India’s cricket team has etched its name in history by becoming the team with the most wins in the T20 International (T20I) format. This remarkable feat was achieved following India’s victory over Australia in the fourth T20I match played at Raipur on Friday. India’s triumph in the fourth T20I not only sealed the five-match series against Australia with a commanding 3-1 lead but also marked their 136th win in the T20I format.
Out of the 213 T20I matches India has played since its debut in 2006, they have emerged victorious in 136 encounters, suffered 67 losses, and one match ended in a tie. Three matches produced no result. India’s win percentage in the format stands at an impressive 63.84%.
Surpassing Pakistan’s Record
With this victory, India has surpassed Pakistan, who previously held the record with 135 wins in 226 matches. Other top teams in T20I cricket include New Zealand (102 wins in 200 matches), Australia (95 wins in 181 matches), and South Africa (95 wins in 171 matches).
India’s Batting Brilliance
In the fourth T20I match, India was put to bat by Australia. Stellar knocks by Yashasvi Jaiswal (37 in 28 balls, with six fours and a six), Ruturaj Gaikwad (32 in 28 balls, with three fours and a six), Rinku Singh (46 in 29 balls, with four boundaries and two sixes), and Jitesh Sharma (35 in 19 balls, with a four and three sixes) propelled India to a commanding total of 174/9 in 20 overs.
Australian Bowlers Shine
Despite India’s impressive batting performance, Australian bowler Ben Dwarshuis showcased remarkable talent, claiming 3/40 in his second T20I appearance. Tanveer Sangha (2/30) and Jason Behrendorff also delivered impressive spells with the ball, while Aaron Hardie chipped in with one wicket.
Australia’s Chase Falls Short
Chasing a daunting target of 175, Australia’s innings got off to a promising start with Travis Head’s fiery knock of 31 in 16 balls, including five fours and a six. However, their momentum fizzled out quickly. Matthew Short (22 in 19 balls, with two fours and a six) and skipper Matthew Wade (36 in 23 balls, with two fours and two sixes) attempted to revive the chase, but their efforts fell short by 20 runs.
Axar Patel’s Spin Magic
India’s spin duo, Axar Patel and Ravi Bishnoi, played a pivotal role in restricting Australia’s run flow. Patel claimed an impressive 3/16, while Bishnoi picked up 1/17. Deepak Chahar contributed with two wickets for 44 runs, and Avesh Khan also chipped in with a wicket.
India Clinches Series Victory
India’s victory in the fourth T20I secured them an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series. Axar Patel’s outstanding performance earned him the well-deserved ‘Player of the Match’ award.