Ind vs Australia Twnety20 - India crash to embarrassing loss

Australia, led by Michael Clarke, beat India by nine wickets with more than 52 balls to spare.

India have been bowled out in 17.3 overs for 74. They were so rusty that they almost broke Kenya's record of 73, the lowest total in Twenty20 internationals, instead registering the second-worst score.

They were dismissed in the 18th over and Australia needed less than 12 overs to post their first Twenty20 win against India, with just enough time for Adam Gilchrist to entertain the 84,041-strong crowd in his final match in the shortest format.

Irfan Pathan made 26 and was the only player to reach double-figures for India. When he was the last man out, edging to Gilchrist up to the stumps to give Nathan Bracken his third wicket.
Gilchrist and the stand-in captain Michael Clarke (37 not out) made sure of the win, while Brad Hodge chipped in with 10 at the end.

Clarke registered the first six of the game - India had managed only three fours - when he lifted Sreesanth comfortably over long-on, and Gilchrist followed with a vicious hook for six off the same bowler. Gilchrist received a standing ovation when he left the field, caught by Gautam Gambhir at long-on for 25.

Australia know the value of starting a series well - they lost the 2005 Ashes after opening their tour with a casual 100-run Twenty20 hiding - and they will enter Sunday's CB Series game against India in a winning mindset. Prior to the match Dhoni's men did not seem too concerned with the outcome, but the severity of the loss has given them plenty to think about as they prepare for a month of 50-over battles.

Final Score:

India - 74 All Out in 17.3 Overs

Australia - 75/1 in 11.2 Overs

Result - Australia win by Nine Wickets

Man Of the Match - Michael Clarke