Daijiworld Media Network - Hobart
Hobart, Nov 2: An electrifying unbeaten 49 off just 23 balls from Washington Sundar propelled India to a thrilling five-wicket victory over Australia in the third T20I at the Bellerive Oval on Sunday, levelling the five-match series 1-1.
Chasing 187, India found contributions from several batters, but it was Sundar’s late fireworks—featuring three fours and four sixes—that sealed the win with nine balls to spare, handing Australia their first T20I defeat at Hobart.
Australia, led by Tim David’s 74 (38) and Marcus Stoinis’ 64 (39), had posted 186/6 after opting to bat. However, Arshdeep Singh (3/35) and Varun Chakaravarthy (2/33) kept the hosts in check with crucial breakthroughs and tight death bowling.
India’s chase began briskly as Abhishek Sharma struck early boundaries off Xavier Bartlett and Sean Abbott, but Nathan Ellis (3/36) brought Australia back by dismissing both openers in quick succession. Suryakumar Yadav steadied the innings with a quick cameo, but wickets continued to fall, leaving India needing 60 runs off the final six overs.
That’s when Sundar shifted gears. He launched a blistering counterattack, hammering Ellis and Matthew Kuhnemann before taking 19 runs off a single Sean Abbott over, including two sixes and a crisp drive through extra cover.
Despite Tilak Varma’s dismissal, Sundar kept his composure, finding an able partner in Jitesh Sharma, who chipped in with a flurry of boundaries. The duo finished the job in style—Jitesh sealing victory with a lofted drive over extra cover.
Earlier, Australia’s innings revolved around the explosive partnership between David and Stoinis. David’s assault included eight fours and five sixes, highlighted by a 129-metre six that landed on the stadium roof. Stoinis supported with powerful stroke play before both fell in quick succession as India clawed back through disciplined bowling from Chakaravarthy and Arshdeep.
Arshdeep and Jasprit Bumrah were clinical at the death, conceding just 16 runs in the final two overs, preventing Australia from crossing the 190 mark.
With this win, India not only ended Australia’s winning streak at Hobart but also reignited the series heading into the fourth T20I.
Brief Scores:
Australia 186/6 (Tim David 74, Marcus Stoinis 64; Arshdeep Singh 3/35, Varun Chakaravarthy 2/33)
India 188/5 in 18.3 overs (Washington Sundar 49, Tilak Varma 29; Nathan Ellis 3/36, Marcus Stoinis 1/22)*
Result: India won by five wickets.