Indian Spinners Crush Australia’s Power Start to Seal Dominant Win in Fourth T20I
A high-quality all-round bowling performance, headlined by Axar Patel and Washington Sundar, saw India defend 167 to beat Australia by 48 runs and lead the series 2–1.
Spin Strikes Back
A masterclass in spin bowling turned the tide in favour of India in the fourth T20I at the Carrara Oval. The Indian tweakers invariably took away the momentum created by an Aussie flying start during the powerplay, thus triggering a spectacular collapse as Australia were bowled out for just 119 to chase 168.
Earlier, India had posted 167 for 8, thanks to a composed 46 from Shubman Gill and handy lower-order contributions. Though the total looked slightly below par on a good batting surface, India’s bowlers ensured it was more than enough.
Once the field restrictions eased, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar created an inescapable web for the Australian middle order with 2 for 20 and 3 for 3 in just 1.2 overs respectively and also, the tight lines of Varun Chakravarthy added more pressure on them. The spinners shared six wickets between themselves fully choking Australia’s momentum.
What had promised to be a tantalizing chase, with Australia sailing past 60 runs in the powerplay, soon turned into a disaster. None of their middle-order batsmen could cope with India’s disciplined spin attack, and the innings crumbled in front of relentless pressure.
Sydney Sixers captain Mitchell Marsh admitted after the game that India’s bowling was simply on another level, praising their control and precision.
This victory not only gave India a winning margin of comfort but also earned them an important 2–1 lead in the five-match series. As they head into the final encounter, the confidence of India is soaring on the wings of spin, strategy, and steely compos
