Australia Crush India by 4 Wickets in 2nd T20I at MCG - Hazlewood and Marsh Shine Bright
Summary: Australia stormed back in style at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, defeating India by 4 wickets in the 2nd T20I of the 2025 series. Josh Hazlewood’s fiery 3-wicket spell dismantled India’s top order before captain Mitchell Marsh’s explosive 46-run blitz sealed the chase in just 13.2 overs.
India, opting to bat first after losing the toss, started promisingly but collapsed dramatically to 125 all out in 18.4 overs.
However, Australia’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure.
India’s middle order - including captain Suryakumar Yadav (1), Sanju Samson (2), and Tilak Varma (0) - failed to build partnerships.
A brief 35-run cameo from Harshit Rana added respectability, but the innings ended 20 runs short of a competitive total.
Chasing 126, Australia came out with intent.
Jasprit Bumrah (2/26) looked sharp but lacked enough runs to defend.
1. Hazlewood’s Powerplay Masterclass: His back-to-back strikes removed Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav, triggering India’s collapse.
2. Abhishek Sharma’s Lone Fight: The left-hander’s fearless 68 proved India’s only highlight.
3. Marsh’s Captain’s Knock: His controlled aggression ensured Australia never lost momentum.
4. India’s Middle-Order Meltdown: From 82/2 to 125 all out - the turning point that cost them the game.
With this win, Australia lead the five-match T20I series 1-0, injecting life into the contest.
India will need to rethink their batting approach and show resilience in the 3rd T20I, scheduled in Hobart on 2nd November.
“Hazlewood’s precision with the new ball is unmatched in modern T20 cricket. When he gets rhythm early, even world-class batters struggle.”
- Former Australian pacer Brett Lee on Fox Sports
“India missed out on rotating the strike in the middle overs. Abhishek played beautifully, but there was no support.”
- Sunil Gavaskar on Star Sports Post-Match Show
India – 125 all out (18.4 overs)
Abhishek Sharma 68 (37), Harshit Rana 35 (33)
Hazlewood 3/13, Ellis 2/21, Bartlett 2/39
Australia – 126/6 (13.2 overs)
Marsh 46 (26), Head 28 (15)
Bumrah 2/26, Varun 2/23
Player of the Match: Josh Hazlewood
For his brilliant spell of 3/13 that destroyed India’s top order and set up Australia’s dominant victory.
- Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
- Date: October 31, 2025
- Result: Australia won by 4 wickets
- Player of the Match: Josh Hazlewood
India’s Innings: Abhishek Shines, Others Falter
India, opting to bat first after losing the toss, started promisingly but collapsed dramatically to 125 all out in 18.4 overs.
- Abhishek Sharma was the lone standout, hammering 68 off 37 balls with 8 fours and 2 sixes - his best T20I knock so far.
However, Australia’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure.
- Josh Hazlewood produced a world-class spell of 3 for 13 in 4 overs.
- Nathan Ellis (2/21) and Xavier Bartlett (2/39) cleaned up the rest.
India’s middle order - including captain Suryakumar Yadav (1), Sanju Samson (2), and Tilak Varma (0) - failed to build partnerships.
A brief 35-run cameo from Harshit Rana added respectability, but the innings ended 20 runs short of a competitive total.
Australia’s Chase: Marsh Leads the Charge
Chasing 126, Australia came out with intent.
- Mitchell Marsh (46 off 26) launched 4 massive sixes, setting the tone.
- Travis Head (28 off 15) provided a blistering start with a 56-run opening stand in just 4.5 overs.
- Despite a few hiccups - courtesy of Varun Chakaravarthy (2/23) and Kuldeep Yadav (2/45) - Australia sealed victory comfortably at 126/6 in 13.2 overs.
Jasprit Bumrah (2/26) looked sharp but lacked enough runs to defend.
Key Moments That Defined the Match
1. Hazlewood’s Powerplay Masterclass: His back-to-back strikes removed Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav, triggering India’s collapse.
2. Abhishek Sharma’s Lone Fight: The left-hander’s fearless 68 proved India’s only highlight.
3. Marsh’s Captain’s Knock: His controlled aggression ensured Australia never lost momentum.
4. India’s Middle-Order Meltdown: From 82/2 to 125 all out - the turning point that cost them the game.
Series Impact & What’s Next
With this win, Australia lead the five-match T20I series 1-0, injecting life into the contest.
India will need to rethink their batting approach and show resilience in the 3rd T20I, scheduled in Hobart on 2nd November.
Expert View
“Hazlewood’s precision with the new ball is unmatched in modern T20 cricket. When he gets rhythm early, even world-class batters struggle.”
- Former Australian pacer Brett Lee on Fox Sports
“India missed out on rotating the strike in the middle overs. Abhishek played beautifully, but there was no support.”
- Sunil Gavaskar on Star Sports Post-Match Show
Score Summary
India – 125 all out (18.4 overs)
Abhishek Sharma 68 (37), Harshit Rana 35 (33)
Hazlewood 3/13, Ellis 2/21, Bartlett 2/39
Australia – 126/6 (13.2 overs)
Marsh 46 (26), Head 28 (15)
Bumrah 2/26, Varun 2/23
Player of the Match: Josh Hazlewood
Image credit-Adplive
For his brilliant spell of 3/13 that destroyed India’s top order and set up Australia’s dominant victory.
Keywords: Australia vs India 2nd T20I 2025 Melbourne,Josh Hazlewood Player of the Match,Mitchell Marsh match-winning knock
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