INDvsAUS T20I: India Beat Australia By 5 Wickets In Hobart, Series Now Tied 1-1

India defeated Australia by five wickets in the third T20I at Bellerive Oval on Sunday, levelling the five-match series 1-1 with a clinical chase of 187 in 18.3 overs. Washington Sundar’s 49 off 29 balls proved decisive, steering India from a precarious 119 for four after 12 overs to a comfortable finish. Tilak Varma (30 not out) and Jitesh Sharma provided crucial support, ensuring the required rate stayed under control. Captain Suryakumar Yadav, who won the toss and opted to bowl, praised the team’s composure, noting that collective cameos—rather than a single big knock—defined the modern T20 approach. The victory marked India’s first T20I win at this venue, injecting momentum into a transitional side missing Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

Australia’s 186 for six was built on a 120-run fifth-wicket partnership between Tim David (74 off 32) and Marcus Stoinis (64 off 36), who capitalised on three dropped catches to turn 66 for four into a competitive total. Arshdeep Singh, returning to the XI, struck early with three for 28, dismissing openers Travis Head and Matthew Short. Varun Chakravarthy claimed two in consecutive balls, removing Glenn Maxwell and Sean Abbott, but Australia’s finishers exploited short boundaries and dew to accelerate. Nathan Ellis (two for 28) was the pick of the bowlers, while debutant Mitchell Owen and stand-in Sean Abbott struggled for rhythm.

India’s chase began steadily with Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma adding 40 before wickets fell in clusters. Yadav’s brisk 24 off 11 ended in a spectacular boundary catch, and Shivam Dube followed soon after. However, Sundar’s calculated aggression—targeting the leg side with powerful pulls and drives—shifted momentum decisively. His partnership with Varma added 60 runs, pushing India ahead of the rate. Varma’s scoop for six off Ellis nearly sealed the game, but his dismissal brought Jitesh Sharma, who finished unbeaten alongside Axar Patel.

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Player of the Match Arshdeep credited his success to process and execution: “When Bumrah bowls from the other end, batters take risks against me—that gives wicket-taking chances.” His swing in the powerplay set the tone, while Chakravarthy’s mystery spin curbed Australia’s death surge. India’s fielding lapses cost them, but disciplined death bowling restricted the hosts below 200—a psychological win on a high-scoring ground.

The series now moves to Bill Pippen Oval on the Gold Coast for the fourth T20I on Thursday, with India aiming to take the lead. Australia, led by Mitchell Marsh, rued missed chances and will regroup — with Josh Hazlewood available for at least the first two games. The result highlights India’s depth in white-ball cricket, blending youth and experience effectively

As both teams eye the 2026 T20 World Cup, this win reinforces India’s adaptability under pressure. For Australia, it’s a wake-up call to tighten fielding and death bowling. The contest remains wide open, promising fireworks in the final two games.

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