All other batsmen in Australia’s innings were reduced to merely supporting cast.
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The Australians were beaten by seven wickets on Sunday in the final T20 of the India series, with Watson’s unbeaten 124 – the second highest worldwide score by any player in this format – going in vain.
The first two balls were lobbed for four and six by Yuvraj Singh (15 not out), paving the way for Suresh Raina’s last-ball histrionics.
Shikhar Dhawans smashing cameo of 26 from 9 balls also helped India get off to a rollicking start. Perry’s knock, which included four boundaries and three sixes, was instrumental in Australia reaching the respectable total, which eventually they were able to defend comprehensively.
Watson got rid of Dhawan who edged to debuting wicket-keeper Cameron Bancroft.
Sharma and Kohli continued the onslaught, putting on 78 runs for the second wicket.
“Yuvraj gets wickets in Australia”. The Mumbai right-hander was caught by Watson at midwicket off Cameron Boyce – but not before putting India strongly on track – at 124/2 in 12.3 overs.
The UP left-hander kept his cool as he slashed it over point and the Indian dug-out erupted in wild celebrations as the players rushed to the ground to congratulate the duo. The dashing southpaw, who had not gotten a chance to bat in the two previous Twenty20 matches, was clearly rusty.
The Indians scored just 27 runs from the last 6.3 overs and lost five wickets in the process to hand Australia a consolation win.
Starting out the chase, the Indian openers made a blistering start, scoring 46 runs off 3.3 overs. As he had done all tour long, Kohli continued to wade into the Australian bowlers, in the much the same way Rohit Sharma did.
The reigning World Champions in the 50-over format, after playing the T20I against India on Sunday, will play their first One-Day International (ODI) against hosts New Zealand on Wednesday. When Yuvraj got going, he delivered.
“We have won the series over here but it is important to look at the bigger picture”.
“The way Suresh Raina and Yuvraj Singh held their nerve is commendable”.
Such was Watsons dominance that the next best score was 26 from Travis Head. He despatched Yuvraj for a six and a four to boost his captain’s faith as the partnership flourished, with Watson on a song.
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At the start, Watson compressed the old Test match adage of “give the first hour to the bowler” to “give the first over to the bowler”. “At the moment, this seems like what will be a very good batting line-up”, the skipper exuded confidence in the batting line-up.
