India take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series after defeating Australia by 48 runs in the fourth T20 International at the Carrara Oval, Gold Coast on Thursday.
The total of 167 for 8 was successfully defended, Thanks to disciplined spells from Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Varun Chakaravarthy, who helped in dismantling Australia's chase to bowl them out for 119 in 19 overs.
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Axar, Gill lead India's charge
India began well after being sent in to bat, with Abhishek Sharma scoring 28 off 21 and Shubman Gill 46 off 39, stitching a solid 56-run stand for the opening wicket.
After a brief stutter in the middle order, cameos from Shivam Dube, 22 off 18, and skipper Suryakumar Yadav, 20 off 10, kept the scoreboard moving. Axar Patel provided the late flourish with an unbeaten 21 off 11 balls, guiding India to a competitive total. For Australia, Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa took three wickets each, while Marcus Stoinis and Xavier Bartlett chipped in with one apiece.
Sundar, Axar, Varun spin a web
Australia began the chase with intent as Mitchell Marsh- 30 off 24 and Matthew Short -25 off 19 provided early resistance. However, India's spinners soon turned the game on its head.
Axar Patel struck twice to open the floodgates, while Varun Chakaravarthy kept the pressure with tight lines and dismissed Glenn Maxwell at a crucial stage. Washington Sundar then delivered a match-winning spell, taking 3 wickets for just 3 runs in 2 overs that sealed Australia’s collapse. Jasprit Bumrah recovered from an erratic start to finish strong in the death overs, while Arshdeep Singh removed Josh Philippe early in his second spell.
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Australia buckle under pressure
Australia, despite getting off to a steady start, never managed to build on that with a big partnership. Marsh top-scored but none of the others could go past 25.
Axar Patel was named Player of the Match for an all-round show, having scored runs at a vital time down the order and returning 2 for 24 in his spell. India now lead the series 2-1 with the fifth and final T20I scheduled in Brisbane on Saturday.
