Abhishek Sharma was the lone bright spot in India’s four-wicket defeat against Australia in the second T20I at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday (October 31).

Asked to bat first, the Men in Blue were bowled out for 125 in 18.4 overs. Out of those runs, Abhishek scored 68 off 37 balls with the help of 8 boundaries and 2 sixes.

In reply, the hosts overhauled the target in just 13.2 overs to take 1-0 lead in the five-match T20I series.

After the loss, India skipper Suryakumar Yadav heaped praise on Abhishek, hoping that the southpaw would continue with this approach.

“Abhishek has been doing this for quite some time now. He knows his game and his identity," Suryakumar said at the post-match presentation.

“He is not changing it anymore and hopefully he sticks to it and plays many more knocks like this for us."

The Indian captain also lauded Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood, who returned with the figures of 3 for 13 in 4 overs during the second T20I.

“The way he (Hazlewood) bowled in the powerplay, if you’re four down in the powerplay it’s difficult to recover from that. Well bowled…"

When asked about the takeaway from the defeat, Surya said, “I think we need to do what we did in the first game. Bat well when batting first and then come out and defend."

During the series opener in Canberra, the visitors were batting well, reaching 97 for 1 in 9.4 overs before persistent rain resulted in the game getting abandoned.

Suryakumar Yadav’s Australian counterpart Mitchell Marsh commended Hazlewood’s effort with the ball.

“It was a good toss to win. Bit of moisture and Hoff (Hazlewood) is a great bowler when there’s something in it. Wanted to take a couple of wickets early.

“I think since the last World Cup we have tried to really build a squad of 25 players who can, if required, come to the World Cup and feel a part of the team and be connected to everyone," Marsh said.

(With inputs from Agencies)