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Australia are currently engaged in a riveting 5-match T20I series against India, marking their first bilateral encounter since securing the ODI World Cup 2023. The Australian team clinched their sixth World Cup trophy by defeating India in the final, setting the stage for an exciting T20 clash.
Matthew Wade, Suryakumar Yadav take the helm
In the absence of senior stars like Pat Cummins, Rohit Sharma, Mitchell Starc, and Virat Kohli, Matthew Wade is leading the Australian side, while Suryakumar Yadav captains the Men in Blue. Both teams are strategically resting key players, providing a platform for emerging talents to showcase their skills.
Guwahati showdown: High-scoring third T20I
The third T20I at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati unfolded as a high-scoring spectacle, with both India and Australia surpassing the 220-run mark. Despite India’s 2-0 series lead, Australia displayed resilience, successfully chasing down a formidable target of 223 to secure a thrilling victory and keep the series alive.
A standout performance in the match came from Glenn Maxwell, earning him accolades from skipper Wade. Maxwell’s explosive knock included a joint-fastest T20I hundred by an Australian, achieved in just 47 balls. With two runs needed off the final ball, Maxwell’s decisive shot off Prasidh Krishna secured the victory. The dynamic batter equaled Rohit’s record for the most T20I hundreds with four to his name.
Also READ: Twitter Reactions – Glenn Maxwell’s herculean century propels Australia to a remarkable victory over India in third T20I
Matthew Wade reveals the best T20 player
In the post-match presentation ceremony, Wade couldn’t find enough words to praise Maxwell, declaring him the best T20 cricketer Australia have. The skipper highlighted the significance of Maxwell’s contribution to the team’s success, emphasizing the need for the team’s best player in T20 cricket.
“You don’t get much better than that. It was always going to take our best and probably the best player of T20 cricket we have,” said Wade in the post-match chat.
Youngsters get the nod in the absence of senior players
Notably, after the third T20I, six Australian cricketers who participated in the World Cup are set to return home. Wade views this as an opportunity for young players to step up and make their mark in the absence of key stars.
Expressing the team’s necessity for the win, Wade stated, “We really needed this win, and a lot of guys are heading home, so a chance for the younger ones, and hopefully, we can take it to the decider with another win.”
