Major takeaways from India vs New Zealand T20I series

India defeated New Zealand by seven wickets in the second Twenty20 international at Auckland's Eden Park on Friday to level the series at 1-1.

New Zealand set India a modest total of 159 and the tourists overhauled it in 18.5 overs, finishing at 162 for three as captain Rohit Sharma top-scored on 50.&nbsp;

Indian paceman Krunal Pandya was the man of the match, taking three for 28, while New Zealand's best performer Colin de Grandhomme scored his first T20 half-century.

Sharma has become the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/indias-rohit-sharma-becomes-highest-run-scorer-in-t20-cricket-196045">highest run scorer in the T20I history</a> and&nbsp;also became first India and the third overall player to smash 100 sixes in T20 cricket.

Windies' Chris Gayle and New Zealand Guptill have slammed 103 sixes each.&nbsp;

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India win by seven wickets with seven balls to spare!<a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@msdhoni</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/RishabPant777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RishabPant777</a> get them over the line!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvIND</a> FOLLOW LIVE ⬇️ <a href="https://t.co/yUSxLXx85m">https://t.co/yUSxLXx85m</a> <a href="https://t.co/BVZJKHoW40">pic.twitter.com/BVZJKHoW40</a>
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Earlier, Krunal Pandya struck thrice that helped India to restrict the hosts at a competitive total.&nbsp;

Krunal's 3/28 in 4 overs earned him player of the match award. He dismissed Colin Munro (12) and skipper Kane Williamson (20) to peg the Black Caps back.&nbsp;

In between, Krunal also got the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/daryl-mitchell-out-or-not-out-controversial-lbw-raises-new-debate-on-drs-196035">controversial wicket of Daryl Mitchell</a> (1), who fell prey to an umpiring howler, when 'Hotspot' showed a clear inside edge onto the pads.&nbsp;

However, Colin de Grandhomme then counter-attacked, scoring a blistering 50 off 28 balls, adding 77 runs with Ross Taylor (42 off 36 balls) for the fifth wicket.&nbsp;

Once De Grandhomme was sent back to the dug-out by Hardik Pandya (1/36 in 4 overs) and Taylor was run-out, New Zealand's chances of a big total went up in smoke.&nbsp;

It was a much-improved performance by the Indian bowlers with Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1/29 in 4 overs) removing Tim Seifert (12) in the very third over with a fuller delivery, inducing an inside edge to Mahendra Singh Dhoni behind the stumps.&nbsp;

At 50 for 4, it was De Grandhomme, who took charge as he attacked Yuzvendra Chahal (0/37 in 4 overs), hitting him for a couple of sixes.&nbsp;

When he was just about threatening to take the game away, De Grandhomme smacked one straight to covers in skipper Rohit's hands.&nbsp;

India bowled 35 dot balls, which could well be decisive in the final context of the match.&nbsp;

India defeated New Zealand by seven wickets in the second Twenty20 international at Auckland's Eden Park on Friday to level the series at 1-1. New Zealand set India a modest total of 159 and the tourists overhauled it in 18.

India defeated New Zealand by seven wickets in the second Twenty20 international at Auckland's Eden Park on Friday to level the series at 1-1. New Zealand set India a modest total of 159 and the tourists overhauled it in 18.5 overs, finishing at 162 for three as captain Rohit Sharma top-scored on 50. Indian paceman Krunal Pandya was the man of the match, taking three for 28, while New Zealand's best performer Colin de Grandhomme scored his first T20 half-century. Sharma has become the highest run scorer in the T20I history and also became first India and the third overall player to smash 100 sixes in T20 cricket. Windies' Chris Gayle and New Zealand Guptill have slammed 103 sixes each. India win by seven wickets with seven balls to spare!@msdhoni and @RishabPant777 get them over the line!#NZvIND FOLLOW LIVE ⬇️ https://t.co/yUSxLXx85m pic.twitter.com/BVZJKHoW40 — ICC (@ICC) February 8, 2019 × Earlier, Krunal Pandya struck thrice that helped India to restrict the hosts at a competitive total. Krunal's 3/28 in 4 overs earned him player of the match award. He dismissed Colin Munro (12) and skipper Kane Williamson (20) to peg the Black Caps back. In between, Krunal also got the controversial wicket of Daryl Mitchell (1), who fell prey to an umpiring howler, when 'Hotspot' showed a clear inside edge onto the pads. However, Colin de Grandhomme then counter-attacked, scoring a blistering 50 off 28 balls, adding 77 runs with Ross Taylor (42 off 36 balls) for the fifth wicket. Once De Grandhomme was sent back to the dug-out by Hardik Pandya (1/36 in 4 overs) and Taylor was run-out, New Zealand's chances of a big total went up in smoke. It was a much-improved performance by the Indian bowlers with Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1/29 in 4 overs) removing Tim Seifert (12) in the very third over with a fuller delivery, inducing an inside edge to Mahendra Singh Dhoni behind the stumps. At 50 for 4, it was De Grandhomme, who took charge as he attacked Yuzvendra Chahal (0/37 in 4 overs), hitting him for a couple of sixes. When he was just about threatening to take the game away, De Grandhomme smacked one straight to covers in skipper Rohit's hands. India bowled 35 dot balls, which could well be decisive in the final context of the match.

Rohit Sharma, Krunal Pandya help India beat New Zealand to level series

New Zealand opener Martin Guptill has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match T20 series against India after failing to recover from a back injury.&nbsp;

Guptill will be replaced by all-rounder Jimmy Neesham, who also featured in the final two ODIs against India in the recently concluded five-match series.&nbsp;

"Unfortunately Martin hasn't recovered in time for this Twenty20 series which is very condensed with three games over five days," New Zealand coach Gary Stead was quoted as saying by stuff.Co.Nz.&nbsp;

"It's a shame as he's obviously a big part of our white-ball sides, but we've got to look at the big picture and ensure he gets the injury right."&nbsp;

Guptill sustained injury prior to the final ODI against India and now will be eyeing a return against Bangladesh in a series starting next week.&nbsp;

The three-match T20 series against India starts on February 6 at Wellington, followed by the second match at Auckland's Eden Park on February 8 and the final game at Hamilton on February 10.&nbsp;

The New Zealand squad also includes rookie all-rounder Daryl Mitchell, who is the son of former All Blacks coach John Mitchell.&nbsp;

New Zealand squad: Kane Williamson (capt), Doug Bracewell, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Scott Kuggeleijn, Daryl Mitchell, Colin Munro, Jimmy Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor.

New Zealand opener Martin Guptill has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match T20 series against India after failing to recover from a back injury. Guptill will be replaced by all-rounder Jimmy Neesham, who also featured in the final two ODIs against India in the recently concluded five-match series.

New Zealand opener Martin Guptill has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match T20 series against India after failing to recover from a back injury. Guptill will be replaced by all-rounder Jimmy Neesham, who also featured in the final two ODIs against India in the recently concluded five-match series. "Unfortunately Martin hasn't recovered in time for this Twenty20 series which is very condensed with three games over five days," New Zealand coach Gary Stead was quoted as saying by stuff.Co.Nz. "It's a shame as he's obviously a big part of our white-ball sides, but we've got to look at the big picture and ensure he gets the injury right." Guptill sustained injury prior to the final ODI against India and now will be eyeing a return against Bangladesh in a series starting next week. The three-match T20 series against India starts on February 6 at Wellington, followed by the second match at Auckland's Eden Park on February 8 and the final game at Hamilton on February 10. The New Zealand squad also includes rookie all-rounder Daryl Mitchell, who is the son of former All Blacks coach John Mitchell. New Zealand squad: Kane Williamson (capt), Doug Bracewell, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Scott Kuggeleijn, Daryl Mitchell, Colin Munro, Jimmy Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor.

Injured Martin Guptill ruled out for T20 series against India

Babar Azam hit a majestic 90 but Pakistan's long streak of series wins came to an end in the second Twenty20 international against South Africa at the Wanderers Stadium on Sunday.

South Africa took a winning 2-0 lead in the three-match series with a dramatic seven-run win. Pakistan had not lost a T20 series since they were eliminated from the World T20 in India in March 2016.

Pakistan were on track to overhaul South Africa's 188 for three until Azam was out off the first ball of the 17th over. It started a collapse in which six wickets fell for 34 runs in four overs.

The contrast between the two innings was stark. South Africa started slowly but stand-in captain David Miller plundered an unbeaten 65 off 29 balls as the hosts scored 127 runs off the last ten overs, including 29 off the final over bowled by Usman Shinwari.

Pakistan scored rapidly at the start of their innings, with Azam hitting the first three balls off Beuran Hendricks for four. It was 70 for one at the end of the six-over power play –- 26 runs ahead of South Africa's total at the same stage.

Azam and Hussain Talat (59) put on 102 off 75 balls for the second wicket.

"We had the game but we couldn't finish it," said Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik.

The tempo of the game changed when Azam pulled a slower ball from Beuran Hendricks to deep midwicket after hitting 13 fours and a six in a 58-ball innings.

"We didn't start too well with the ball," said Miller, who was named man of the match. "We were too short and too wide but the bowlers pulled it back."

Although neither took a wicket, Miller praised left-arm spinner Tabraiz Shamsi and new fast bowler Lutho Sipamla for economical bowling in the middle overs before the late-innings collapse.

Miller, captaining South Africa for the first time because Faf du Plessis was rested for the last two matches of the series, hit five sixes and four fours in an explosive innings, which followed a similarly aggressive 45 off 27 balls by Rassie van der Dussen, who hit four sixes.

South Africa made a relatively sedate start on an unusually slow, dry Wanderers pitch. Left-arm spinner Imad Wasim, who opened the bowling, took one for nine in four overs. He bowled a maiden to new opening batsman Janneman Malan, who had an otherwise promising innings of 33 off 31 balls.

Left-arm fast bowler Shinwari conceded 63 runs off his four overs.

Babar Azam hit a majestic 90 but Pakistan's long streak of series wins came to an end in the second Twenty20 international against South Africa at the Wanderers Stadium on Sunday.

Babar Azam hit a majestic 90 but Pakistan's long streak of series wins came to an end in the second Twenty20 international against South Africa at the Wanderers Stadium on Sunday. South Africa took a winning 2-0 lead in the three-match series with a dramatic seven-run win. Pakistan had not lost a T20 series since they were eliminated from the World T20 in India in March 2016. Pakistan were on track to overhaul South Africa's 188 for three until Azam was out off the first ball of the 17th over. It started a collapse in which six wickets fell for 34 runs in four overs. The contrast between the two innings was stark. South Africa started slowly but stand-in captain David Miller plundered an unbeaten 65 off 29 balls as the hosts scored 127 runs off the last ten overs, including 29 off the final over bowled by Usman Shinwari. Pakistan scored rapidly at the start of their innings, with Azam hitting the first three balls off Beuran Hendricks for four. It was 70 for one at the end of the six-over power play –- 26 runs ahead of South Africa's total at the same stage. Azam and Hussain Talat (59) put on 102 off 75 balls for the second wicket. "We had the game but we couldn't finish it," said Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik. The tempo of the game changed when Azam pulled a slower ball from Beuran Hendricks to deep midwicket after hitting 13 fours and a six in a 58-ball innings. "We didn't start too well with the ball," said Miller, who was named man of the match. "We were too short and too wide but the bowlers pulled it back." Although neither took a wicket, Miller praised left-arm spinner Tabraiz Shamsi and new fast bowler Lutho Sipamla for economical bowling in the middle overs before the late-innings collapse. Miller, captaining South Africa for the first time because Faf du Plessis was rested for the last two matches of the series, hit five sixes and four fours in an explosive innings, which followed a similarly aggressive 45 off 27 balls by Rassie van der Dussen, who hit four sixes. South Africa made a relatively sedate start on an unusually slow, dry Wanderers pitch. Left-arm spinner Imad Wasim, who opened the bowling, took one for nine in four overs. He bowled a maiden to new opening batsman Janneman Malan, who had an otherwise promising innings of 33 off 31 balls. Left-arm fast bowler Shinwari conceded 63 runs off his four overs.

South Africa beat Pakistan by seven runs, win T20 series

New Zealand picked two uncapped players in all-rounder Daryl Mitchell and pacer Blair Tickner for the three-match T20 International series against India starting February 6 here.

Regular skipper Kane Williamson was Wednesday named captain of the 14-strong squad after skipping the one-off T20 against Sri Lanka. The Black Caps are currently competing in a five-match one-day series against with India and have conceded a 0-3 lead.

"Doug Bracewell, brought in as a replacement for the injured Jimmy Neesham ahead of the most recent T20 against Sri Lanka, has retained his place in the squad," New Zealand Cricket said in a statement.

India will be led by Rohit Sharma in the series as Virat Kohli has been rested to manage his workload.

Mitchell and Tickner have been rewarded for their good performances in New Zealand's domestic T20 league -- the Super Smash.

Mitchell scored a 23-ball 61 for Northern Knights against Central Stags recently and was also in good form for New Zealand A in one-day cricket.

Tickner will be part of the Kiwi squad for the final T20I as a replacement for Lockie Ferguson, who is there for the first two matches.

"Both Daryl and Blair have been rewarded for the strong form they've produced in domestic cricket," said Gavin Larsen, the New Zealand selector.

"Daryl has shown his value with the bat and also tends to bowl at some tough times for the Knights, and Blair is well-respected among his team-mates and opponents alike as someone who bowls a heavy ball at good pace," he added.&nbsp;

The three-match series will be double-headers alongside women's matches between the two sides on the same pitch.

New Zealand Squad: Kane Williamson (c), Doug Bracewell, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson (games 1 &amp; 2), Martin Guptill, Scott Kuggeleijn, Daryl Mitchell, Colin Munro, Mitchell Santner, Tim Seifert (wk), Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Blair Tickner (game 3).&nbsp;

New Zealand picked two uncapped players in all-rounder Daryl Mitchell and pacer Blair Tickner for the three-match T20 International series against India starting February 6 here.

New Zealand picked two uncapped players in all-rounder Daryl Mitchell and pacer Blair Tickner for the three-match T20 International series against India starting February 6 here. Regular skipper Kane Williamson was Wednesday named captain of the 14-strong squad after skipping the one-off T20 against Sri Lanka. The Black Caps are currently competing in a five-match one-day series against with India and have conceded a 0-3 lead. "Doug Bracewell, brought in as a replacement for the injured Jimmy Neesham ahead of the most recent T20 against Sri Lanka, has retained his place in the squad," New Zealand Cricket said in a statement. India will be led by Rohit Sharma in the series as Virat Kohli has been rested to manage his workload. Mitchell and Tickner have been rewarded for their good performances in New Zealand's domestic T20 league -- the Super Smash. Mitchell scored a 23-ball 61 for Northern Knights against Central Stags recently and was also in good form for New Zealand A in one-day cricket. Tickner will be part of the Kiwi squad for the final T20I as a replacement for Lockie Ferguson, who is there for the first two matches. "Both Daryl and Blair have been rewarded for the strong form they've produced in domestic cricket," said Gavin Larsen, the New Zealand selector. "Daryl has shown his value with the bat and also tends to bowl at some tough times for the Knights, and Blair is well-respected among his team-mates and opponents alike as someone who bowls a heavy ball at good pace," he added. The three-match series will be double-headers alongside women's matches between the two sides on the same pitch. New Zealand Squad: Kane Williamson (c), Doug Bracewell, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson (games 1 & 2), Martin Guptill, Scott Kuggeleijn, Daryl Mitchell, Colin Munro, Mitchell Santner, Tim Seifert (wk), Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Blair Tickner (game 3).

New Zealand induct two rookies in team for T20I series against India

Australia won the toss and opted to bat in the third and final T20I match against India at Sydney's cricket stadium on Sunday.

Aaron Finch-led Australia are leading the three-match series 1-0 after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/1st-t20i-rohit-falls-cheaply-in-174-chase-178589">winning the first match</a> at Brisbane, while the second match was called off due to heavy rains in Melbourne on Friday.

After winning the toss, Finch said, "Looks a pretty good wicket, a bit dry and if we can put runs on the board, we are backing ourselves to defend anything,"

Australian pace spearhead has been <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-star-pacer-mitchell-starc-summoned-for-india-t20-179109">Mitchell Starc called up</a> for his first Twenty20 international in two years. He replaced Jason Behrendorff.

Stanlake was ruled out of the series decider after sustaining an ankle injury in the warm-up before the washed-out second T20I.

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Australia wins the toss and they have put us to bowl first <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/yNo3RdNrvo">pic.twitter.com/yNo3RdNrvo</a>
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"It's exciting to have Mitchy back in the side, it's been two years since he's played a game and is raring to go," said Finch.

On the other hand, Virat Kohli's will enter Sydney Cricket Ground with the same combination.

"The last game we played here, we chased down a big score. Even at the MCG, we were able to restrict them to a decent score," said Indian skipper Virat Kohli.

"It's always lovely to play in Sydney, we get a lot of support here. Always a full house and 85 per cent Indian fans here," he added.

"Our intensity was right up there in the last game and we're really looking forward to this one."

Playing XI:

India: Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Lokesh Rahul, Virat Kohli(c), Rishabh Pant(w), Dinesh Karthik, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, K Khaleel Ahmed, Jasprit Bumrah.

Australia: D Arcy Short, Aaron Finch(c), Chris Lynn, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Ben McDermott, Alex Carey(w), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Mitchell Starc, Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa.

Australia won the toss and opted to bat in the third and final T20I match against India at Sydney's cricket stadium on Sunday. Aaron Finch-led Australia are leading the three-match series 1-0 after winning the first match at Brisbane, while the second match was called off due to heavy rains in Melbourne on Friday.

Australia won the toss and opted to bat in the third and final T20I match against India at Sydney's cricket stadium on Sunday. Aaron Finch-led Australia are leading the three-match series 1-0 after winning the first match at Brisbane, while the second match was called off due to heavy rains in Melbourne on Friday. After winning the toss, Finch said, "Looks a pretty good wicket, a bit dry and if we can put runs on the board, we are backing ourselves to defend anything," Australian pace spearhead has been Mitchell Starc called up for his first Twenty20 international in two years. He replaced Jason Behrendorff. Stanlake was ruled out of the series decider after sustaining an ankle injury in the warm-up before the washed-out second T20I. Australia wins the toss and they have put us to bowl first #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/yNo3RdNrvo — BCCI (@BCCI) November 25, 2018 × "It's exciting to have Mitchy back in the side, it's been two years since he's played a game and is raring to go," said Finch. On the other hand, Virat Kohli's will enter Sydney Cricket Ground with the same combination. "The last game we played here, we chased down a big score. Even at the MCG, we were able to restrict them to a decent score," said Indian skipper Virat Kohli. "It's always lovely to play in Sydney, we get a lot of support here. Always a full house and 85 per cent Indian fans here," he added. "Our intensity was right up there in the last game and we're really looking forward to this one." Playing XI: India: Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Lokesh Rahul, Virat Kohli(c), Rishabh Pant(w), Dinesh Karthik, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, K Khaleel Ahmed, Jasprit Bumrah. Australia: D Arcy Short, Aaron Finch(c), Chris Lynn, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Ben McDermott, Alex Carey(w), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Mitchell Starc, Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa.

IND vs AUS, 3rd T20: Ozzies opt to bat first, India have to win to level series

Australia will eye a series win when they take on India in the second T20I of a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/1st-t20i-rohit-falls-cheaply-in-174-chase-178589">three-match series </a>at Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday.

While India will hope for a turn-around in a must-win clash to keep the series alive.

In the first match, India made few sloppy mistakes in the field&nbsp;that proved to be the ultimate difference in a game.

In fact,&nbsp;Kohli himself was guilty of poor effort on the field on at least two occasions, dropping counterpart Aaron Finch in the fourth over and later involved in a misfielding from the deep.

On the eve of the series, Virat Kohli said that the team will look to minimise the mistakes&nbsp;happened during their recently concluded England and West Indies series.

"We don't want to be a team that wins one odd test match here and there," Kohli told reporters. "We have figured out our mistakes in England which, I have mentioned before, were very radical.

"The quality of cricket was very high but our mistakes were as radical and that's why we lost the games. We won the game in which we committed fewer mistakes. We were at par with the other team throughout," Virat added.

India, currently the top test team, have not lost a home series since late 2012 but have struggled outside the sub-continent, beaten 2-1 in South Africa and 4-1 in England this year.

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Melbourne! We are here for the 2nd T20I <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/8xEp62g3Ex">pic.twitter.com/8xEp62g3Ex</a>
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The Indian batting line-up could see some changes which is also the urgent need of an hour.

KL Rahul's performance, in particular, scrutinised, since scoring 101 not out in the first T20I against England at Manchester, Rahul hasn't been able to cross the 30-run mark in next six matches.&nbsp;

He occupies a very crucial, number three, batting spot in the current squad.

There is a special need to check the bowling department as per the behaviour of MCG's pitch.

Krunal Pandya was plundered for 55 runs in his four wicketless overs and was hit for as many as half a dozen sixes.&nbsp;

If the MCG is also of Gabba's nature, Kohli might be tempted to bring in leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who boasts of a brilliant wicket-taking record in T20Is.

While he can not take the risk of giving away an additional batsman.

Australia boasts of bigger grounds than in India, with bigger boundaries of course, and the MCG will prove to be another humongous challenge in that regard.&nbsp;

The task is cut out in front of the team management to work on fielding angles to elevate their efforts in the second T20I.&nbsp;

It doesn't help that there is such a short turn-around time during this series, that fielding coach R Sridhar won't be able to work with the players at the MCG.

Any improvements in the field will have to be drilled in theoretically in the dressing room. And thus India will also seek to look at other areas where improvements can be made.&nbsp;

The ploy to introduce Adam Zampa as the lone spinner worked wonders for Australia and with an intense fielding effort, Australia were able to make a winning difference.&nbsp;

Things seem very different in the hosts' camp all of a sudden when they were simply considered second best to the Men in Blue across all departments less than 48 hours ago.

Melbourne is experiencing a stormy spell in the latter half of this week, so there is a slight chance that the second T20I could also be rain-affected.

Australia will eye a series win when they take on India in the second T20I of a three-match series at Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday. While India will hope for a turn-around in a must-win clash to keep the series alive.

Australia will eye a series win when they take on India in the second T20I of a three-match series at Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday. While India will hope for a turn-around in a must-win clash to keep the series alive. In the first match, India made few sloppy mistakes in the field that proved to be the ultimate difference in a game. In fact, Kohli himself was guilty of poor effort on the field on at least two occasions, dropping counterpart Aaron Finch in the fourth over and later involved in a misfielding from the deep. On the eve of the series, Virat Kohli said that the team will look to minimise the mistakes happened during their recently concluded England and West Indies series. "We don't want to be a team that wins one odd test match here and there," Kohli told reporters. "We have figured out our mistakes in England which, I have mentioned before, were very radical. "The quality of cricket was very high but our mistakes were as radical and that's why we lost the games. We won the game in which we committed fewer mistakes. We were at par with the other team throughout," Virat added. India, currently the top test team, have not lost a home series since late 2012 but have struggled outside the sub-continent, beaten 2-1 in South Africa and 4-1 in England this year. Melbourne! We are here for the 2nd T20I #TeamIndia #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/8xEp62g3Ex — BCCI (@BCCI) November 22, 2018 × The Indian batting line-up could see some changes which is also the urgent need of an hour. KL Rahul's performance, in particular, scrutinised, since scoring 101 not out in the first T20I against England at Manchester, Rahul hasn't been able to cross the 30-run mark in next six matches. He occupies a very crucial, number three, batting spot in the current squad. There is a special need to check the bowling department as per the behaviour of MCG's pitch. Krunal Pandya was plundered for 55 runs in his four wicketless overs and was hit for as many as half a dozen sixes. If the MCG is also of Gabba's nature, Kohli might be tempted to bring in leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who boasts of a brilliant wicket-taking record in T20Is. While he can not take the risk of giving away an additional batsman. Australia boasts of bigger grounds than in India, with bigger boundaries of course, and the MCG will prove to be another humongous challenge in that regard. The task is cut out in front of the team management to work on fielding angles to elevate their efforts in the second T20I. It doesn't help that there is such a short turn-around time during this series, that fielding coach R Sridhar won't be able to work with the players at the MCG. Any improvements in the field will have to be drilled in theoretically in the dressing room. And thus India will also seek to look at other areas where improvements can be made. The ploy to introduce Adam Zampa as the lone spinner worked wonders for Australia and with an intense fielding effort, Australia were able to make a winning difference. Things seem very different in the hosts' camp all of a sudden when they were simply considered second best to the Men in Blue across all departments less than 48 hours ago. Melbourne is experiencing a stormy spell in the latter half of this week, so there is a slight chance that the second T20I could also be rain-affected.

2nd T20: Australia eye series victory, India look to minimise mistakes

The 2nd T20I between India and Australia has been called off due to rain.&nbsp;

The Australian team were 132 for the loss seven wickets after 19 overs. The game which was reduced to 19 overs and the target was readjusted to 137 runs for the 'Men in Blue' will have no result.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Earlier,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=virat+kohli">Virat Kohli</a> won the toss and opted to bowl against Australia in the second T20I at Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday.

Despite several options, India have entered at MCG with the same&nbsp;combination of players. While there is one change for Australia, which is the addition of Nathan Coulter-Nile.

After winning the toss, Virat said, "I thought we did well chasing in the last game, Duckworth-Lewis made it beyond our reach. If we manage to bat better in certain situations, which we didn't do last game, we should be able to do alright."

Australia <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/1st-t20i-rohit-falls-cheaply-in-174-chase-178589">won a nail-biting and rain-affected first match</a> in Brisbane by four runs, with the third and final game in Sydney on Sunday.

It was a confidence-boosting win for the home team -- their first in five T20s and only their sixth in 23 internationals -- ahead of a four-Test series against the visitors.

"Not too fussed as the pitch won't change in 40 overs. Hopefully, put some runs on the board and put some pressure on them," said Australian skipper&nbsp;

Stanlake hurt his ankle, hence, he has been replaced by Coulter-Nile.

The last time India played a T20 series in Australia (in 2016) they blanked the hosts 3-0.

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Playing XI:

Australia: D Arcy Short, Aaron Finch(c), Chris Lynn, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Ben McDermott, Alex Carey(w), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa, Jason Behrendorff.

India: Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli(c), Lokesh Rahul, Rishabh Pant(w), Dinesh Karthik, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, K Khaleel Ahmed.

The 2nd T20I between India and Australia has been called off due to rain. The Australian team were 132 for the loss seven wickets after 19 overs. The game which was reduced to 19 overs and the target was readjusted to 137 runs for the 'Men in Blue' will have no result.

The 2nd T20I between India and Australia has been called off due to rain. The Australian team were 132 for the loss seven wickets after 19 overs. The game which was reduced to 19 overs and the target was readjusted to 137 runs for the 'Men in Blue' will have no result. Earlier, Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to bowl against Australia in the second T20I at Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday. Despite several options, India have entered at MCG with the same combination of players. While there is one change for Australia, which is the addition of Nathan Coulter-Nile. After winning the toss, Virat said, "I thought we did well chasing in the last game, Duckworth-Lewis made it beyond our reach. If we manage to bat better in certain situations, which we didn't do last game, we should be able to do alright." Australia won a nail-biting and rain-affected first match in Brisbane by four runs, with the third and final game in Sydney on Sunday. It was a confidence-boosting win for the home team -- their first in five T20s and only their sixth in 23 internationals -- ahead of a four-Test series against the visitors. "Not too fussed as the pitch won't change in 40 overs. Hopefully, put some runs on the board and put some pressure on them," said Australian skipper Stanlake hurt his ankle, hence, he has been replaced by Coulter-Nile. The last time India played a T20 series in Australia (in 2016) they blanked the hosts 3-0. × Playing XI: Australia: D Arcy Short, Aaron Finch(c), Chris Lynn, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Ben McDermott, Alex Carey(w), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa, Jason Behrendorff. India: Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli(c), Lokesh Rahul, Rishabh Pant(w), Dinesh Karthik, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, K Khaleel Ahmed.

2nd T20: Australia 132/7 after 19 overs; match called off due to rain

President Ram Nath Kovind will become the first Indian head of state to attend an international cricket match abroad when he visits the Melbourne Cricket Ground for the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-2nd-t20-india-opts-to-bowl-against-australia-178942">T20 game between India and Australia</a> on Friday.

So far, the Australian team were at&nbsp;132 for the loss seven wickets as the game has been stopped after 19 overs due to rain.

Earlier,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=virat+kohli">Virat Kohli</a>&nbsp;won the toss and opted to bowl.

"While he will only watch a few minutes of play at the MCG, President Kovind will become the first President of India to see an international cricket match live abroad," Rashtrapati Bhavan said in a tweet.

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While he will only watch a few minutes of play at the MCG <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PresidentKovind?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PresidentKovind</a> will become the first President of India to see an international cricket match live abroad. Coincidentally Australia was the first country the Indian cricket team toured after Independence, in 1947-48
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On Thursday while addressing a business summit in Sydney on the eve of the second India-Australia T20 match, Kovind said India and Australia shared a passion for cricket along with other things.

"For many Indian cricket fans, Australia is their favourite team except when you are playing India but especially when you are competing for the Ashes," he said in the presence of Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

President Ram Nath Kovind will become the first Indian head of state to attend an international cricket match abroad when he visits the Melbourne Cricket Ground for the T20 game between India and Australia on Friday.

President Ram Nath Kovind will become the first Indian head of state to attend an international cricket match abroad when he visits the Melbourne Cricket Ground for the T20 game between India and Australia on Friday. So far, the Australian team were at 132 for the loss seven wickets as the game has been stopped after 19 overs due to rain. Earlier, Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to bowl. "While he will only watch a few minutes of play at the MCG, President Kovind will become the first President of India to see an international cricket match live abroad," Rashtrapati Bhavan said in a tweet. While he will only watch a few minutes of play at the MCG #PresidentKovind will become the first President of India to see an international cricket match live abroad. Coincidentally Australia was the first country the Indian cricket team toured after Independence, in 1947-48 — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) November 23, 2018 × On Thursday while addressing a business summit in Sydney on the eve of the second India-Australia T20 match, Kovind said India and Australia shared a passion for cricket along with other things. "For many Indian cricket fans, Australia is their favourite team except when you are playing India but especially when you are competing for the Ashes," he said in the presence of Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

President Kovind to attend India vs Australia T20 match at Melbourne

India are yet to shed their "poor travellers" tag but head coach Ravi Shastri feels that it's unfair to pick on one particular side when most of the nations have fared poorly on away tours.&nbsp;

India have lost two away Test series in 2018, against South Africa (1-2) and England (1-4). This was after both tours were seen as best chance for Virat Kohli's men to set the poor overseas record straight.&nbsp;

Asked how important it is for India to win the series in Australia, Shastri said: "You have got to learn from your mistakes. When you go overseas and when you look at teams that travel around now, there aren't too many sides (that travel well).&nbsp;

"Australia did for some time in the 90's and during the turn of century. South Africa did it for a while and other than these two,in the last five-six years, you tell me which team has travelled well. Why pick on India?" questioned Shastri.&nbsp;

Questioned whether he or skipper Kohli has spoken to the team as to why they lost in South Africa and England, Shastri said that it was all about "seizing big moments".&nbsp;

"We have spoken about seizing the big moments. If you look at the Test matches, the scoreline really doesn't tell you the real story. There were some real tight Test matches and we lost some big moments badly, which cost us the series at the end of it.&nbsp;

"It could have been an hour in a session over four days whether it was SA or England. Either as a batsman or a bowler and see what happens after that," the coach said in his team's defence.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-australia-2018-19-schedule-teams-time-and-venue-177740">India vs Australia 2018-19: Schedule, Squad, Time and Venue</a>

Shastri refused to believe that Australian team has lost its aura after what all happened during the past few months.&nbsp;

"I don't think so. I think once you have a sporting culture in you, you will always have that. I have always believed that no team is weak at home. We might have three or four players not playing when a team comes to India God forbid but if anyone thinks it's a weak team, you will be surprised.&nbsp;

"Similarly, we are taking no prisoners and we want to go out and put our best foot forward, focussing on our game rather than focussing outside," he sounded cautious.&nbsp;

He is confident that his pacers will enjoy bowling on Australian pitches.&nbsp;

"I think they (pacers) should enjoy bowling on these pitches if it's like the pitches we have seen in the past. It's important to stay fit as a unit."

Shastri broadly dropped a hint that injured Hardik Pandya's absence robs them a chance to play an extra bowler. Even former Australian batsman Mike Hussey recently spoke about how Pandya's absence can hurt India.&nbsp;

"One player we will miss is Hardik Pandya, who has had an injury. He gave us that balance as a bowler as well as batsman, which allowed us to play that extra bowler. Even now we have got to think twice.&nbsp;

Hopefully, he will get fit soon and if fast bowlers do well, we might not miss him then," the former all-rounder said.&nbsp;

Asked if this is the best chance for India's fast bowlers, Shastri said it will depend on if they can maintain "sustained intensity" for a long period of time.&nbsp;

"It doesn't matter what line-up they play as long as they are consistent. In the past, we have had one or two bowlers doing well in spells, but bowling as a unit for three, four or five hours with sustained intensity, if that comes into play, no matter which batting line-up you are playing against, you will be tested," he added.&nbsp;

India are yet to shed their "poor travellers" tag but head coach Ravi Shastri feels that it's unfair to pick on one particular side when most of the nations have fared poorly on away tours.

India are yet to shed their "poor travellers" tag but head coach Ravi Shastri feels that it's unfair to pick on one particular side when most of the nations have fared poorly on away tours. India have lost two away Test series in 2018, against South Africa (1-2) and England (1-4). This was after both tours were seen as best chance for Virat Kohli's men to set the poor overseas record straight. Asked how important it is for India to win the series in Australia, Shastri said: "You have got to learn from your mistakes. When you go overseas and when you look at teams that travel around now, there aren't too many sides (that travel well). "Australia did for some time in the 90's and during the turn of century. South Africa did it for a while and other than these two,in the last five-six years, you tell me which team has travelled well. Why pick on India?" questioned Shastri. Questioned whether he or skipper Kohli has spoken to the team as to why they lost in South Africa and England, Shastri said that it was all about "seizing big moments". "We have spoken about seizing the big moments. If you look at the Test matches, the scoreline really doesn't tell you the real story. There were some real tight Test matches and we lost some big moments badly, which cost us the series at the end of it. "It could have been an hour in a session over four days whether it was SA or England. Either as a batsman or a bowler and see what happens after that," the coach said in his team's defence. India vs Australia 2018-19: Schedule, Squad, Time and Venue Shastri refused to believe that Australian team has lost its aura after what all happened during the past few months. "I don't think so. I think once you have a sporting culture in you, you will always have that. I have always believed that no team is weak at home. We might have three or four players not playing when a team comes to India God forbid but if anyone thinks it's a weak team, you will be surprised. "Similarly, we are taking no prisoners and we want to go out and put our best foot forward, focussing on our game rather than focussing outside," he sounded cautious. He is confident that his pacers will enjoy bowling on Australian pitches. "I think they (pacers) should enjoy bowling on these pitches if it's like the pitches we have seen in the past. It's important to stay fit as a unit." Shastri broadly dropped a hint that injured Hardik Pandya's absence robs them a chance to play an extra bowler. Even former Australian batsman Mike Hussey recently spoke about how Pandya's absence can hurt India. "One player we will miss is Hardik Pandya, who has had an injury. He gave us that balance as a bowler as well as batsman, which allowed us to play that extra bowler. Even now we have got to think twice. Hopefully, he will get fit soon and if fast bowlers do well, we might not miss him then," the former all-rounder said. Asked if this is the best chance for India's fast bowlers, Shastri said it will depend on if they can maintain "sustained intensity" for a long period of time. "It doesn't matter what line-up they play as long as they are consistent. In the past, we have had one or two bowlers doing well in spells, but bowling as a unit for three, four or five hours with sustained intensity, if that comes into play, no matter which batting line-up you are playing against, you will be tested," he added.

Targeting team India for poor overseas record is unfair, says coach Ravi Shastri

Opener Shikhar Dhawan smashed 92 as India completed a six-wicket Twenty20 international win on the last ball against West Indies on Sunday to sweep the three-match series.

Dhawan put on a crucial 130-run third wicket stand with Rishabh Pant, who hit 58, to bring India close to their target of 182 before West Indies hit back in Chennai.

Pant was out in the 19th over and Dhawan lost his wicket on the penultimate ball of the match, but Manish Pandey hit the winning run to deny West Indies any chance of a consolation victory. A tie would have taken the match into a super over.

The result caps off a complete domination by India, who had won the Tests 2-0 and then the one-day international series 3-1 against the visiting West Indians.

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Paceman Keemo Paul took two wickets including the dangerous Pant in a penultimate over that yielded just three runs, leaving India needing five from the final six balls.

Nicholas Pooran stood out with the bat for West Indies in the final game of a tough tour, with a 25-ball 53 that guided the visitors to 181-3 after electing to bat first.

But the left-handed pair of Dhawan and Pant put the hosts' chase on track after they had lost two early wickets including their in-form skipper Rohit Sharma for four.

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India win a last-ball thriller, what a finish! 
 
Somehow, needing seven off the last 11 became needing one off one, but they scrambled home. A pair of brilliant knocks from Shikhar Dhawan and Rishabh Pant proved just enough.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvWI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvWI</a> SCORE 👇<a href="https://t.co/VsssOXxhh3">https://t.co/VsssOXxhh3</a> <a href="https://t.co/KyOObkdIsx">pic.twitter.com/KyOObkdIsx</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1061666108552474625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Dhawan registered his first fifty of the series across formats as he batted with assurance, hitting 10 fours and two sixes during his 62-ball knock.

Pant, 21, complimented his senior partner with some lusty hitting in his 38-ball stay at the crease.

Earlier Pooran put on a key 87-run unbeaten stand with Darren Bravo, who made 43, to give the tourists a competitive total.

The left-handed Pooran, who was playing his fifth match, came in to bat with West Indies in a bit of trouble at 94-3 but took the attack to the opposition bowlers.&nbsp;

He hit four fours and fours sixes during his blitz, with Bravo at the other end playing a calculated 37-ball knock.&nbsp;

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Shikhar Dhawan collects the Paytm Man of the Match award for his match winning knock of 92 💪👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvWI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvWI</a> <a href="https://t.co/TQP7HxhAFP">pic.twitter.com/TQP7HxhAFP</a>
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Openers Shai Hope, who made 24, and Shimron Hetmyer, who hit 26, gave the West Indies a strong start with their 51-run partnership before Yuzvendra Chahal struck back for the hosts.

Chahal got Hope on his very first delivery and then cut short Hetmyer's brisk knock to check the opposition surge. The leg-spinner returned figures of 2-28.

India will now head to their all-important tour of Australia that begins November 21 with the first of the three T20 matches in Brisbane. The two sides will also play four Tests and three ODIs.

Opener Shikhar Dhawan smashed 92 as India completed a six-wicket Twenty20 international win on the last ball against West Indies on Sunday to sweep the three-match series.

Opener Shikhar Dhawan smashed 92 as India completed a six-wicket Twenty20 international win on the last ball against West Indies on Sunday to sweep the three-match series. Dhawan put on a crucial 130-run third wicket stand with Rishabh Pant, who hit 58, to bring India close to their target of 182 before West Indies hit back in Chennai. Pant was out in the 19th over and Dhawan lost his wicket on the penultimate ball of the match, but Manish Pandey hit the winning run to deny West Indies any chance of a consolation victory. A tie would have taken the match into a super over. The result caps off a complete domination by India, who had won the Tests 2-0 and then the one-day international series 3-1 against the visiting West Indians. × Paceman Keemo Paul took two wickets including the dangerous Pant in a penultimate over that yielded just three runs, leaving India needing five from the final six balls. Nicholas Pooran stood out with the bat for West Indies in the final game of a tough tour, with a 25-ball 53 that guided the visitors to 181-3 after electing to bat first. But the left-handed pair of Dhawan and Pant put the hosts' chase on track after they had lost two early wickets including their in-form skipper Rohit Sharma for four. India win a last-ball thriller, what a finish! Somehow, needing seven off the last 11 became needing one off one, but they scrambled home. A pair of brilliant knocks from Shikhar Dhawan and Rishabh Pant proved just enough.#INDvWI SCORE 👇https://t.co/VsssOXxhh3 pic.twitter.com/KyOObkdIsx — ICC (@ICC) November 11, 2018 × Dhawan registered his first fifty of the series across formats as he batted with assurance, hitting 10 fours and two sixes during his 62-ball knock. Pant, 21, complimented his senior partner with some lusty hitting in his 38-ball stay at the crease. Earlier Pooran put on a key 87-run unbeaten stand with Darren Bravo, who made 43, to give the tourists a competitive total. The left-handed Pooran, who was playing his fifth match, came in to bat with West Indies in a bit of trouble at 94-3 but took the attack to the opposition bowlers. He hit four fours and fours sixes during his blitz, with Bravo at the other end playing a calculated 37-ball knock. Shikhar Dhawan collects the Paytm Man of the Match award for his match winning knock of 92 💪👏#INDvWI pic.twitter.com/TQP7HxhAFP — BCCI (@BCCI) November 11, 2018 × Openers Shai Hope, who made 24, and Shimron Hetmyer, who hit 26, gave the West Indies a strong start with their 51-run partnership before Yuzvendra Chahal struck back for the hosts. Chahal got Hope on his very first delivery and then cut short Hetmyer's brisk knock to check the opposition surge. The leg-spinner returned figures of 2-28. India will now head to their all-important tour of Australia that begins November 21 with the first of the three T20 matches in Brisbane. The two sides will also play four Tests and three ODIs.

IND vs WI: Shikhar Dhawan hits 92 as India sweep T20 series

Pakistan produced another imperious performance to beat the West Indies by eight wickets in the third and final Twenty20 international in Karachi on Tuesday, completing a 3-0 clean sweep of the series.

The West Indies fared better with the bat compared with the first two matches, reaching 153-6 in their 20 overs after winning the toss. Opener Andre Fletcher scored a 43-ball 52 -- his team's only half-century on this tour.

It was not enough, however, as Pakistan got to the total comfortably, with opener Babar Azam scoring a rapid 40-ball 51.

The hosts raced to 61 in the sixth over with left-handed opener Fakhar Zaman smashing two sixes and six boundaries in his 17-ball 40.

He miscued a drive off Rayad Emrit and was caught behind, but Azam and Hussain Talat continued Pakistan's domination with a 52-run stand.

Talat finished with 31, and Asif Ali scored 25 not out as Pakistan chased down the target in 16.5 overs.

"When I first took over the captaincy, (coach) Mickey Arthur told me that we should become consistent. We are giving the boys a consistent run in the team and so we are flourishing," said Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed.

He also thanked the fans in Karachi, his home city.

"Karachi has won (people's) hearts. I want to say that lot of people are hurt with no cricket in Pakistan, but we will try our best to have more," he said.

West Indian captain Jason Mohammed said his side fell short again but pointed to an improved performance.

"We weren't good enough again, but happier to play a decent game. There were lots of youngsters in our squad, including myself," said Mohammed.&nbsp

"The Karachi crowd was excellent."

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Read how Pakistan sealed a historic 3-0 series win against West Indies in Karachi!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAKvWI?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAKvWI</a> REPORT ➡️ <a href="https://t.co/jkDrcu3Wry">https://t.co/jkDrcu3Wry</a> <a href="https://t.co/KNbyN6T6UN">pic.twitter.com/KNbyN6T6UN</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/981253758926561280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, Fletcher added an invaluable 72 runs for the second wicket with Marlon Samuels who scored a 25-ball 31 with two sixes and as many boundaries.

Denesh Ramdin cracked a fiery 18-ball 42 not out with four boundaries and three sixes -- two in the last over from Usman Shinwari -- as the West Indies scored 57 in the last five overs.

Leg-spinner Shadab Khan finished with 2-27 while Mohammad Nawaz, Shinwari and Faheem Ashraf took a wicket each.

Two players made their T20 debuts on Tuesday -- teenage paceman Shaheen Afridi for Pakistan and Andre McCarthy for the West Indies.

Pakistan won the first match by 143 runs and the second by 82 runs. Karachi hosted all three T20s, the first international matches in the city in nine years.&nbsp

The series is the latest in a number of steps taken recently to help revive international cricket in Pakistan, which was suspended for years after a 2009 militant attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore.

The victory on Tuesday also strengthened Pakistan's position at the top of the world T20 rankings, with a four-point lead over second-placed Australia.

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&nbsp

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Read how Pakistan sealed a historic 3-0 series win against West Indies in Karachi!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAKvWI?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAKvWI</a> REPORT ➡️ <a href="https://t.co/jkDrcu3Wry">https://t.co/jkDrcu3Wry</a> <a href="https://t.co/KNbyN6T6UN">pic.twitter.com/KNbyN6T6UN</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/981253758926561280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp

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With a 3-0 series win against West Indies, Pakistan have extended their lead at the top of the <a href="https://twitter.com/MRFWorldwide?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MRFWorldwide</a> ICC T20I Team Rankings! <a href="https://t.co/sFQyEdKFVq">pic.twitter.com/sFQyEdKFVq</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/981335547758067714?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Since Sarfraz took over as skipper in September 2016, Pakistan have notched up series wins over England, the West Indies, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and a World XI side.

Pakistan produced another imperious performance to beat the West Indies by eight wickets in the third and final Twenty20 international

Pakistan produced another imperious performance to beat the West Indies by eight wickets in the third and final Twenty20 international in Karachi on Tuesday, completing a 3-0 clean sweep of the series. The West Indies fared better with the bat compared with the first two matches, reaching 153-6 in their 20 overs after winning the toss. Opener Andre Fletcher scored a 43-ball 52 -- his team's only half-century on this tour. It was not enough, however, as Pakistan got to the total comfortably, with opener Babar Azam scoring a rapid 40-ball 51. The hosts raced to 61 in the sixth over with left-handed opener Fakhar Zaman smashing two sixes and six boundaries in his 17-ball 40. He miscued a drive off Rayad Emrit and was caught behind, but Azam and Hussain Talat continued Pakistan's domination with a 52-run stand. Talat finished with 31, and Asif Ali scored 25 not out as Pakistan chased down the target in 16.5 overs. "When I first took over the captaincy, (coach) Mickey Arthur told me that we should become consistent. We are giving the boys a consistent run in the team and so we are flourishing," said Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed. He also thanked the fans in Karachi, his home city. "Karachi has won (people's) hearts. I want to say that lot of people are hurt with no cricket in Pakistan, but we will try our best to have more," he said. West Indian captain Jason Mohammed said his side fell short again but pointed to an improved performance. "We weren't good enough again, but happier to play a decent game. There were lots of youngsters in our squad, including myself," said Mohammed. "The Karachi crowd was excellent." Read how Pakistan sealed a historic 3-0 series win against West Indies in Karachi!#PAKvWI REPORT ➡️ https://t.co/jkDrcu3Wry pic.twitter.com/KNbyN6T6UN — ICC (@ICC) April 3, 2018 × Earlier, Fletcher added an invaluable 72 runs for the second wicket with Marlon Samuels who scored a 25-ball 31 with two sixes and as many boundaries. Denesh Ramdin cracked a fiery 18-ball 42 not out with four boundaries and three sixes -- two in the last over from Usman Shinwari -- as the West Indies scored 57 in the last five overs. Leg-spinner Shadab Khan finished with 2-27 while Mohammad Nawaz, Shinwari and Faheem Ashraf took a wicket each. Two players made their T20 debuts on Tuesday -- teenage paceman Shaheen Afridi for Pakistan and Andre McCarthy for the West Indies. Pakistan won the first match by 143 runs and the second by 82 runs. Karachi hosted all three T20s, the first international matches in the city in nine years. The series is the latest in a number of steps taken recently to help revive international cricket in Pakistan, which was suspended for years after a 2009 militant attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore. The victory on Tuesday also strengthened Pakistan's position at the top of the world T20 rankings, with a four-point lead over second-placed Australia. Fakhar Zaman is the Man of the Match and Babar Azam is the Man of the Series#PAKvWI #ApnaKhelApneGhar pic.twitter.com/Ix959bFpLV — PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) April 3, 2018 × Read how Pakistan sealed a historic 3-0 series win against West Indies in Karachi!#PAKvWI REPORT ➡️ https://t.co/jkDrcu3Wry pic.twitter.com/KNbyN6T6UN — ICC (@ICC) April 3, 2018 × With a 3-0 series win against West Indies, Pakistan have extended their lead at the top of the @MRFWorldwide ICC T20I Team Rankings! pic.twitter.com/sFQyEdKFVq — ICC (@ICC) April 4, 2018 × Since Sarfraz took over as skipper in September 2016, Pakistan have notched up series wins over England, the West Indies, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and a World XI side.

Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam shine as Pakistan whitewash West Indies in T20 series

Paceman Jaydev Unadkat led a disciplined attack to set up India&#39;s five-wicket win in the third Twenty20 international against Sri Lanka as the hosts completed a 3-0 whitewash on Sunday.

Unadkat returned impressive figures of 2-15 to help restrict the visitors to 135-7. India then achieved their target with four balls to spare in a tense chase at the Wankhede Stadium.

Manish Pandey top-scored with 32 but it was Dinesh Karthik (18) and Mahendra Singh Dhoni (16) who put on an unbeaten 31-run stand to take the team home.

The win ensured that India end the year on a high after outplaying the islanders in the Test (1-0), one-day (2-1) and T20 series.

Sri Lanka however put the hosts under pressure with regular strikes as paceman Dushmantha Chameera and medium-pace bowler Dasun Shanaka claimed two wickets each.

Shanaka got skipper Rohit Sharma for 27, early in the chase. The in-form Sharma hit 4 fours and a six during his 20-ball stay but his wicket silenced the crowd. &nbsp;

Shreyas Iyer, who scored 30 before being run out while backing up at the non-strikers end, and Pandey then put on a gritty 42-run stand for the third wicket but their departure spelt trouble.

But veterans Karthik and Dhoni stayed calm in the final few overs when India needed 20 off 18 balls.

Earlier Asela Gunaratne, who top-scored 36, and Shanaka, who hit an unbeaten 29 off 24 balls, gave some respectability to the total after the visitors lost their top three batsmen for 18 runs.

Unadkat, who removed the openers early, was ably supported by fellow fast bowler Hardik Pandya as they claimed two wickets each.

Apart from the paceman, debutant off-spinner Washington Sundar, who opened the attack for India, dismissed Kusal Perera for four and ended with figures of 1-22.

After a dominant home season across all three formats, India now head for their high-profile tour of South Africa starting January 5 with the first Test in Cape Town.

 
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Paceman Jaydev Unadkat led a disciplined attack to set up India's five-wicket win in the third Twenty20 international against Sri Lanka

Paceman Jaydev Unadkat led a disciplined attack to set up India's five-wicket win in the third Twenty20 international against Sri Lanka as the hosts completed a 3-0 whitewash on Sunday. Unadkat returned impressive figures of 2-15 to help restrict the visitors to 135-7. India then achieved their target with four balls to spare in a tense chase at the Wankhede Stadium. Manish Pandey top-scored with 32 but it was Dinesh Karthik (18) and Mahendra Singh Dhoni (16) who put on an unbeaten 31-run stand to take the team home. The win ensured that India end the year on a high after outplaying the islanders in the Test (1-0), one-day (2-1) and T20 series. Sri Lanka however put the hosts under pressure with regular strikes as paceman Dushmantha Chameera and medium-pace bowler Dasun Shanaka claimed two wickets each. Shanaka got skipper Rohit Sharma for 27, early in the chase. The in-form Sharma hit 4 fours and a six during his 20-ball stay but his wicket silenced the crowd. Shreyas Iyer, who scored 30 before being run out while backing up at the non-strikers end, and Pandey then put on a gritty 42-run stand for the third wicket but their departure spelt trouble. But veterans Karthik and Dhoni stayed calm in the final few overs when India needed 20 off 18 balls. Earlier Asela Gunaratne, who top-scored 36, and Shanaka, who hit an unbeaten 29 off 24 balls, gave some respectability to the total after the visitors lost their top three batsmen for 18 runs. Unadkat, who removed the openers early, was ably supported by fellow fast bowler Hardik Pandya as they claimed two wickets each. Apart from the paceman, debutant off-spinner Washington Sundar, who opened the attack for India, dismissed Kusal Perera for four and ended with figures of 1-22. After a dominant home season across all three formats, India now head for their high-profile tour of South Africa starting January 5 with the first Test in Cape Town.

India beat Sri Lanka to sweep T20 series 3-0

Virat Kohli&#39;s India beat New Zealand in a tense eight over a side clash to take a first T20 series against the Kiwis and strengthen their claim to be the world&#39;s best team.

Rain reduced the third match of the series in Thiruvananthapuram to a 48 ball lottery and Kohli&#39;s side were stronger in the boundary chase and smarter in the bowling battle.

While Manish Pandey hit 17 off 11 balls, Hardik Pandya made 14 and Kohli 13 in India&#39;s 67-5, the home side owe a particular debt to man-of-the-match bowler Jasprit Bumrah in the six run victory.

His two overs cost just nine runs while he claimed the key wickets of big-hitting Colin Munro and Henry Nicholls. Indian coach Ravi Shastri hailed Bumrah, who cannot get a Test place, as a &quot;thinking bowler&quot;.

Pandey and Kohli both hit a six and a four in quickfire innings that New Zealand just could not match as they reached 61-6.

Pandey went to a spectacular catch off Trent Boult that highlighted a night of brilliant fielding.

He fired the ball toward the long-on boundary producing a full length dive by Mitchell Santner who deflected the ball to stop it going over the line and set up the catch by Colin de Grandhomme.

New Zealand started aggressively. Munro hit his first ball for a six, but made only seven before he was caught in the second over trying to hit Bumrah.

Captain Kane Williamson and Glenn Phillips went in successive balls in the fifth over leaving New Zealand facing a struggle to defend their number one place in 20 over cricket.

Though the result could have gone either way with just two balls remaining, New Zealand reached just 61-6 with de Grandhomme making an unbeaten 17.

&quot;You would be lying if you said you were not tense,&quot; said Shastri. &quot;They saved the best for the last in terms of fielding, the electricity was there.&quot;

Shastri said that while 67 was not an automatic match-winning score, the fielding and good start by the bowlers had put pressure on New Zealand.

India had never beaten New Zealand in a T20 match going into this series. New Zealand&#39;s defeat means Pakistan are the number one ranked 20 over nation again. New Zealand also lost a one day series in India but Williamson said they had still come out of the tour &quot;stronger&quot;.

&quot;It is a difficult place to play,&quot; said Williamson. &quot;They are possibly the best team in the world.&quot;&nbsp;

By many counts, India are the best team. They lead the Test rankings, while Kohli is top-rated batsman in one-day and T20 internationals. Bumrah is the number one bowler in T20.

The Indians have not lost a home series in any format since being beaten by South Africa in one day games in 2015.

&quot;We have won a few on the trot and it makes us very proud,&quot; said Kohli.

India must now prepare for a three Test series against Sri Lanka starting November 16 in Kolkata. 
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Virat Kohli's India beat New Zealand in a tense eight over a side clash to take a first T20 series against the Kiwis and strengthen their claim to be the world's best team

Virat Kohli's India beat New Zealand in a tense eight over a side clash to take a first T20 series against the Kiwis and strengthen their claim to be the world's best team. Rain reduced the third match of the series in Thiruvananthapuram to a 48 ball lottery and Kohli's side were stronger in the boundary chase and smarter in the bowling battle. While Manish Pandey hit 17 off 11 balls, Hardik Pandya made 14 and Kohli 13 in India's 67-5, the home side owe a particular debt to man-of-the-match bowler Jasprit Bumrah in the six run victory. His two overs cost just nine runs while he claimed the key wickets of big-hitting Colin Munro and Henry Nicholls. Indian coach Ravi Shastri hailed Bumrah, who cannot get a Test place, as a "thinking bowler". Pandey and Kohli both hit a six and a four in quickfire innings that New Zealand just could not match as they reached 61-6. Pandey went to a spectacular catch off Trent Boult that highlighted a night of brilliant fielding. He fired the ball toward the long-on boundary producing a full length dive by Mitchell Santner who deflected the ball to stop it going over the line and set up the catch by Colin de Grandhomme. New Zealand started aggressively. Munro hit his first ball for a six, but made only seven before he was caught in the second over trying to hit Bumrah. Captain Kane Williamson and Glenn Phillips went in successive balls in the fifth over leaving New Zealand facing a struggle to defend their number one place in 20 over cricket. Though the result could have gone either way with just two balls remaining, New Zealand reached just 61-6 with de Grandhomme making an unbeaten 17. "You would be lying if you said you were not tense," said Shastri. "They saved the best for the last in terms of fielding, the electricity was there." Shastri said that while 67 was not an automatic match-winning score, the fielding and good start by the bowlers had put pressure on New Zealand. India had never beaten New Zealand in a T20 match going into this series. New Zealand's defeat means Pakistan are the number one ranked 20 over nation again. New Zealand also lost a one day series in India but Williamson said they had still come out of the tour "stronger". "It is a difficult place to play," said Williamson. "They are possibly the best team in the world." By many counts, India are the best team. They lead the Test rankings, while Kohli is top-rated batsman in one-day and T20 internationals. Bumrah is the number one bowler in T20. The Indians have not lost a home series in any format since being beaten by South Africa in one day games in 2015. "We have won a few on the trot and it makes us very proud," said Kohli. India must now prepare for a three Test series against Sri Lanka starting November 16 in Kolkata.

India claim first T20 series win over New Zealand

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