Washington Sundar struck an unbeaten 49 to guide India to a comfortable five-wicket victory over Australia in the third T20 international at Bellerive Oval, Hobart, on 2 November 2025, levelling the five-match series at 1-1.
Australia, sent in to bat, posted a competitive 186 for six, powered by Tim David’s explosive 74 off 38 balls and Marcus Stoinis’ 64 from 39 deliveries. Arshdeep Singh was the pick of India’s bowlers with 3 for 35.
In reply, India made light work of the chase, reaching their target with nine balls to spare. Sundar anchored the innings superbly, with valuable contributions from Abhishek Sharma (25), Shubman Gill (15) and captain Suryakumar Yadav (24). Despite losing a few wickets mid-innings, India remained in control, with Sundar finishing the job in the final overs.
“It was really important to win the toss — we had lost about 19 or 20 in a row, so good to break that streak,” said Suryakumar after the match. “It was a good team effort with both bat and ball. Very happy to be on the winning side.”
Australia, meanwhile, felt they were short of runs despite their quick start. Captain Mitchell Marsh admitted, “We were probably 20 runs short. The intent was great, Tim David was outstanding, and Stoinis showed his experience. But in T20 cricket, one or two overs can make all the difference.”
Australia missed the services of Josh Hazlewood, who has left the squad to prepare for the Ashes, with his replacement Sean Abbott conceding 56 runs in 3.3 overs.
Earlier, Arshdeep dismissed Travis Head (6) and Josh Inglis (1) early to give India a strong start, before Varun Chakravarthy’s spin removed Marsh and Mitchell Owen in successive deliveries. David, who smashed eight fours and five sixes, looked set for a century before Tilak Varma’s catch on the boundary off Shivam Dube ended his fireworks.
The two sides will meet next at the Gold Coast, before the series moves to Brisbane for the decider.
