India secure crucial lead in T20I series as bowlers carve wonder-win over Australia

An incredible turnaround of affairs saw Team India surge ahead for the first time in the ongoing T20I series as they bested Australia in a modest scoring encounter. Winning the toss, Australia opted to bowl first in Gold Coast in the fourth T20I of the ongoing five-match series.

The two Indian openers, Abhishek Sharma (28) and Shubman Gill (46) got India off to a roaring start. The duo added 56 runs for the opening stand before Adam Zampa could get the better of Sharma. Shivam Dube’s surprise promotion saw him walk out at number three.

Dube (22) did get a start but couldn’t capitalise on it. Nathan Ellis rattled the partnership, removing the southpaw. However, that did very little to deter the Indian spirits. Suryakumar Yadav walked out in the center with the same intent that he showed in the last game.

However, India’s pyrotechnics were short-lived. Shubman Gill (46) and SKY (20) fell in quick succession, letting the floodgates open. Australia was quick to pounce on as they restricted India to 164/8, taking away the sting that was there earlier in the innings. A late lunge from Axar Patel (21*) saw India securing some momentum towards the end of the innings.

Australia did get a solid start in the form of Mitchell Marsh (30) and Matt Short (25). The duo added 37 runs for the opening stand but Axar Patel drew first blood for India, offering them hope. That was the start of an unprecedented Aussie collapse that no one saw coming. Josh Inglis (12) kept the wheels going alongside Marsh but it wasn’t enough.

Axar Patel removed Short and Shivam Dube struck in quick succession as he sent Mitch Marsh packing. That was the beginning of the end for the Australians. Tim David (14), Josh Philippe (10), Marcus Stoinis (17), Glenn Maxwell (2) were dismissed in no time and the Indian bowlers had the hosts under the pump very quickly.

From 67/1, Australia were bundled out for 119. Washington Sundar chimed in with three wickets while Shivam Dube and Axar Patel. Axar secured the Player of the Match for his all-round performance as India surged ahead 2-1 in the series.