New Delhi: Abhishek Sharma proved to be the lone silver lining for India in the first innings of the second 2nd T20I against Australia at the MCG on Friday. Put into bat first, India could just manage 125 runs in 18.4 overs with Abhishek scoring a brilliant 68 off just 37 balls. His knock included 8 boundaries and 2 massive sixes but rest of the batters from the side failed to contribute.

Harshit Rana was the only other batter to score a double digit mark of 35 runs while rest of the Indian line-up departed to the pavilion after scoring single-digit figures. India lost their first wicket in form of Shubman Gill at just 20 runs while Sanju Samson also followed the path quickly as Indian were left at 23/2.

Skipper Suryakumar Yadav, who was brilliant in the rain-marred first T20I, could only muster 1 run with Tilak Verma, Axar Patel and Shivam Dube also failing to put up any show. The tail was cleaned up quickly by the Aussie bowlers who wrapped up the innings with more than an over to spare.

For Australia, Josh Hazlewood was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets while Xavier Bartlett and Nathan Ellis claimed two wickets apiece. Marcus Stoinis also contributed with a scalp as India were bundled out for a paltry total.

Earlier after winning the toss, Australia invited the visitors to bat first. India entered into the game unchanged while the Aussies had one change. Ahead of the start, both the sides paid a tribute to Ben Austin, a teenage cricketer who lost his life while a practice game with the ball hitting his neck. India and Australia observed a minute’s silence and are also wearing black armbands as a mark of respect.