Virat Kohli on India's series-leveling win against Australia: 'Skill wise, we were better on the day'
The 1-1 stalemate is a "fair reflection" of how India and Australia performed in the three-match T20 International series, visiting captain Virat Kohli said Sunday.
India won the third T20 international by six wickets to end the series at 1-1 after the second game was washed out. Australia had won the first match.
" Weather is uncontrollable. These are things you have to accept as a sportsman. A level series is a fair reflection of how the teams have played. Tonight also the fans were really loud and motivated us to the win. A level series is a fair reflection of how the teams have played," Kohli said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
The skipper lauded the performance of his bowlers, who restricted Australia to 164 for six after the home team was 68 for one in 8.3 overs, and his batsmen alike.
"Overall, skill-wise, we were better on the day than Australia. With the ball, we were more professional today. I thought it was a 180 wicket."
"When our openers get into the zone they're difficult to stop. Things become pretty easy when those two guys (Rohit and Shikhar) do the job for us. We thought the wicket slowed down with the old ball. That's how T20 cricket goes. You lose momentum, you gain it. DK did really well at the end. Maxi and Zampa both bowled well, especially Maxi who has a gut feel of the batsmen," Kohli said.
Australian T20 captain Aaron Finch said: "India batted extremely well in the power play. It's always tough to bring it back from 1/67. The way that we fought was brilliant. Rohit and Dhawan are totally different styles of batsmen which is tough for bowlers. That's why they've been such a good opening combination."
However, Finch added that the home side is headed in the right direction and are looking forward to the Test series.
"Still fair bit of work to do but we're going in the right direction which is nice. Feeling good for the Tests. Will get down to Brisbane and prepare for 5-6 days."
Man of the Series Shikhar Dhawan, who scored 76 and 41 to provide India with a blistering start in both the innings, was delighted to have salvaged the series with a win.
"As a batsman, when you score it always feels good. It's good that we were able to draw this series," said Dhawan.
