India maintained their best recent record in the T20I chase
with a win over Australia in Hyderabad in the third and final T20I. Chasing 187
to win after half-centuries from Tim David (54) and Cameron Green (52), India
ended the chase at length to make it 13 successful series in 14 attempts since
2021.
The series win also marked India's 21st T20I win in the
calendar year, the most by one team in men's T20Is. Pakistan has the record so
far with 20 T20I wins in 2021.
India hosted the Thailand women's team, which recorded 21
wins and four losses in 2019.
Green sent Australia flying to start the match, with the
youngster reaching his half-century off just 19 balls - a record against India
- as the hosts looked to have a huge edge.
Australia lost the key wickets of Steve Smith (9) and Glenn
Maxwell (6) in quick succession, with the latter helping the hosts amass a
respectable 186/7.
India's tough chase was reduced to 30/2. A century
partnership between Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav took India back, but when
he was dismissed in the 14th over, the task became more difficult.
At 11 to beat Daniel Sams last over, Virat Kohli, who
finished on 63 off 48 balls, hit a six off the first ball to make it five runs
off five balls.
However, Kohli was brought back the next ball and his parity
was reduced to the required four runs in two balls. A fourth over to three men
from Hardik Pandya's innings gave India the equalizer and series win.