Hobart turned blue on Sunday night as India’s men’s T20 cricket team returned to Tasmania for the first time in 17 years, defeating Australia by five wickets and reigniting excitement across the Indian diaspora.
Honorary Consul of India in Tasmania, Dr Navpreet Kaur, described it as “an incredible game and magnificent win for India Team,” saying she was honoured to witness a “historic moment” for both nations.
Dr Kaur attended the match alongside Consul General of India in Melbourne Dr Sushil Kumar, Deputy Premier Guy Barnett, Sports Minister Nick Duigan, Treasurer Eric Abetz, Minister Jane Howlett, Clarence Mayor Brendan Blomeley, Deputy Lord Mayor Dr Zelinda Sherlock, Cricket Tasmania Chair Tim Scott, and CEO Dominic Baker.
“The presence of around 12,000 spectacular spectators, record-breaking presale tickets and beautiful weather was just perfect for the moment,” she said, adding that the event also strengthened opportunities for tourism between India and Tasmania. Among the guests were Tourism Tasmania CEO Sarah Clark, Indian fashion photographer Atul Kasbekar, and Sarah Tendulkar.
On the field, India chased down Australia’s 6-186 with nine balls to spare. Washington Sundar guided the visitors home with an unbeaten 49 from 23 balls after Tim David’s explosive 74 off 38 had earlier lifted Australia to a strong total. Marcus Stoinis chipped in with a 64-run knock, while Hobart local Nathan Ellis impressed with 3-36, removing openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill early.
Arshdeep Singh’s sharp left-arm bowling earned him man-of-the-match honours with figures of 3-35, while spinner Varun Chakravarthy picked up two wickets in an over. India’s win levelled the five-game series 1-1, setting up a crucial fourth match on the Gold Coast on Thursday.
Dr Kaur also congratulated India’s women’s cricket team for “the epic history they created,” expressing her eagerness to welcome them to Bellerive in February 2026.
For Tasmania, the night marked a deepening connection between sport, diplomacy, and community, with cricket once again serving as the bridge between Australia and India.
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