Australia skipper Aaron Finch appreciated the performances of Rohit Sharma and Akshar Patel after his team’s six-wicket defeat at the hands of India in the second T20I in Nagpur on Friday (September 23).
In a match that was reduced to eight overs per side due to wet field, the visitors piled up 90/5 on the board after being asked to bat first. However, left-arm spinner Akshar Patel returned with impressive bowling figures for India, claiming two wickets for 13 runs in his quota of two overs.
In reply, Rohit slammed 46 not out off 20 balls to take the hosts over the line with four deliveries to spare.
"Rohit was brilliant. And the two overs Akshar bowled was probably the difference in the game," said Finch in the post-match presentation ceremony.
"You probably plan for 5 over games and add a little bit on to it. When you are doing all your planning for World Cups you always have them in the back of your mind," he added.
Earlier, Matthew Wade starred with the bat for Australia, smashing 43 not out off 20 balls after Finch set the tone with 15-ball 31.
"Wade is such a calm customer at the back end of the innings. He did a wonderful job for us. We got close," said Finch.
With this victory, Team India kept the three-match series alive at 1-1. The decider is due to be held at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad on Sunday (September 25).
(With ANI inputs)
