Who said what: World reacts after India clinch T20I series against Australia
Another unbeaten fifty from Virat Kohli helped India take an unassailable 2-0 lead over Australia after they won the second T20I by 27 runs in Melbourne. After being asked to bat, India posted 184 thanks to fifties from Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
In response, Australia were cruising towards the target after 9 overs, but the fall of Shaun Marsh prompted a collapse, which saw them lose their next seven wickets for 63 runs.
India’s spinners once again turned on the style as they picked up 5 of the eight Australian wickets as they bamboozled the Australian batsman, aided by some wonderful glovework by MS Dhoni and catching by Ravindra Jadeja.
I love coming to Australia: Virat Kohli
Man of the Match for the second game in a row, Virat Kohli admitted he loves coming to Australia.
“I love coming to Australia,” he said. "There is good pace, there is good bounce, I love the challenge, and we get good Indian crowds as well. Nothing different from back home I am very happy I could contribute at an important time. We sealed the series today.
“Shikhar took a bit of time getting into the one-day series, but he is showing how dangerous he is. And Rohit, once he gets going, there is no better sight. The way they went after the bowling it can demoralise sides.”
Indian skipper, MS Dhoni after his side clinched the series, described the feeling as “fantastic”.
"The support was very good. It has always been very good even when we are not playing well. That Jadeja catch was fantastic. That was a crucial part of the game. No wonder commentators keep saying catches win matches.
“Spinners did a great job, also, Hardik's over with that wicket was good. Bumrah has done well at death bowling. He has bowled yorkers. It is your choice if you want to bowl back of a length if the pitch is good, but if you are not bowling yorkers because you can't bowl them, you will go for runs.”
We lost our way: Shane Watson
Australian all-rounder Shane Watson said: “It was a big target. We made a good start but lost our way. Their spinners are very very skilled. Even when it is not turning they are effective. They play a lot of T20 cricket.
“Aaron Finch has hurt his hamstring, the run-out made it worse. He is getting it assessed. Sunday is very important. At the moment, we are testing out a few players, which makes it challenging, but it is also an opportunity for guys to put their hand up.”
Cricket fraternity took to Twitter after India’s series win and expressed their emotions on the same:
Legendary Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar:
The sweetness of a clean sweep in Australia awaits. Game on Boys @msdhoni @imVkohli @YUVSTRONG12 #IndvsAus
— sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) January 29, 2016
Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan:
Beating Australia in Australia is very special,Congrats team India @BCCI,back to back big wins... Go for the third one #TeamIndia
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) January 29, 2016
Harsha Bhogle on Australia's spin woes:
This is a big win. Australia look lost when spin comes on
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 29, 2016
MS Dhoni's glove work was the talk of the town after he broke a world record.
Sanjay Manjrekar:
Seen many keepers, but none better than Dhoni when it comes to whipping the bails out in a flash. No wonder he has the record now.
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) January 29, 2016
Aakash Chopra:
Started as an ordinary wicketkeeper...will finish with most stumpings in the history of the game. Well done, Dhoni
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 29, 2016
Ireland all-rounder Kevin O’Brien:
What a first touch from MS Dhoni!! #stumping #IndvsAus
— Kevin O'Brien (@KevinOBrien113) January 29, 2016
Jatin Sapru:
Get a feeling, The Dhoni kind of wind is blowing again.. #fingerscrossed #MSDfan
— jatin sapru (@jatinsapru) January 29, 2016
Ravindra Jadeja's return catch to Shane Watson was a thing of beauty.
Harsha Bhogle:
That Jadeja return catch off Watson was as good as any you will ever see.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 29, 2016
Aakash Chopra was a busy man on Twitter:
Have they offered Kohli Australian citizenship yet? They should
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 29, 2016
Both Australian T20 innings have followed an identical pattern...explosive start followed by a cluster of wickets in the middle overs.
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 29, 2016
In last 10 T20 innings, Kohli has scored 7 half centuries at a strike-rate of 145. In a format that dictates inconsistency. Respect.
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 29, 2016
Former Sri Lankan batsman Russel Arnold:
Congratulations to India Ladies and Men's on their brilliant performance in D T20's down under.. Looks like SL have a challenger @ #Wt20
— Russel Arnold (@RusselArnold69) January 29, 2016