Melbourne, Oct 31: Captain Mitchell Marsh led by example with a blistering 26-ball 46, following a superb bowling effort from Josh Hazlewood, as Australia defeated India by four wickets in the second T20 International on Friday.

Chasing a modest target of 126, the hosts cruised to victory with 40 balls remaining after choosing to bowl first.

Earlier, opener Abhishek Sharma stood out for India with a fighting 68 off 37 balls, rescuing the side from a top-order collapse that saw them crumble to 49 for five by the eighth over. All-rounder Harshit Rana provided solid support with a composed 35 off 33 deliveries, sharing a crucial 56-run partnership with Abhishek for the sixth wicket.

Josh Hazlewood was the pick of the Australian bowlers, producing a brilliant spell of 3 for 13 from his four overs and sparking India’s early downfall.

With this win, Australia take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series after the opening game was washed out due to rain. India will now need to win all three remaining matches to claim the series.