Sundar shines as India level T20 series with Australia in Sydney
All-round brilliance from Washington Sundar powers India to a thrilling five-wicket win in Hobart, leveling the series 1-1 with two matches remaining
Washington Sundar’s explosive unbeaten 49 off just 23 balls guided India to a commanding five-wicket victory over Australia in the third Twenty20 at Hobart on Sunday, leveling the five-match series 1-1.
The all-rounder’s fearless batting display under pressure ensured India chased down Australia’s challenging total of 186 with an over to spare, bringing renewed momentum to the visitors after their earlier loss in Melbourne.
Earlier, Australia posted 186-6 in their 20 overs, driven by a stunning 38-ball 74 from Tim David and a composed 64 from Marcus Stoinis. David, who was playing on his home ground in Hobart, delighted local fans with an array of powerful shots that included eight fours and five sixes.
His aggressive batting helped Australia recover from early setbacks after left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh struck twice in his opening spell, removing Travis Head and Josh Inglis.
Spinner Varun Chakravarthy later turned the game in India’s favor with consecutive breakthroughs, dismissing Mitchell Marsh and Mitchell Owen.
However, David and Stoinis rebuilt Australia’s innings, putting India’s bowlers under pressure with a brisk partnership before a brilliant boundary catch from Tilak Varma ended David’s spectacular knock. Arshdeep finished with figures of 3-35, providing India with vital breakthroughs at key moments.
In reply, India showed confidence and control from the start. Openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill provided a steady foundation before both fell to local pacer Nathan Ellis, who impressed with 3-36.
Despite those early wickets, India remained composed in their chase, thanks to crucial contributions from Tilak Varma (29) and Jitesh Sharma (22 not out).
Sundar entered the crease with India needing quick runs and immediately took charge, smashing four sixes and three boundaries in his blistering innings.
His aggressive intent and calm composure under pressure turned the game decisively in India’s favor. Alongside Jitesh Sharma, Sundar stitched an unbeaten partnership of 34 runs that sealed the win with ease.
Skipper Suryakumar Yadav expressed his delight after the victory, highlighting the team’s all-round performance and the positive impact of the returning players.
“It was really important to win the toss today — we had lost around 19 in a row! I’m proud of how everyone contributed with both bat and ball. The new guys — Sundar, Arshdeep, and Jitesh — were outstanding,” he said after the match.
For Australia, the absence of Josh Hazlewood — who left the squad to prepare for the Ashes — was felt deeply, especially in the death overs.
Captain Mitch Marsh admitted his side fell short with the bat despite a spirited effort. “We probably thought we were 20 runs short when we came off. Credit to India — they bowled smartly and batted even better. They were too good tonight,” Marsh said.
The victory gave India a confidence boost heading into the final two matches of the series, with the fourth T20 scheduled to take place on Thursday at the Gold Coast.
With the series evenly poised, both teams will be looking to seize the upper hand in what promises to be a competitive finish to an entertaining series.
