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India rode on troika of Washington Sundar, Axar Patel and Shivam Dube to rock Australia by 48 runs in the fourth T20I in Queensland on November 6. With this India took a 2-1 lead over Australia in the five-match series with a match to spare.
India bully Australia by 48 runs in 4th T20I
Australia never looked steady while chasing a challenging target of 168. Washing Washington Sundar, Axar Patel and Shivam Dube broke Australia's back with two-fers apiece and bundled them out for mere 119.
Gill's sedate 46 takes India to 167/8
Earlier, while batting first, India huffed and puffed to a total of 167/8, largely due to a loss of momentum after the powerplay. The innings began on a promising note with openers Abhishek Sharma (28 off 21) and Shubman Gill (46 off 39) forging a 56-run partnership for the first wicket. However, the team struggled to build on this solid platform. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav (20 off 10) provided a brief burst of acceleration with two sixes before his departure, while Shivam Dube (22 off 18), who was promoted to number three to counter Adam Zampa, failed to make a significant impact.
Australia's bowlers effectively stalled India's progress, with pacer Nathan Ellis (3/21 in 4 overs) standing out as the most effective, utilizing his wide range of variations. Although spinner Adam Zampa was expensive, leaking 45 runs in his four overs, he secured the crucial wicket of the dangerous Abhishek Sharma. Sharma's dismissal came immediately after he had stepped out and hit Zampa for a maximum; attempting a repeat shot two balls later, the southpaw was caught at long on. Earlier, Sharma had been given a life off the game's second delivery when Xavier Bartlett dropped an easy catch off Ben Dwarshuis. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill, who had struggled for fluency, managed to release some pressure with a massive six off Marcus Stoinis before falling to one of Ellis's back-of-the-hand slower deliveries.
Following the openers' dismissals, the Indian innings completely lost its flow as wickets continued to fall rapidly. The team lost four wickets for just 42 runs in the final five overs, confirming the momentum shift. Only a late flurry of boundaries from Axar Patel (21 not out off 11) managed to push the total past the 160-mark, helping India reach 167 for eight, but ultimately leaving the total short of what was needed to feel competitive.
However, Australia's underwhelming batting paved the way for India's win.
Australia's promising start and dramatic collapse
Australia's pursuit of the 168-run target began with a strong, aggressive intent. Captain Mitchell Marsh led from the front, elegantly clubbing 30 off 24 balls with four boundaries. He was ably supported by his opening partner, Matthew Short, who struck a quick 25 off just 19 deliveries, helping the team race to a 37-run partnership in less than five overs. With Josh Inglis in the middle, Marsh continued the charge, motoring Australia to a commanding position of 67/1. However, the innings was derailed by a sudden and dramatic batting collapse, orchestrated by the Indian bowlers, which saw the hosts bundled out for a mere 119 in 18.2 overs.
Washington Sundar's spin artistry too much for Australia
While key players like Glenn Maxwell were dismissed cheaply, Varun Chakravarthy knocked him over for just two in his comeback game, it was the collective effort of India's bowlers that sealed the victory and gave India a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. The collapse was masterminded by the spin trio of Axar Patel (2-20), Shivam Dube (2-20), and Washington Sundar (3-3), who collectively ran through the Australian middle and lower order. Although ace pacers Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah also picked up a wicket each towards the end, the impact of the spinners was decisive in orchestrating Australia's capitulation.
Meanwhile, the fifth and final T20I between India and Australia will be played on November 8.
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