India seal T20 series

India batsman Virat Kohli's swashbuckling 33-ball 59, punctuated by seven fours and a six, powered his side as they defeated Australia in the second T20I and clinched the series at the MCG yesterday. PHOTO: AFP

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli maintained their prolific form with the bat to secure India's series-clinching 27-run win over Australia in the second Twenty20 match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday.

Rohit hit a 47-ball 60 at the top of the order to give the touring side a fast start along with partner Shikhar Dhawan.

India, who were put in to bat, rode an opening stand of 97 to reach 184-3 in their 20 overs with Kohli providing a late assault with a swashbuckling unbeaten knock of 59.

Australia also made a strong start with captain Aaron Finch providing the fireworks. Finch and Shaun Marsh added 94 for the opening wicket to keep Australia in the hunt but India's spinners picked up quick wickets to halt their march.

SCORES IN BRIEF
INDIA: 184 for 3 in 20 overs (Sharma 60, Dhawan 42, Kohli 59 not out; Maxwell 1-17)
AUSTRALIA: 157 for 8 in 20 overs (Finch 74, Marsh 23; Jadeja 2-32, Bumrah 2-37)
Result: India won by 27 runs and lead the 3-match series 2-0.
Player-of-the-match: Virat Kohli.