India notched up a crucial five-wicket win over Australia in the third T20I in Hobart on October 2 to level the series at 1-1. It was Washington Sundar who helped India chase down a challenging 187-run target with his 49-run bravado.
India levels series with 5-wicket win over AUS in 3rd T20I
When the chips were down, it was Washington’s explosive 23-ball 49 late blitz which helped India get past the finish line. However, the chase was not without turbulence. After a brisk start by opener Abhishek Sharma (25 off 16), the middle order struggled, with vice-captain Shubman Gill (15) and skipper Suryakumar Yadav (24) falling after making starts. Contributions from Tilak Varma (17) and Axar Patel (29) provided necessary momentum before Washington sealed the win. Nathan Ellis proved to be the standout bowler for Australia, claiming multiple wickets, including those of the Indian openers.
David and Stoinis power Australia to strong total after Arshdeep's wizardry
As far as India's bowling is concerned, after opting to bowl first in nippy conditions, the Men in Blue made an excellent start thanks to the returning Arshdeep Singh. In just a two-over spell, India's leading wicket-taker removed the dangerous Travis Head and Josh Inglis, leaving Australia in early trouble at 14 for two. However, India's initial advantage was quickly negated by a powerful fightback led by Tim David and Marcus Stoinis. David bludgeoned the Indian attack, scoring a sensational 74 off just 38 balls, targeting every bowler, including Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakaravarthy. David was given a reprieve early on when Washington Sundar dropped a regulation catch at point off Bumrah.
Following David’s explosive dismissal, the seasoned Marcus Stoinis stepped up to take the offensive mantle, adding 64 runs off 39 balls to guide Australia to a competitive total of 186 for six. Although David and Stoinis dominated, India's spin attack did manage to pull things back briefly. Chakaravarthy put the brakes on the scoring rate by dismissing Mitchell Marsh and Mitchell Owen in successive balls, with the incoming delivery to Owen being particularly impressive. The absence of the injured Hardik Pandya was keenly felt, as the supporting bowlers—specifically Shivam Dube—were hit hard by both David and Stoinis. The team's decision to use left-arm spinner Abhishek Sharma for one over (which conceded 13 runs) was reportedly an attempt to counter the lack of left-handers at the crease.
Sundar's All-Round heroics seal it for India
Ultimately, the match belonged to India and the decisive performance of Sundar. While he managed a match-winning innings of 49 runs, his all-round involvement was significant, despite an earlier dropped catch. The win came as a big boost for India, having lost the second T20I. The action now heads to Queensland, which will host the fourth T20I between India and Australia on November 6.