middle, Abhishek Sharma taps it in front of extra covers for a run.

Nathan Ellis to Axar Patel, Touch fuller and on off, Axar Patel drives it towards mid off for a quick single.

Nathan Ellis to Axar Patel, Back of a length and just around off, Axar Patel tries to cut it away, but this is too close to his body. He ends up chopping it onto the off side.

Josh Hazlewood to Axar Patel, On a good length and around off, dabbed down to deep third for a single by Patel off his back foot to get off the mark.

Axar Patel walks out to bat now.

Josh Hazlewood to Tilak Varma, OUT! GONE! CAUGHT BEHIND! India lose their fourth and Josh Hazlewood gets his third. He bowls it a bit fuller and around middle and leg, getting it to skid through. Tilak Varma gets down and tries to sweep it, but only manages to get a top edge which flies towards backward square leg. The keeper, Josh Inglis, calls for the catch, moves across to his right and pouches it, pointing his finger upwards. Varma walks back for a duck and India sink further.

Josh Hazlewood to Tilak Varma, On a length and around leg, Tilak tries to clip it into the leg side but gets a leading edge which rolls down back to the bowler.

Tilak Varma is the next man in.

Josh Hazlewood to Suryakumar Yadav, OUT! EDGED AND CAUGHT BEHIND! So, the luck didn't work for the Indian skipper as Suryakumar Yadav departs for just 1 (4) and India are in a precarious situation at 32/3. Josh bowls it a bit straighter, on a hard length and angles it in around the off stump. Suryakumar gets squared up on his back foot as he tries to defend it with a full face of the bat, but his feet don't go anywhere. The ball shapes away a touch, and that is just enough to catch the thin outside edge of the bat. The ball goes behind the wickets, where Josh Inglis doesn't make any mistake on this occasion.

Josh Hazlewood to Suryakumar Yadav, A chance? Yes, it is a drop! A big moment in the game. On a back of a length and sliding down the leg side. Suryakumar Yadav walks across and tries to pick it up to scoop it, but ends up just gloving it. The ball goes to the left of the keeper, where Josh Inglis moves to that side and tries to go for the catch with both hands. The ball pops in and pops out. It lobs up beside him and Inglis tries again to go for the catch but fails to reach there and the ball lands on the ground. He looks frustrated with himself and Josh passes a sheepish smile.

Josh Hazlewood to Suryakumar Yadav, Nagging length and outside off, Yadav hangs back and cuts it well but finds the backward point fielder. Fails to find the gap there.

Nathan Ellis to Abhishek Sharma, FOUR MORE! CRUNCHED! Full and outside off, Abhishek Sharma crouches and slashes it through the extra cover region for another boundary. He moves to 24 in just 9 balls.

Nathan Ellis to Abhishek Sharma, FOUR! Abhishek Sharma isn't holding back! Short of a length and outside off, Sharma walks down the pitch and adjusts well on this slower delivery. Guides it over the short third fielder for a boundary.

Nathan Ellis to Suryakumar Yadav, Much fuller and outside off, moving away. Suryakumar Yadav throws his hands at it and gets it sliced off the outer half of the bat towards deep backward point. A single taken.

Suryakumar Yadav, the skipper of India, comes out to the middle now with the visitors in some early trouble.

Nathan Ellis to Sanju Samson, OUT! LBW! Nathan Ellis strikes big in his first over, and the promotion of Sanju Samson hasn't worked for India. On a length, around off, jagging back in as it is bowled from the wide of the crease. Sanju Samson is caught in his crease, tries to go back to punch it with a straight bat face but plays the wrong line. Gets beaten on the inside edge and gets rapped on his back pad. There is a big appeal for LBW from Ellis, and the umpire raises his finger. Sanju walks up to chat with Abhishek Sharma, and he decides to take a review in the end, more in hope. The third umpire is called in, and there is nothing on the UltraEdge. The Ball Tracking presents three reds with the ball projected to hit the top of the middle stump. The on-field call is upheld, and Sanju walks back for 2 (4). India are in early jitter.

Is that out? Review number two from India, and we are just in the 4th over. This time, it is Sanju Samson who has been given out LBW but sends it upstairs. Snicko shows nothing, and Ball Tracking comes up with three reds. Samson will have to walk back.

Nathan Ellis to Sanju Samson, BEATEN! In-between length, shaping away, outside off, Samson looks to drive it on the up but his feet don't go anywhere. Gets beaten on the outside edge.

Nathan Ellis to Abhishek Sharma, Short of a good length and around middle, Abhishek takes a step forward and looks to defend it but gets an inside edge which goes through between his legs and rolls away towards backward square leg. A single taken. Also, Ellis falls over on his followthrough.

Josh Hazlewood to Sanju Samson, BEATEN! Back of a length and around the fourth stump line, with some extra bounce off the deck. Samson remains deep in his crease and swings for the hills to go for a big lofted shot downtown but misses to connect.

Josh Hazlewood to Sanju Samson, Short of a length and outside off, Sanju Samson shifts his weight on the back foot and slices it over the backward point fielder. The ball doesn't has that steam to go over the ropes and it is hunted down by the backward point fielder. Two runs taken.

Surprise, surprise! Sanju Samson walks out to bat at number 3.

Josh Hazlewood to Shubman Gill, OUT! TAKEN! Finally, Josh Hazlewood has his man and the vice-captain, Shubman Gill, departs for 5 (10). On the fuller length and around off, skidding through. Gill plants his front leg half-forward and tries to loft it downtown. But his bat gets tilted in his hands, and he ends up mistiming it off the toe end of the bat towards mid off. Mitchell Marsh backtracks a bit and pouches it over his shoulders. Gill looked a bit scratchy, and despite getting a life on the very first ball, he failed to make the most of it.

Josh Hazlewood to Abhishek Sharma, Bowls it full and around off, does Josh. Sharma flicks it off the inside half of the bat to deep backward square leg for one.

Josh Hazlewood to Abhishek Sharma, A swing and a miss! Hard length and around leg, Abhishek uses his feet again and looks to loft it over mid off but misses to connect on this occasion.

Josh Hazlewood to Shubman Gill, Back of a length and outside off, Gill waits on his back foot and looks to cut it but gets an underedge that goes on the bounce towards first slip, who fumbles and lets the ball go through to deep third. A single taken.

Xavier Bartlett to Abhishek Sharma, SIX! WOAH! That's some shot! Full and around off, Abhishek Sharma remains leg side of the ball, dances down the track and launches it over the wide long off fence for a biggie to end the over. A big one for India as 17 came off it.

Xavier Bartlett to Abhishek Sharma, Pitches up, full and around middle, does Xavier. Abhishek Sharma backs away a bit and lofts it over the bowler's head. The mid on fielder chases it down but both batters take two runs.

Xavier Bartlett to Abhishek Sharma, FOUR! THRASHED! A full toss, around middle, Abhishek Sharma charges down the track and carves it through the gap between extra cover and cover point for a boundary.

Xavier Bartlett to Abhishek Sharma, Angling in, on the fuller length and around middle, Abhishek clears his front leg away and goes hard on his swing. Gets it off the inner half of the bat but the ball goes in the gap to the right of deep backward square leg. Two runs are taken.

Xavier Bartlett to Shubman Gill, On a length and outside off, Gill gets on top of the bounce and punches it through the minute gap between cover point and backward point. Three runs are taken before Nathan Ellis hunts it down. There is a short run check from the third umpire and it is fine.

Xavier Bartlett to Shubman Gill, Inward movement, full and around off, Gill prods forward and looks to punch it with a straight bat but gets a leading edge. The ball goes a bit uppishly but lands before the backward point fielder, who dives to his right to make a good stop.

Xavier Bartlett to share the attack.

Josh Hazlewood to Shubman Gill, First runs! The innings of India get underway now! On a hard length and outside off, Gill rises with the bounce and taps it between extra cover and cover point to sneak a quick single to get off the mark. It was a fiery first over from the Aussie veteran.

Josh Hazlewood to Shubman Gill, Another short-pitched delivery, around off, Gill hops up and adjusts well to get on top of the bounce before dabbing it down to cover point.

Josh Hazlewood to Shubman Gill, Back of a length and over the top of the off stump. Shubman rises with the bounce and defends it into the deck.

The physio comes in for a mandatory concussion check now. He is asking the routine questions to Shubman Gill, who took a hard blow on his helmet. He seems fine to continue now.

Josh Hazlewood to Shubman Gill, NASTY! Short of a length, around off, with some extra bounce off the deck. Shubman Gill walks across and takes a step forward to pull it, but misses his shot due to the extra bounce. The ball goes over the horizontal bat and hits the helmet. There would be a mandatory concussion test now as the physio comes out to have a check on Gill.

Josh Hazlewood to Shubman Gill, JAFFA! On a back of a length, angling in, around off but then the ball shapes away after pitching. Shubman Gill goes on his back foot and tries to defend it. But as he gets squared up, he gets beaten on the outside edge.

Josh Hazlewood to Shubman Gill, Oh, what a sigh for Gill. On a length, from over the wicket, angling in, around off. Shubman Gill gets forward but goes across to flick it. The ball keeps coming in and beats the inside edge of the bat and gets rapped on the front pad. There is a massive appeal for LBW and the umpire raises his finger. However, Gill has a chat with Abhishek Sharma before he takes a review. The third umpire is called in. Nothing comes on the UltraEdge. Ball Tracking presents that the ball would have gone over the leg stump. The on-field call gets overturned and India keep their review as well.

Is that a wicket first ball? Shubman Gill has been given LBW on-field but has taken a review here. Looks close this one. Snicko confirms no bat involved and Ball tracking shows it to be going well over the leg stump, much to the shock of the Aussies. Gill survives!

All in readiness now! It's a packed-out crowd here at the MCG, and they are absolutely buzzing with excitement. We can see the Australian players in a huddle just outside the ropes, where Mitchell Marsh is sharing a few words and laughs with his team. Now, they come through the fireworks and smoke to take up their respective field positions. Here come the two explosive openers for India - Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma. Josh Hazlewood has the new ball in his hand and is raring to go. Let's play...

We’re just moments away from the start of the game, but before that, players from both sides, the match officials, and the fans all observe a moment of silence to honour Ben Austin - a 17-year-old who tragically lost his life while batting in the nets in Melbourne. This tribute stands as a mark of respect to his family, friends, and teammates during this difficult time.

Suryakumar Yadav, the captain of India, says that losing the toss here does not matter as long as you are getting to do what you want, and they were looking to bowl first only. Adds that out of 40 matches, teams batting first have won 21 times on this ground. Mentions that they want to go hard from the top, and it starts with Abhishek setting the tone, and then he and Gill take over. Says that he is happy to be back in the middle order where he belongs. Tells that Gill knows how to score runs, and with him, you have to run hard, and if they bat long together, it gets easier. Informs that they are unchanged.

The skipper of Australia, Mitchell Marsh, says that they will bowl first, calling it always special to play at the MCG. Adds that it’s a historic venue and they knew it was going to be packed tonight. He feels that the wicket looks really good for cricket and hopes it stays the same for the full 40 overs. Mentions that their plan is to restrict India to a manageable total and then chase it down confidently. Acknowledges that India is a strong side, and the team is excited for the challenge. Informs one change in the lineup, as Matthew Short comes in for Josh Philippe.

India (Unchanged Playing XI) - Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (WK), Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Jasprit Bumrah.

Australia (Playing XI) - Mitchell Marsh (C), Travis Head, Josh Inglis (WK), Tim David, Mitchell Owen, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Short (In place of Josh Philippe), Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Matthew Kuhnemann, and Josh Hazlewood.

TOSS - Well, no surprises as India have lost yet another toss. Australia have elected to BOWL first.

PITCH REPORT - Aaron Finch is pitchside with his thoughts. Finch says that the pitch looks well-balanced between bat and ball, though the overcast and cool conditions could offer some help to the seamers early on. Notes there’s not much in it for the spinners, but maintaining tight lines and lengths could still be effective. Adds that the surface might get a touch slower as the game progresses, yet overall, it looks like a good wicket for batting and promises a fair contest between both sides.

So, will India ride the momentum of their women’s team’s magical triumph and make it a double delight for the nation? Or will the Aussies, backed by a roaring home crowd, remind everyone why they’re the masters of big-stage cricket? We’ll find out soon, under the lights, under pressure, and under the gaze of more than 90,000 screaming fans. Strap in, ladies and gentlemen, as the toss and team lineups will be announced shortly!

And let’s not forget the pitch and the weather! Melbourne’s skies have been moody, teasing with clouds and light drizzle, but if the rain stays away, expect a belter. The MCG pitch is known for true bounce and big runs, but the square boundaries can test timing and placement. It’s bigger, trickier, and definitely a thinking batter’s paradise. Bowlers will have to adapt quickly with longer square and a fast outfield. It’s a ground that rewards smart cricket and punishes anything loose.

Australia, meanwhile, will rely on the sharp pace of Hazlewood and the variations of Nathan Ellis to contain India’s free-flowing top order. Xavier Bartlett or Sean Abbott could get a look-in too, depending on conditions. The challenge for the hosts will be tackling India’s spinners, an area where they’ve shown improvement but still have a few cracks. Can Tim David finally fire at this ground? Can Inglis and Stoinis hold the middle together? If they do, the Aussies can post a total that tests even India’s chasing might.

For India, the focus will be on that bowling attack, spearheaded by Bumrah and supported by the mystery of Varun Chakravarthy and the craft of Kuldeep Yadav. The spin twins could play a massive role on the big MCG square, where sideways movement and flight can trap even the best hitters. But can they tame the aggression of Marsh and Head early on? And will Harshit Rana’s inclusion for Arshdeep Singh prove a masterstroke or a gamble too far? Those are the tactical teasers waiting to unfold.

But Australia aren’t exactly in the mood to roll over. Though their Women's team failed to defend their title, Mitchell Marsh has been on a mission ever since taking over the reins, and his side looks dangerous even without a few big names. Travis Head is striking them as sweetly as ever, Tim David’s move up the order has added muscle to the middle, and Marcus Stoinis continues to bring that all-round reliability. Sure, they’ll miss Adam Zampa, who’s home on dad duty, and Josh Hazlewood, who’ll depart after this game for Ashes prep, but hey, when has an Aussie side ever lacked fight? Expect fire, expect flair, and expect them to come hard tonight.

The Indian Women showed the world what passion looks like - beating the mighty Aussies and marching into the World Cup final in style. Jemimah Rodrigues, the Player of the Match of that semifinal, broke down in tears during the post-match interview - tears that spoke louder than words, reflecting the years of hard work and heartbreak behind that moment. That spirit, that grit, that sparkle, you can bet the men will want to carry that energy into the MCG tonight. The Men in Blue looked fierce in those 9.4 overs at Canberra before rain played spoilsport. Now, they’ll be itching to finish what they started. The trio of Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Suryakumar Yadav looked confident and classy, and oh boy, SKY back in form is a sight for sore eyes. With Tilak Varma’s hunger, Samson’s calm, and Bumrah’s brilliance at the death, India look balanced, bold, and buzzing.

Beneath the vast southern sky, where the echoes of history still roar, two cricketing giants rise again - India and Australia, the heartbeat of modern-day cricket! The stage is the mighty Melbourne Cricket Ground, glowing under the floodlights, and the crowd, which is a sea of blue and gold, is ready to erupt. After a rain-soaked false start in Canberra, it’s finally time for some proper action in the second T20I of this thrilling five-match series. Add to that the sweet aftertaste of India Women’s historic World Cup semifinal win over Australia Women last night, and suddenly, there’s fire in the air, pride in the heart, and purpose in every stride. On that note, hello and welcome to our coverage, folks, to what promises to be another chapter in this evergreen rivalry!

... MATCH DAY ...

It has been a damp start to the five-match T20I series, but hopes are high for clearer skies as the action shifts to Melbourne for the second T20I between Australia and India. The opening ODI of the tour was also affected by rain, though we at least got a result there, unlike in Canberra, where the weather had the final say. There is a bit of rain forecast during the day, but conditions are expected to improve by match time. It is set to be a special evening at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground in front of a sell-out crowd. Only 9.4 overs were possible in the series opener, where Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav both got starts before rain returned to wash out play. From an Indian perspective, Suryakumar, who has been short on runs in T20Is of late, getting among the runs was perhaps the biggest positive to take away from the shortened game. Gill, too, will be pleased to have found some rhythm after a quiet ODI series. India went in with three spinners for the first match, with Jasprit Bumrah and Harshit Rana leading the pace attack. With the big boundaries at the MCG, the spin trio of Axar Patel, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Kuldeep Yadav is expected to pose a stiff challenge to the home side. On the other hand, there wasn’t much to assess about Australia’s bowling given the limited play. Josh Hazlewood will feature in his final game of the series before he shifts focus to his Ashes preparations, and he will be eager to make one last impact. Adam Zampa was expected to miss the start of the series due to personal reasons, and it remains to be seen when he rejoins the squad. Matthew Short missed the opening game due to a finger injury he picked up during the ODI leg, which required surgery. His absence opened the door for Josh Philippe, who will be eager to make the most of the opportunity presented to him. However, Philippe may have only a short window to impress, with Glenn Maxwell expected to join the squad ahead of the third T20I. This will be the first T20I fixture at the iconic MCG since the 2022 T20 World Cup final. The last two meetings between these sides at this venue have gone India’s way, while Australia have had mixed fortunes here, winning three and losing three of their last six outings. Who will take the honours this time under the Melbourne lights?