India’s spinners produced a stunning fightback to rout Australia by 48 runs in the fourth T20I at the Gold Coast on Thursday, sealing a 2-1 series lead ahead of the final match in Brisbane on Saturday.
Defending 167 for eight, India bowled out Australia for 119 after the hosts had looked comfortable in their chase. Bowling for the first time in the series, Washington Sundar tore through the lower order with remarkable figures of 3-3 from 1.2 overs, while fellow all-rounder Axar Patel claimed 2-20. Australia collapsed spectacularly, losing their last nine wickets for just 52 runs at Carrara Stadium.
Earlier, Adam Zampa and Nathan Ellis took three wickets each as Australia restricted India to what initially appeared a below-par total. Home captain Mitchell Marsh had elected to field after winning the toss, and his bowlers kept India in check despite a composed effort from Shubman Gill, who top-scored with 46. Abhishek Sharma added 28 and Shivam Dube 22, while Patel contributed an unbeaten 21 to lift India past 160.
Australia started strongly in reply, cruising past 60 with only opener Matt Short (25) dismissed. However, the innings unravelled swiftly as India’s spinners took control. The hosts lost three wickets for 12 runs to slump to 103 for six, and even the recalled Glenn Maxwell could not rescue them, bowled for two by Varun Chakravarthy’s final delivery of the over.
Patel was named player of the match for his all-round performance. India captain Suryakumar Yadav praised the collective effort, particularly the smart batting at the top of the order.
“The way Shubman and Abhishek started, they knew this was not a 200-220 wicket,” Suryakumar said. “They batted very smartly. It was a complete team effort from the batters.”
Australia’s captain Marsh admitted his side were outplayed. “I thought 167 was a par score but we failed to go over the line. Fair play to India, they are a world-class team,” he said.
With the first match in Canberra abandoned due to rain, Australia can now only hope to draw the series 2-2 in Brisbane on Saturday.
