Inglis Smashes Explosive Century as Australia Sets Target of 209 for India
An explosive century by Josh Inglis propelled Australia to a formidable total of 208/3 in the first T20I against India at Visakhapatnam on Thursday. Inglis showcased his incredible hitting prowess, forming a mammoth 130-run partnership with Steve Smith. India now faces the challenge of scoring 209 runs in order to secure a 1-0 series lead.
Australia won the toss and elected to bat first, with openers Steve Smith and Matthew Short making a steady start. Despite an initial economical over by Arshdeep Singh, Smith and Short wasted no time in putting runs on the board, with Smith taking on pacer Prasidh Krishna and displaying his trademark cuts.
However, it was spinner Ravi Bishnoi who provided the much-needed breakthrough for India, cleaning up Short’s off stump for just 13 off 11 balls. At 31/1 in 4.4 overs, Australia found themselves in a precarious situation.
The arrival of Josh Inglis to the crease signaled a turnaround for Australia, as he immediately showcased his class with a stylish cover drive. At the end of the powerplay overs, Australia was 40/1, with Smith (17*) and Inglis (8*) at the crease.
Inglis played some fearless cricket, reaching the fifty-run mark in just 29 balls, while Smith provided a solid anchor at the other end. The duo forged a thrilling century partnership in only 57 deliveries, driving Australia’s innings forward. Bishnoi, in particular, bore the brunt of Inglis’ onslaught, conceding 21 runs in a single over.
As Inglis continued his onslaught, smashing three maximums off Bishnoi in the 15th over, Australia’s score soared to 151/1. However, just as Smith reached his well-deserved half-century, he was unfortunately run out on the very next ball for 52.
Undeterred by the loss of Smith, Inglis continued his blistering batting display, bringing up his maiden T20I century in just 47 balls, adorned with nine fours and eight sixes. Arshdeep Singh faced the brunt of Inglis’ assault yet again, conceding 18 runs in the 17th over.
Inglis finally departed for a magnificent 110 off 50 balls, with 11 fours and four sixes, after being caught near the boundary by Yashasvi Jaiswal off Prasidh. Despite the loss of Inglis, Australia managed to cross the 200-run mark in the penultimate over, courtesy of a monstrous six by Tim David.
The final over bowled by Mukesh Kumar proved to be challenging for Australia, as his excellent spell restricted them to 208/3. David (19*) and Marcus Stoinis (7*) remained unbeaten as the innings came to a close.
The Indian bowlers had a mixed day, with Prasidh and Ravi each taking a wicket but conceding runs. However, Mukesh’s impressive economy rate of 0/29 in four overs stood out as a positive for the Indian side.
India now faces a daunting task of chasing down a target of 209 runs to secure a 1-0 series lead. With Australia’s explosive batting display, the upcoming chase promises to be an exhilarating contest between the two cricketing giants.
