MOHALI: Taking India by surprise, all-rounder Cameron Green, who was playing as an opener in professional cricket at the time, and Matthew Wade led Australia to a crushing 4-wicket victory in the opening T20I and a 1-0 series lead on Tuesday.

Green recovered and delivered a commanding performance at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, blasting eight fours and four sixes in a 30-ball 61 after a calamitous final over in which Hardik Pandya smashed him for three consecutive sixes.

The 23-year-old didn't appear anxious at all despite starting the innings for the very first time in front of a full crowd. However, until Green remained at the crease, an experienced Indian bowling lineup appeared to be completely lost.

Australian openers Aaron Finch and Cameron Green immediately made their intentions known by setting a lofty goal of 209 runs. They enjoyed the swing of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Umesh Yadav and scored 38 runs in the opening three overs.

However, Axar Patel entered the fray and bowled Finch out with a slider to give India a crucial breakthrough. Despite Finch's dismissal, Green was in no mood to slow down and took full advantage of the constraints, bringing Australia to 60/1 at the conclusion of the powerplay.

Steven Smith, who entered the batting order at position three, was content to take a backseat to Green as he continued to swing aggressively and reached fifty in just 26 balls. With their hundred, Australia was quickly sailing toward the target. In ten overs, they successfully completed more than half of the target.

The pleasant turnaround for India came during the drinks break when Axar, who had dropped Green on 40, made adjustments by taking out the hazardous batter. Kohli took a wonderful catch as Green lofted a big ball down to long-on and returned the opener following his 30-ball 61.

Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell were both out in the same over by Umesh Yadav, who wasn't very efficient in his first two overs. Axar, who finished the day with 3-17 and was India's top bowler, subsequently bowled Josh Inglis around the legs.

Australia lost four wickets for 36 runs between the 11th and 15th over, creating an opening for India before Wade, who led the late push, successfully closed it.

The match was in doubt with 55 needed into the final four overs, but Wade destroyed Harshal Patel (22 in one over) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (31 in two overs) to end the pursuit. With four wickets in hand, he continued to bat unbeaten at 45 off 21 balls to lead Australia to win in 19.2 overs.

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