Spin Twins Axar and Sundar Decimate Australian Chase in Queensland Thriller
India secured a commanding 48-run victory over Australia in what proved to be a decisive T20I encounter at the Carrara Oval in Queensland, claiming a crucial 2-1 lead in the five-match series. India successfully defended their score of 167/8, bundling out Australia for a mere 119.
The win was defined by a brilliant bowling performance, particularly from the spinners. Axar Patel set the tone with two key breakthroughs, while Washington Sundar delivered a late three-wicket burst that utterly dismantled the Australian batting lineup and sealed the massive win.
Bowling Brilliance: Dube Strikes, Spinners Seal the Deal
The chase started smoothly for Australia, but the momentum shifted dramatically:
- Axar’s Impact: Axar Patel turned the game on its head by dismissing Australia’s top order, shifting the momentum firmly in India’s favour.
- Dube Strikes Back: The vital moment came when Shivam Dube struck back brilliantly, removing the dangerous Tim David just after being hit for a six, firmly putting India in control of the contest. Dube also picked up Mitchell Marsh’s wicket earlier.
- Sundar’s Finish: Washington Sundar then delivered the knockout blow with a late spell that saw him pick up three wickets, ensuring Australia folded well short of the target.
🏏 India’s Batting: Mixed Starts and Missed Momentum
Earlier in the day, India posted a total of 167/8 after an innings that was marked by bright starts but ultimately lost momentum.
- Positive Start: India got off to a strong start with a 56-run opening partnership between Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill.
- Mid-Innings Slump: Abhishek Sharma departed soon after the powerplay. Nathan Ellis was the pick of the Australian bowlers, breaking the rhythm by removing Shivam Dube.
- Gill’s Sluggish Knock: Shubman Gill’s slow knock of 46 runs off 39 balls (SR 117.95) was noted as a key factor that prevented India from accelerating.
- Late Spark: Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma failed to convert their starts, ending hopes of a 200-plus total. A late, crucial cameo from Axar Patel (21* off 11 balls) offered the necessary spark to push the total past 160. Australia’s disciplined bowling, led by Nathan Ellis, ensured India couldn’t capitalize on their early advantage.
📉 Shubman Gill’s Form Remains a Key Concern
Despite the series victory, the form of vice-captain Shubman Gill remains a challenge for the Indian team management. Gill has now gone six matches on the tour without registering a half-century, highlighting a concerning dip in his performance. He has struggled particularly against fuller-length deliveries and has lacked the composed authority that defines his best innings.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav has also struggled to find consistent impactful form, placing extra responsibility on young opener Abhishek Sharma to provide explosive starts.
Team Combinations and Series Ahead
Australia made four changes for the match, including the return of Glenn Maxwell, while India maintained an unchanged lineup from the previous game. With Travis Head now absent for the remainder of the T20Is, Australia is relying on Matthew Short to open with skipper Mitchell Marsh, and heavily on Tim David’s middle-order firepower.
India’s bowling attack appears stronger with Arshdeep Singh back in the mix, even with Kuldeep Yadav rested to focus on the upcoming Test series against South Africa. The team management continues to rotate combinations, balancing seam options like Arshdeep with all-rounders like Washington Sundar, whose batting impact proved decisive in the previous match.
With the series now standing at 2-1 in India’s favour, the fifth and final T20I will take place soon, where Australia will be fighting to draw the series.
💡 Suggested SEO Subheaders
- IND vs AUS 4th T20I Highlights: Axar Patel and Washington Sundar Star in 48-Run Win
- India Takes 2-1 Lead After Bowling Out Australia for 119
- Shubman Gill’s Dip in Form Continues Despite India’s Series Lead
- Shivam Dube’s All-Round Contribution Seals Victory for India