Overview
- India were bowled out for 125 in 18.4 overs at the MCG, with Abhishek Sharma top-scoring with 68 off 37 and Harshit Rana contributing 35 off 33.
- Australia reached the target in 13.2 overs for a four-wicket win, led by Mitchell Marsh's 46 off 26 that set the tone for a brisk chase.
- Josh Hazlewood dismantled India's top order with 3 for 13, exploiting the bounce and movement to restrict scoring early.
- During a 47-ball partnership with Harshit Rana, Abhishek faced only 14 deliveries for 18 runs while Rana took 33 balls for 35, a distribution that drew scrutiny.
- Irfan Pathan said Abhishek should have maintained post-powerplay intent and farmed the strike, as India fell behind in the series after the defeat.