India Secures Convincing Victory as Australia Collapses in T20 Series
India has taken a 2-1 lead in the T20 series against Australia after a dominant 48-run win at Gold Coast's Carrara Oval on Thursday evening.
Australia’s Batting Collapse
Chasing 168 runs, Australia looked steady at 1-67 in the ninth over. However, a sudden middle-order collapse saw them lose 9 wickets for just 52 runs, finishing all out for 119 in 18.2 overs. This was Australia's second lowest T20I total at home.
Bowling Highlights
Earlier, Indian seamers Nathan Ellis and spinner Adam Zampa, who recently welcomed his second child, each took three wickets to restrict Australia to 8-167 in 20 overs.
Key Moments in India’s Innings
- Indian opener Abhishek Sharma was given an early lifeline after a dropped catch by Australian captain Mitchell Marsh, who chose to bowl first after winning the toss. Xavier Bartlett missed an easy catch on Sharma’s second ball.
- Sharma and Shubman Gill built a 56-run opening partnership before Sharma was dismissed by Zampa for 28, caught long-on just after the Powerplay ended.
- Following a six hit by Shivam Dube, Ellis struck twice in quick succession to dismiss India’s No. 3 and Gill with slower balls.
"Chasing a 168-run target for victory, the Australians were seemingly on track at 1-67 in the ninth over before a disastrous middle-order collapse."
"Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa claimed three wickets each to help restrict the tourists to 8-167 from their 20 overs."
India’s superior bowling and resilience with the bat ensured a commanding victory, putting them in a strong position in the series.
Author’s summary: India dominated the third T20 match with outstanding bowling and key batting performances, exposing a troubling middle-order collapse in Australia’s lineup.