India win shortened T20I opener

India triumphed in a rain reduced opening T20I against Australia in Ranchi by nine wickets to seize the advantage in the series.

Australia failed to post a competitive score in their innings losing skipper David Warner early after being asked to bat by India.

Warner struck two boundaries in the opening over but was bowled off the final ball by Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

Aaron Finch (42) was the only batsman to pass twenty runs for the visitors who struggled on a skiddy surface with low bounce.

The Australia batsmen struggled to pick up the pace of the wicket that was far from ideal for the shortest format of the game.

Jasprit Bumrah (2/17) and Kuldeep Yadav (2/16) headlined the bowling efforts for India.

Australia’s innings was cut short by rain after 18.4 overs and when it subsided there was only time for a six over chase.

Nathan Coulter-Nile bowled Rohit Sharma (11) but it would be the only wicket to fall in the brief chase.

Shikar Dhawan (15*) and Virat Kohli (22*) would easily guide the hosts past the meager target with three balls to spare.

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