NEW DELHI: India defended a modest total with a stifling bowling performance to defeat Australia by 48 runs in the fourth T20 International at Carrara Oval, Queensland on Thursday, taking an unassailable 2-1 lead in the five-match series. The result marked another impressive show of composure and balance under captain Suryakumar Yadav.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!After posting 167 for 8 on a challenging surface, India’s bowlers delivered in style. Washington Sundar (3/3) was outstanding at the death, while Axar Patel (2/20) and Shivam Dube (2/20) kept the hosts in check during the middle overs. Australia, chasing 168, folded for 119 in 18.2 overs despite a brisk start from openers Matthew Short and Mitchell Marsh.
Axar and Dube trigger Australian collapseAfter Australia raced to 37 inside five overs, Axar Patel provided the breakthrough by trapping Matthew Short (25 off 19), opening the floodgates. Shivam Dube followed up with a double-strike, removing Mitchell Marsh (30 off 24) and Tim David (14 off 9) in consecutive overs. From 91/4, Australia’s innings crumbled under scoreboard pressure.Dube’s subtle variations proved decisive, while Axar’s ability to exploit the sluggish surface stood out. “The wicket was a bit slower, and there was unexpected bounce,” said Axar, who was named Player of the Match. “I just held my position and bowled wicket to wicket — that was the key on this surface.”Washington Sundar then mopped up the tail in a dream spell of 3 for 3, sealing India’s comprehensive win. “There was some dew, but the way they bowled was amazing,” said skipper Suryakumar Yadav. “Good to have bowlers who can give you 2-3 overs, and if needed, four overs too.”
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Marsh laments lack of partnershipsAustralian skipper Mitchell Marsh admitted that India’s bowlers adapted better to the conditions. “Around 167 was a bit hard on that wicket,” Marsh said. “The wicket provided a few challenges with the bat. We just needed a couple of partnerships, but we weren’t able to build that. Fair play to India — they’re a world-class team, especially in these conditions.”Australia’s chase lost steam after Glenn Maxwell’s stumps were shattered by Varun Chakaravarthy, while Arshdeep Singh chipped in with a timely wicket. None of the middle order batters could stay long enough to stabilise the innings, leaving India firmly in control.India’s batting effort: steady but unspectacularEarlier, India’s batting effort was steady but lacked momentum. Openers Abhishek Sharma (28 off 21) and Shubman Gill (46 off 39) gave the visitors a solid start with a 56-run stand, but wickets in clusters stalled progress. Promoted to No. 3 to counter Adam Zampa, Shivam Dube managed 22 off 18, while Suryakumar Yadav (20 off 10) looked dangerous before perishing after two quick sixes.Nathan Ellis (3/21) used his slower balls smartly to dent India’s middle order, while Zampa claimed three wickets despite conceding 45 runs. India lost four wickets for 42 runs in the final five overs but finished with a fighting total thanks to a late cameo from Axar Patel (21* off 11).“Abhishek and Shubman realised it wasn’t a 200-plus wicket. They batted smartly,” Suryakumar said. “The messages from outside were clear — play percentage cricket, take it deep. In the end, our bowlers did exactly what was needed.”Focus shifts to Brisbane finaleThe final T20I in Brisbane on Saturday will be a chance for India to continue their unbeaten record in T20I series on Australian soil, while the hosts will look to restore pride before the World Cup build-up resumes.Marsh hinted at continuity in selection: “Ideally, you’d have your full-strength side every game, but we also like giving guys opportunities leading into the World Cup. High-pressure games like this are great for exposure.”For India, Thursday’s performance underlined their growing depth and adaptability — hallmarks of a side learning to win in any conditions.
