Displaying an exceptional mastery of spin bowling, India clinched an unassailable lead in the T20 series, achieving a significant 20-run triumph against Australia. Hosted in Raipur, the match was a showcase of Indian spinners’ dominance, with Axar Patel at the forefront. Their skillful performance ensured a series win for India, leading 3-1, even with one match remaining in the series.
India, after being put to bat, experienced a dramatic collapse, losing five wickets for just seven runs in the final moments, finishing at 9-174. However, the Australian side, despite a strong start, couldn’t capitalise on their early momentum. India’s spin duo, Patel and Ravi Bishnoi, applied relentless pressure, effectively derailing the Australian chase.
Patel, with an outstanding figure of 3-16, and Bishnoi, who took 1-17, were instrumental in changing the game’s dynamics. The pair’s ability to stifle the Australian batsmen in the middle overs turned the match in India’s favour. Patel’s versatility was on full display as he switched ends to take crucial wickets, including that of the dangerous Travis Head and Ben McDermott.
Australia’s chase was initially electrifying, racing to 0-40 in just three overs. However, the introduction of Patel and Bishnoi saw a dramatic shift. The Australian side struggled to maintain the initial pace, eventually ending at 7-154. Captain Matthew Wade’s unbeaten 36 and Head’s quickfire 31 were highlights for Australia, but the team couldn’t overcome the rising asking rate.
The series has been notable for its unpredictability and high-octane performances, with India clinching the first two matches and Australia making a comeback in the third. The fourth match, however, was a testament to India’s spin prowess and adaptability under challenging conditions. The fifth and final T20 in Bengaluru now becomes a chance for Australia to salvage some pride and for India to assert their dominance further.
The Australian squad, led by Wade, has seen several changes due to withdrawals, affecting their team composition. On the other hand, India, under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, has displayed depth and versatility, particularly in their bowling attack. The spinners, especially, have been the highlight of the series, underlining India’s strength in this aspect of the game.
As the teams head to Bengaluru for the final match, the focus will be on Australia’s response to India’s spin challenge and India’s pursuit of a comprehensive series win. The series has been a showcase of not just cricketing skills but also resilience and strategic acumen, setting the stage for an intriguing finale.
Qantas T20 Tour of India
- First T20: India won by two wickets
- Second T20: India won by 44 runs
- Third T20: Australia won by five wickets
- Fourth T20: December 1: India won by 20 runs
- December 3: Fifth T20, Bengaluru
Australia T20 squad: Matthew Wade (c), Aaron Hardie, Jason Behrendorff, Sean Abbott (withdrawn), Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Chris Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (withdrawn), Glenn Maxwell (withdrawn), Ben McDermott, Josh Philippe, Tanveer Sangha, Matt Short, Steve Smith (withdrawn), Marcus Stoinis (withdrawn), Kane Richardson, Adam Zampa (withdrawn)
India T20 squad: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Ruturaj Gaikwad (vc), Ishan Kishan, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Shivam Dubey, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar, Shreyas Iyer (last two matches only)
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