India claimed a famous 11 run victory over Australia to take a 1-0 lead in their three match T20 internationals at the Manuka Oval in Canberra. Yuzvendra Chahal played a key role in India’s victory after being brought in as a concussion substitute.
Three wickets apiece for Natarajan and Chahal as #TeamIndia take a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series.@yuzi_chahal is adjudged Man of the Match for his brilliant figures of 3/25.#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/mvq3Kl8esa
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 4, 2020
Australia were dealt a blow even before their innings commenced.
India had successfully managed to use the concussions substitute policy to swap Ravindra Jadeja with Chahal. Jadeja, whose 23-ball 44 rescued India’s innings, appeared to suffer a hamstring injury in the 19th over.
He edged a Mitchell Starc delivery into his helmet in the 20th. Jadeja was not examined by India’s team doctor after the blow. He went on to hit another nine runs off the final three balls of the innings.
During the innings break, the Indian team made the change to bring on Chahal.
Although Australia launched a protest, their bid was not successful. Chahal would go on to produce a man of the match performance proving key in India’s successful defence.
He brought an end to the Aussies 56-run opening partnership when he had Aaron Finch caught for 35 by Hardik Pandya.
In the 10th over he struck again removing Steve Smith for 12.
Glenn Maxwell was trapped in front for two by T Natarajan in the next over after a successful review by India. He then took the wickets of D’Arcy Short for 34 and Starc for one.
Chahal picked up his third when he removed Matthew Wade.
Moises Henriques was Australia’s best player on the night with bat and ball. He smashed 30 off 20 before falling to Deepak Chahar in the 18th over to end Australia’s hopes of late win.
