BCCI lauds Indian team for whitewashing Australia in T20I series

Mumbai, Jan 31 (Cricketnmore): The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Sunday congratulated the members of the national team for clinching the Twenty20 International series against Australia 3-0.

India's top batting order put Shane Watson's unbeaten 86-ball 124 in the shade as they clinched the third and final match by seven wickets to blank Australia 3-0 at the Sydney Cricket Ground here on Sunday.

Watson's superb maiden century powered Australia, batting first, to a handsome 197 for five. In reply, India rode on blistering batting from their top four batsmen -- Shikhar Dhawan (26 in nine deliveries), Rohit Sharma (52 in 38), Virat Kohli (50 in 36) and Suresh Raina (49 not out in 38) -- to overtake the target in the final over.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni-captained India, earlier won the first two T20Is comfortably in Adelaide and Melbourne, respectively.

"It was a superlative performance from Team India to clinch the T20I series in Australia 3-0. I extend my heartiest congratulations to MS Dhoni and his men for doing the nation proud," BCCI president Shashank Manohar said in a statement.

"With this clean-sweep, India are now the top-ranked team on the ICC Twenty20 International rankings. This victory will go a long way in boosting the young team’s confidence with the ICC World Twenty20 in sight."

BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur said: “Team India displayed an immensely special brand of cricket to defeat Australia 3-0 in their own backyard. They not only took the series but also claimed the top spot on the ICC Twenty20 International Rankings.

"This win, combined with that of India women’s team has brought great joy to the nation.”

Agency.