Australia suffered four run-outs in their total of 131 before India cruised to an eight-wicket win in Friday night’s second Twenty20 international at the MCG.
India’s victory in front of 62,275 fans squared the two-match series at one-all and ended India’s losing streak which included all four Tests and Wednesday night’s T20 clash earlier this summer.
With only one run needed off the final over, Clint McKay bowled three dot balls before Gautam Gambhir hit a four to claim victory for the tourists with two deliveries to spare.
Gambhir was unbeaten on 56.
India captain MS Dhoni claimed two catches and a stumping and set aggressive fields before scoring 21 not out.
Spinner Brad Hogg removed Virender Sehwag (23) caught at cover, before Virat Kohli scored 31 in a 54-run partnership with Gambhir.
Wicketkeeper and Test hopeful Matthew Wade took a diving catch to dismiss Kohli off Mitchell Marsh’s bowling but Australia failed to stop India’s momentum with the bat.
Earlier, Aaron Finch (36) and Matthew Wade (32) were two of Australia’s four run-out victims.
India’s work-rate and enthusiasm in the field, which had been so clearly lacking in the Test series, was the standout feature of Australia’s innings collapse.
David Warner, whose innings of 25 on Wednesday included a huge six after switching from left-handed to right-handed mid-delivery, failed to play the role of entertainer on Friday.
Warner lasted only eight balls before departing caught at deep square leg for eight.
Shaun Marsh, who scored only 17 runs in the Test series, fell for a second-ball duck as Praveen Kumar claimed two wickets in an over.
David Hussey, who was involved in the run-outs of Finch and skipper George Bailey (three), was fifth man out for 24.
The fall of Mitchell Marsh for 13 sparked a collapse of 5-12.
“It was a very disappointing batting effort,” Bailey told ABC Radio.
“Four run outs, three in our top order and we were clearly outfielded.
“The two run outs of ‘Fidgey’ and myself really slowed us up.”
Spinner Ravindra Jadeja, who ran out Bailey and took 1-16 off three overs, was named man of the match.
Friday’s match attendance figure narrowly beat the 59,659 at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium on Wednesday.
Australia will now host world champions India and World Cup finalists Sri Lanka in a one-day series, with the first game on Sunday at the MCG where the home side will play India.
