Pandya powers India to thrilling T20 series win over Australia

SYDNEY, AFP: Hardik Pandya powered India to a gripping second T20 international victory to take the series against Australia in Sydney yesterday.

Pandya hit an enormous six off debutant Daniel Sams to get the winning runs – and victory by six wickets – with two balls to spare.

Shikhar Dhawan earlier hit 52 off 36 balls and Virat Kohli looked threatening before being caught behind for 40, giving Sams a prized wicket.

New skipper Matthew Wade and Steve Smith hit half-centuries apiece to carry Australia to 194 for five after batting first.

In reply, India were 195 for four.

Wade, who was promoted to the captaincy after Aaron Finch was ruled out with injury, smacked 58 – and Smith chipped in with a breezy 46 – after India won the toss and opted to bowl.