India secured a 2-1 lead in the five-match T20 International series against Australia with a 48-run victory in the fourth T20I at Carrara on Thursday. Defending a seemingly modest total of 167, the Indian bowling unit delivered an incredible performance, collapsing the Australian chase for just 119 in 18.2 overs. The team's balance and adaptability on a challenging surface were put to test, and the unit came out victorious.
The victory walked on the shoulders of India's bowlers, particularly the all-rounders. Axar Patel and Shivam Dube were the architects of the Australian collapse in the middle overs, taking two crucial wickets each. After openers Matthew Short , 25 and Mitchell Marsh, 30 provided a brisk start, Axar provided the breakthrough, trapping Short in the PowerPlay. Dube followed up with a double-strike, removing Marsh and the dangerous Tim David, 14 in consecutive overs, changing the complexion of the game. Washington Sundar then brilliantly mopped up the tail finishing with figures of 3 for 3.
Axar Patel was named Player of the Match for his dual contribution. With the bat, his late cameo of 21 not out off 11 balls pushed India past the 160-mark, a total that proved challenging on the sluggish pitch. With the ball, he was immaculate, conceding just 20 runs off his four overs and bowling 12 dot balls. Axar credited the conditions, saying, “The wicket was a bit slower, and there was unexpected bounce. I just held my position and bowled wicket to wicket, that was the key on this surface.”
Earlier, India's batting effort was steady but unspectacular. Openers Shubman Gill, 46 off 39 and Abhishek Sharma, 28 off 21 established a 56-run opening stand, but the innings lacked momentum thereafter. Despite useful contributions from Shivam Dube, 22 off 18 and skipper Suryakumar Yadav, 20 off 10, India lost four wickets for 42 runs in the final five overs. Australian pacers Nathan Ellis, 3/21and Adam Zampa, 3/45 were effective in denting India's middle order and keeping the total in check.
Australia's captain Mitchell Marsh admitted that India’s bowlers adapted better to the conditions, noting, "Around 167 was a bit hard on that wicket... 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." The final T20I in Brisbane on November 8 will now be a chance for India to complete a series win, while the hosts look to restore some pride before their World Cup preparations resume.
