Melbourne: Finally, India tasted victory in the ongoing series after an 8-wicket win against Australia in the second and final T20 international at the MCG on Friday. Needing 132 to win and to avoid another humiliating whitewash, India reached the target with the loss of 2 wickets and 2 balls to spare in front of a 62,275-strong MCG crowd. The victory was more special as it ended India’s losing streak on foreign soil which stretches to 16 matches.

The timing of the win was significant as India could now go into the tri-series on a high as they were awaited by another strong contender Sri Lanka apart from Australia.

It all began with Gambhir, who took a catch to remove ‘Serial Switcher’, also a dangerous hitter, David Warner, and ends with him scoring the winning run. He drove off McKay to mid-on for four to seal the first win of the tour.

The foundation for the victory was laid by India’s fielders, who turned top-class overnight. A special credit to Ravindra Jadeja, who was phenomenal on the field with two run outs and a spell reading 3-0-16-1. He was later adjudged Man-of-the-Match.