India vs Australia, 1st T20I: Australia defeated India by 4 runs

Brisbane: Australia defeated India by four runs via D/L method in the rain-hit first Twenty20 International of the three-match series at the Gabba,  on Wednesday. Australia made 158/4 in 17 overs after rain cut the game short to the 17-overs-a-side affair. Chasing 174 runs for a win after the D/L method came into action, India fell short by five runs, managing 169 for seven. 

In the beginning, India faded in the field, allowing Australia score 158 for four as rain shortened the contest to 17 overs a side. Glenn Maxwell was the star batsman for Australia, scoring 46 runs off 24 balls.

The 45-minute rain stoppage meant India were set a revised target of 174 runs in 17 overs.

Opener Shikhar Dhawan smashed a sublime 76 off 42 balls in the run chase before Dinesh Karthik came up with a pulsating 30 off 13 balls towards the end but India still finished agonisingly short on 169 for seven.

It was a confidence-boosting win for Australia, who have endured a dismal run of late in limited overs cricket.

On Friday, the second match of the three-match series will be played in Melbourne. 

Brief Score 

Australia in 158/4 in 17 overs (Maxwell 46, Lynn 37; Kuldeep 2/24). 

India: 169/7 in 17 overs chasing 174 via D/L method (Shikhar Dhawan 76; Adam Zampa 2/22).