India vs Australia: Hobart witnessed an electrifying T20 clash as India chased down a challenging target of 187 runs beating Australia by five wickets in the third match of the series. And with this victory, India has leveled the three-match series at 1-1 setting the stage for a thrilling decider.
Australia looked to dominate after winning the toss and posting a strong total, thanks to aggressive half-centuries from Tim David and Marcus Stoinis. Their partnership powered the hosts to a competitive 186/7 leaving India with a tough but an achievable chase.
However India never looked out of control during the chase maintaining a steady scoring rate throughout even as wickets fell at intervals.
The game turned in India’s favour thanks to a sensational innings from Washington Sundar. Coming in at a tricky time in the middle order, Sundar displayed sheer power and timing blasting 49 runs off just 23 balls. His four towering sixes gave India the momentum they needed while also keeping them ahead of the required run rate.
While Sundar stole the show, Jitesh Sharma played a calm, supporting role scoring 22 not out to see India home.
Australia’s bowling looked weakened without Josh Hazlewood who missed the match due to injury. Replacement Sean Abbott appeared a bit rusty, and the visitors struggled to keep India in check. Nathan Ellis, however, had a good day with the ball, taking 3 crucial wickets for 36 runs, while Xavier Bartlett chipped in with 1/30.
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Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma and others played responsible innings ensuring India never fell behind the required run rate.
Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah provided balance with bowling and fielding support.
Australia led by Mitchell Marsh gave it their all for sure. But it was India’s aggressive yet calculated approach that ultimately made the difference.
Playing XI – India: Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Jitesh Sharma (w), Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah.
Playing XI – Australia: Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Josh Inglis (w), Tim David, Mitchell Owen, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Short, Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Matthew Kuhnemann.