Gold Coast: In a contest that flipped the script on the power-hitting format a combination of masterful spin and timely medium pace saw India successfully defend a seemingly modest total to defeat Australia by 48 runs, securing an unassailable 2-1 lead in the T20I series.
On a Gold Coast surface that offered a surprising flavour of the subcontinent, India’s total of 167 for 8 was transformed from “slightly light” to insurmountable, thanks to a mid-innings implosion that saw Australia lose an incredible 7 wickets for just 28 runs.
India’s Innings: Zampa and Ellis Engineer a Slowdown
The Indian innings began solidly, building a platform that reached 121 for 2 in 14 overs. Opener Shubman Gill anchored the innings top-scoring with a valuable 46 before eventually running out of partners. The anticipated late surge was expertly choked by the returning Australian duo of Adam Zampa and Nathan Ellis.
Zampa, back after a short break, struck the first blow, dismissing Abhishek Sharma with a googly. He returned to derail India’s momentum in the middle overs, taking the crucial wickets of captain Suryakumar and Jitesh Sharma to finish with an impactful 3 for 45.
The late-overs brilliance belonged to fast-bowler Nathan Ellis, whose variations were once again superb. Ellis delivered an outstanding spell of 3 for 21 off his four overs with his wide yorkers and back-of-the-hand slower balls proving impossible to put away, restricting India to a manageable target.
The Australian Collapse: Axar Ties Up the Hosts
Australia’s chase initially looked comfortable with Matthew Short and captain Mitchell Marsh getting starts. Short dominated the powerplay before being trapped in front, sweeping at a delivery from Axar Patel that was overturned via DRS.
However, once the spinners settled, the required rate skyrocketed. Axar Patel was near-unplayable, conceding a mere 20 runs off his four overs including 12 dot balls, to completely suffocate the chase. His darting left-arm spin also accounted for Josh Inglis, pushing the host side further into the mire.
Dube’s Double-Strike Seals the Fate
The turning point was delivered by medium-pacer Shivam Dube who was electric in his short spells. Dube first dismissed the dangerous Mitchell Marsh (30) with a well-disguised slower ball that was caught at deep square leg.
His most impactful moment came right after being dispatched for a massive six by Tim David. Dube immediately delivered a short, hurried bouncer which David top-edged into the covers for a simple catch. This pivotal wicket accelerated the terminal collapse.
The clean-up job was spectacular with Washington Sundar recording astonishing figures of 3 for 3. The final nail in the coffin arrived when Glenn Maxwell returning from injury, completely failed to pick a googly from Varun Chakravarthy, sealing a dominant victory for the tourists.
The result leaves a delighted crowd celebrating the series win and means Australia can now only hope for a shared trophy in the final match at The Gabba on Saturday.
Also Read | Three World Cups, Three Heroes: From Ordinary to Extraordinary
