Hobart, November 2 – India produced an all-round performance to defeat Australia by five wickets in the third T20 International on Sunday, levelling the five-match series 1-1. Arshdeep Singh’s fine bowling set up the victory, while Washington Sundar’s explosive batting sealed it in the closing stages.
As per agency report, chasing a target of 187 runs, India reached 188 for five in 18.3 overs, driven by an unbeaten 49 from Washington Sundar off just 23 balls, including four sixes and three fours. His unbroken 43-run partnership with Jitesh Sharma, who scored 22 not out from 13 balls, ensured India’s comfortable finish. Earlier, Tilak Varma (29), Abhishek Sharma (25), and captain Suryakumar Yadav (24) made valuable contributions to maintain the chase on track.
Washington, who did not bowl in the match, justified his selection with a decisive batting display. Nathan Ellis was Australia’s most successful bowler with three wickets for 36 runs but could not prevent defeat.
Australia, after being reduced to 74 for four by Arshdeep Singh (3 for 35) and Varun Chakravarthy (2 for 33), recovered through half-centuries from Tim David (74) and Marcus Stoinis (64). David smashed 74 off 38 balls with five sixes and eight fours, while Stoinis hit 64 from 39 balls with two sixes and eight fours, taking the hosts to 186 for six.
In reply, India started aggressively, scoring 64 runs in the powerplay but losing Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill (15). Abhishek opened his account with a six off Bartlett and struck two fours and a six off Sean Abbott before falling to Ellis. Suryakumar Yadav hit quick boundaries but was caught by Ellis at extra cover off Stoinis, while Gill was dismissed leg-before by Ellis.
Tilak Varma and Axar Patel steadied the innings, pushing the score beyond 100 before Bartlett took a stunning catch off Ellis to dismiss Axar. Washington then took charge, hitting Ellis for a six and following it up with a flurry of boundaries against Abbott. After Tilak’s dismissal at 145, India needed 35 runs from the last five overs, which Washington and Jitesh achieved comfortably.
Jitesh struck crucial boundaries off Bartlett and Ellis, while Washington launched Kuhnemann into the stands before Jitesh sealed the win with a four off Abbott.
Earlier, India won the toss and opted to bowl first. Arshdeep Singh struck early, dismissing Travis Head (6) and Josh Inglis (1) within three overs to leave Australia struggling at 14 for two. Varun Chakravarthy then removed captain Mitchell Marsh (11) and Mitchell Owen (0) off successive deliveries, tightening India’s grip.
Tim David, dropped on 20 by Washington at point off Jasprit Bumrah, made the most of the reprieve with a blistering knock, hitting straight sixes and boundaries across the field. Stoinis joined the assault, reaching his fifty with three fours off Arshdeep before falling in the final over. Despite their partnership, Australia’s total proved insufficient as India’s lower order, led by Washington Sundar, ensured a memorable chase and a series comeback.
