MELBOURNE, 31 October 2025: In front of a crowd of 82,438, Australia clinched a thrilling four-wicket victory in the second T20 day-night match of their five-match series, after bowling out India for 125 runs in 18.4 overs. Australia’s Josh Hazlewood was the star bowler, taking 3 wickets for just 13 runs as India struggled from the start. Australia successfully chased the 126-run target set by India, reaching it in just 13.2 overs.
India’s Abhishek Sharma was the top scorer with a brilliant 68 runs off 37 balls. Australian captain Mitchell Marsh led the chase with 46 runs from 26 balls. The match highlighted Australia’s efficient batting chase, Hazlewood’s bowling heroics, and Sharma’s valiant effort despite India’s loss.
The match began at 7:15 pm local time as crowds, predominantly Indian fans, streamed into the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) via trains, trams, and on foot from the city, 2-3 kilometers away. An Australian spectator told SAT, “I am happy to see so many young Indians coming to watch the match.” The train on the Lilydale line, which brought this correspondent to Richmond—the closest station to the MCG—was full, disciplined, and orderly. Every stop was packed with Indian fans, many with families and wearing blue T-shirts, reflecting the subcontinent’s deep love for the gentleman’s game.
Victoria is home to the largest Indian diaspora in Australia, with over 258,000 people born in India living there as of the 2021 Census, according to the Indian community profile on the Victoria government website. Indian fans continue to be major revenue drivers at the MCG, including at this match, despite Cricket Australia reporting a net loss of A$11.3 million for the year ending 30 June 2025.
Main Takeaways:
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India scored 125 runs in 18.4 overs.
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Abhishek Sharma top-scored for India with 68 runs off 37 balls.
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Australia chased the target in 13.2 overs, losing 6 wickets.
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Mitchell Marsh scored 46 runs off 26 balls for Australia.
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Josh Hazlewood took 3 wickets for 13 runs, playing a pivotal role in Australia’s win.
