Coulter-Nile was adjudged the Man of the match.
The Australians had almost lost the first T20I against India in Vizag from a perfect position but then stole the game from the jaws of defeat. 14 runs off the last over and 2 off the last ball has ensured that the visitors have taken an unassailable lead in this 2-game ODI series.
The Aussies seemed like they pressed the panic button as the following batsmen went in a procession and the runs were drying up. Bumrah bowled an outstanding 19th over and left Umesh with 13 to defend off the last. Two boundaries and two couples in the final over though helped the visitors cross the line and win the game by 3 wickets. For the Aussies, the star with the ball was Nathan Coulter-Nile as he picked up 3 wickets but the other bowlers were economical as well.
After the victory Man of the Match Nathan Coulter-Nile said: "I thought the boys bowled really well and we scraped home in the end. We worked out quickly that the ball was not coming on to the bat and dragged our lengths back. We have been playing a bit of cricket in the BBL. Really good to have a win and hopefully we will have another one next game and win the series."
Australian captain Aaron Finch, on the other hand, said: "I think on that wicket, it got slower and slower. When Bumrah has an over up his sleeve, it's gonna be hard. The run-outs did not help but great to get the win. They dragged the length back after the initial start. We were able to get some reverse and were bowling into the wicket. These guys are getting more and more experience. It's a really strong position to be in. Nathan is a wicket-taker. He has been very consistent in the IPL as well. Maxi played a hell of an innings on a pitch which was tough to bat."
As far as the Indian bowling is considered, they tried really hard and fought valiantly to defend an under-par score but in the end, just fell short. Jasprit Bumrah was exceptional picking up 3 wickets for just 16 runs with support from the spinners. Umesh Yadav was a tad bit disappointing except for a good over in the middle.
Earlier on in the evening, India despite a half-century from KL Rahul could not post a good total and ended up with just 127 on the board. Thus, the Australians have just about gotten over the line in this first T20I with the help of a fifty from Maxwell and heroics with the bat from their bowlers in the end. A bitter pill to swallow for the hosts but a superb cricket match which made for an amazing watch.
