Australia completed a tight four-run victory over India in Wednesday’s rain-affected first T20I in Brisbane.

A solid showing in the middle order from batsman Chris Lynn, all-rounders Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis powered the home side to 158 for four in 17 overs. Lynn, Maxwell and Stoinis struck 37, 46 and 33 not out respectively, before inclement weather disallowed the final three overs.

An adjusted target of 174 proved too much for the visitors who were ultimately limited to 169 for seven. A commanding partnership between dynamic duo Dinesh Karthik and Rishabh Pant threatened to take the contest away from the Aussies, but seamer Marcus Stoinis had the final say.

Stoinis needed to successfully defend 13 runs off the final over of this nail-biter – and did just that by removing all-rounder Krunal Pandya and Karthik with consecutive deliveries. Maxwell and fellow long-off fielder Jason Behrendorff were key in holding on to a vital catch each.

The Indians will rue an uncharacteristically poor performance from Virat Kohli, who dropped a catch and misfielded on the odd occasion. He then managed only four runs in the failed pursuit.

The result afforded the hosts an early lead in the three-match series. The second T20I will be played in Melbourne on Friday and the third in Sydney on Sunday.

Image: Getty