Who Said What: World reacts as India annihilate Australia in the first T20I
India beat Australia by 9 wickets via DLS method in the first T20I at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi. With this win, India not only took a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series but also defeated the Aussies in their last seven T20I encounters.
After putting Australia into bat, the Indian bowlers did a fantastic job to restrict the Aussie batsman for just 118 after 18.4 overs. The spinners, who recorded figures of 8-0-39-3, made regular incisions on the middle order, the pacers played their part to keep the pressure and the Australian innings just couldn't get going, despite a below-par fielding performance by the home team.
It was when there was a long rain delay as the target for the hosts were reduced to 48 off six overs, a target that won't bother the batting much in a T20I. Despite losing Rohit early, Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli kept their cool and took India home. Kuldeep Yadav was awarded the Player of the Match.
Let us take a look at the cricket fraternity reacted to India's win in the first T20I.
Also read: India equal world record for most bowled dismissals in a T20I innings
Shikhar Dhawan: Feeling pretty happy that we won the game. It was a short game but still a lot of pressure. Good to be back with the boys. It was a tough time for me and my family. I am thankful to God that we came out of it. It is a good start for me and gives me confidence. Looking forward to the coming games.
Australian captain David Warner: We will try and be better next game. At the end of the day, we didn't deserve to win. The bowlers did an okay job. I don't really have an answer for our struggles in T20Is. It's disappointing and we'll see how we can improve that. He's (Behrendorff) from Perth and he's got nice bounce and pace. I'm looking forward to playing more games with him in Australian colours.
Indian captain Virat Kohli: After winning the toss and bowling first that sort of effort was required and the our bowlers did well. The game can get tricky with a small chase like that. Bhuvi getting us the early breakthrough, Bumrah in the end overs and spinners in the middle overs. It's been a combined effort from the players. Giving the younger bowlers the confidence they need. Wrist spinners can turn the game on its head. We are very happy with the bowlers right now. You need to execute your yorkers and you have to have a strong head to take your chances against the batsmen. You need to have skill and a strong head in T20I cricket. He (Dhawan) was playing really well in Sri Lanka. He is an impact player and we need him to do well
Man of the Match, Kuldeep Yadav: I'm very happy. This is my first Man of the Match. First couple of balls I saw what he (Finch) was trying to do and set him up with an overpitched ball. I always think about wickets and that's what really matters to me and the team. I'm getting more confident day by day and game by game. Performing well against a top side like Australia, I'm very happy for myself.