I will send AB De Villiers a text tonight: Virat Kohli on his scoop shot

India’s captain Virat Kohli hits a six during the second T20 international cricket match between Australia and India at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney. (AP)

India sealed the T20 International series against Australia with a game to spare after a swashbuckling Hardik Pandya finished what Shikhar Dhawan had set out to achieve with a scintillating 36-ball 52 in the second and penultimate match here on Sunday.

The visitors thus avenged their 1-2 ODI series loss, chasing down a challenging 195-run target set by the home side. They won the opener in Canberra by 11 runs on Friday.

This was India’s 10th successive win away from home in T20 Internationals.

Needing 25 of the final 12 balls after fetching 12 in the 18th over, Pandya brought the equation down to 14 in the last over with two fours. The all-rounder then hit two sixes to seal the match in India’s favour and also claim the player of the match honours.

Pandya remained unconquered on 42 off 22 balls.

Skipper Virat Kohli also returned to form with a well made 40 from 24 balls. A visibly pleased Indian captain spoke at the post-match presentation and complimented his team.

“We played really well as a team in T20 cricket. The fact that two of our established players are not playing and to win like this, makes me very proud of this team.”

“Everyone has played 14 games recently (in the IPL) and they know their plans. Natarajan was outstanding and Shardul was good today. Hardik finishing off the game and Shikhar getting that fifty, it’s a whole team effort.”

“The reason for him (Hardik) to come into our team in 2016 was pure ability, he now realizes that this is the time to establish in that (finishing) role and play match-winning knocks for us.”

“He plays with all his heart and he certainly got that competitive nature about him and also has the skill to execute that at the highest level. That’s (next game) gonna be very exciting. In the tough moments, when so many people backing you, the next game is going to be exciting.”

“It (scoop over fine leg) was a bit of funny moment, surprised myself there, I will send AB a text tonight and see what he thinks of it,” Kohli said in jest.

Meanwhile, Australian skipper, Matthew Wade said It was good fun. Lot more fun till Hardik came out. May be a little bit short with the bat. Unfortunately we didn’t execute well towards the end with the ball. When you get a start like that you want to push but I was disappointed with the way I got out and the timing of my wicket as well. Zampa has been outstanding for the last few years. We just couldn’t execute it well in the end.