Australia v India, 2015-16
Wisden's review of the first Twenty20 International, Australia v India, 2015-16
15-Apr-2017
At Adelaide, January 26, 2016 (floodlit). India won by 37 runs. Toss: Australia. Twenty20 international debuts: T. M. Head; J. J. Bumrah, H. H. Pandya.
The switch in formats played to India's strengths, and exposed Australia's lack of a settled line-up less than two months ahead of the World Twenty20. After just one 20-over match in 2015, Australia turned to a mix of regulars and Big Bash successes, and even a wild thing as a wild card: fast bowler Shaun Tait was recalled for his first international in nearly five years. But, young or old, pace or spin, no one could contain the rampant Kohli. His brisk unbeaten 90 - his highest in the format - was well supported by Raina, and ensured Australia needed yet another record chase on home soil.
The switch in formats played to India's strengths, and exposed Australia's lack of a settled line-up less than two months ahead of the World Twenty20. After just one 20-over match in 2015, Australia turned to a mix of regulars and Big Bash successes, and even a wild thing as a wild card: fast bowler Shaun Tait was recalled for his first international in nearly five years. But, young or old, pace or spin, no one could contain the rampant Kohli. His brisk unbeaten 90 - his highest in the format - was well supported by Raina, and ensured Australia needed yet another record chase on home soil.
Their batsmen, suffocated by the spin of Ashwin and Jadeja, failed to balance the need for quick runs with occupying the crease, and lost wickets at a disruptive rate. Smith's dismissal, which some blamed on his interaction with the TV commentators while in the middle, sparked a collapse. Bumrah's quirky action troubled the batsmen, and his fellow debutant, Hardik Pandya, recovered from a woeful opening over - which lasted 11 deliveries, with five wides - to finish with two for 37.
Man of the Match: V. Kohli. A
Man of the Match: V. Kohli. A