Just when you thought the drama was over, it had only just begun. Australia absolutely dominated India in the second T20I, securing a four-wicket victory at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on October 31, 2025. But the real bombshell dropped after the match, completely overshadowing the win.
Key Takeaways
- Australia beat India by four wickets, taking a 1-0 series lead.
- Josh Hazlewood was named Player of the Match for his 3/13 spell.
- Abhishek Sharma was India’s lone fighter, scoring a blistering 68 runs.
- Hazlewood announced his withdrawal from the rest of the T20I series.
- He is leaving to prepare for the upcoming Ashes series starting November 21.
Hazlewood’s Unplayable Masterclass
So how did it all go so wrong for India? Enter Josh Hazlewood. The Aussie pacer delivered a truly sensational spell, ripping through India’s top order and finishing with figures of 3 wickets for just 13 runs in his four overs. It was a masterclass in T20 bowling that left India reeling.
The Indian batting lineup simply crumbled. The top five batters were all dismissed for single-digit scores, a collapse so dramatic it was hard to watch. In the end, India was bundled out for a meager 125 runs in 18.4 overs. It just wasn’t enough.
Abhishek Sharma’s Lone Fight
But there was one bright spot in the darkness for the Indian side. Abhishek Sharma played an almost unbelievable innings, a lone warrior fighting against the Aussie tide. He smashed a blistering 68 runs off only 37 balls, a knock that included eight fours and two powerful sixes.
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While his teammates fell around him, Sharma stood tall. Unfortunately, his heroic effort wasn’t enough to post a competitive total. Australia, led by Captain Mitchell Marsh’s aggressive 46 off 26 balls, chased down the target of 126 with ease, getting there in just 13.2 overs.
Expert Analysis: The Ashes Bombshell
The Player of the Match award was a no-brainer. But what Hazlewood said afterward shocked everyone. He announced he was pulling out of the rest of the five-match series. Why? To prepare for the upcoming Ashes series, which begins on November 21.
Even Indian hero Abhishek Sharma was caught off guard. In a post-match comment reported by Olympics.com, Sharma expressed his surprise, admitting how challenging it was to face Hazlewood’s bowling. His departure leaves a massive hole in the Australian attack and changes the entire dynamic of this T20 series.
Social Media Storm
Fans immediately lit up social media. #IndVsAus and #Hazlewood were trending within minutes of the announcement. Many fans were disappointed they wouldn’t see him bowl again in the series, while others praised his focus on the prestigious Ashes tournament. What does this mean for Australia’s chances now?
With a 1-0 lead, Australia is in the driver’s seat. But without their star bowler, can they maintain their dominance over a wounded Indian team looking for revenge? The remaining matches just got a whole lot more interesting. Will India capitalize on his absence?