IND vs AUS Highlights: Axar Patel, Washington Sundar spin web as India outclass Australia to take 2-1 lead

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IND vs AUS Highlights: Axar Patel’s two key breakthroughs set the tone before Washington Sundar’s late three-wicket burst sealed the deal as India (167/8) outclassed Australia (119) by 48 runs to claim a dominant 2-1 lead in the series. Meanwhile, Shivam Dube struck back brilliantly, removing Tim David just after being hit for a six, putting India firmly in command of the contest. Axar turned the game on its head with two quick wickets, dismantling Australia’s top order and shifting the momentum firmly in India’s favour during the chase.

Earlier, India posted 167/8 in their innings, a total that reflected a mix of bright starts and lost momentum. After a strong 56-run opening stand, Abhishek Sharma departed soon after the powerplay, with Shivam Dube promoted to face the spinners. Nathan Ellis broke the rhythm by removing Dube, while Shubman Gill’s sluggish 46 off 39 balls (SR 117.95) prevented India from accelerating. Suryakumar Yadav’s dismissal added to the pressure, and quick exits of Tilak Varma and Jitesh Sharma ended hopes of a 200-plus total. A late cameo from Axar Patel (21* off 11) offered some spark, but Australia’s disciplined bowling ensured India couldn’t capitalise on their early advantage.

Sanju Samson missed out once again as Australia elected to bowl first, making four changes to their XI, including the return of Glenn Maxwell, while India stuck with an unchanged lineup from the previous game. The T20I series between India and Australia is reaching a crucial stage, with just two matches remaining. The fourth T20I takes place on Thursday at Carrara Oval, Queensland, with the series currently tied at 1-1. Both teams will be eager to assert dominance before the series decider. India, however, face a few challenges, as captain Suryakumar Yadav and vice-captain Shubman Gill have struggled to find form so far, failing to deliver impactful performances. This has placed extra responsibility on Abhishek Sharma to provide explosive starts and set the tone at the top of the order in the remaining games.

Shubman has now gone six matches on the tour without registering a half-century, highlighting a concerning dip in form. His scores since the start of the ODI series read 10, 9, 24, 37*, 5, and 15. The lone bright spot came at Canberra, where he shared a steady partnership with captain Suryakumar Yadav.

Gill has struggled particularly against fuller-length deliveries that offer even slight movement, and for much of the series, he hasn’t displayed the authoritative, composed touch that has defined his batting in the past. This ongoing slump has raised questions about his ability to anchor the innings and provide the solid starts India relies on at the top of the order.

With Arshdeep Singh back in the mix, India’s bowling attack looks much stronger, even as Kuldeep Yadav has been rested to focus on the upcoming Test series against South Africa.

Team management has long faced a dilemma: Kuldeep and Arshdeep rarely feature together. When Kuldeep is included, Harshit Rana—who offers better batting depth—must also find a place. Conversely, when Arshdeep takes the field, the side often looks to include Washington Sundar, whose impact was evident in the third T20I, where his 49 off 23 balls proved decisive in India’s win.

With no Travis Head for the last two T20Is, Matthew Short is expected to open the innings with skipper Mitchell Marsh, while they will rely heavily on the firepower of Tim David in the middle. However, the return of Glenn Maxwell will also boost Australia's chances at Carrara Oval, Queensland.

Australia’s bowling unit may require some adjustments, as Sean Abbott struggled to make an impact. Either Ben Dwarshuis or Mitchell Marsh could be considered as potential replacements to strengthen the attack.

India vs Australia Squads

India: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill (VC), Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Sanju Samson (WK), Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar,

Australia: Mitchell Marsh (captain), Matthew Short, Josh Inglis (wk), Josh Phillippe (wk), Mitchell Owen, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Kuhnemann, Adam Zampa, Mahli Beardman, Benn Dwarshuis, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Marcus Stoinis.

IND vs AUS Highlights 4th T20I:

- India (167/8) beat Australia (119 all out in 18.2 overs) by 48 runs to take an unassailable 2-1 lead.

- Shivam Dube got his sweet revenge on Tim David, dismissing him right after being hit for a six.

- Axar Patel struck in the powerplay, trapping Matthew Short LBW.

- India posted 167/8 (S Gill 46; N Ellis 3/21) in 20 overs vs Australia in Gold Coast.

- Shubman Gill departed after a sluggish 46 off 39 balls at a strike rate of 117.95.

- Nathan Ellis ended Shivam Dube’s solid knock, while Shubman Gill’s slow strike rate came under scrutiny.

- Abhishek Sharma departed post powerplay, with Shivam Dube promoted up the order to counter Australia’s spin attack.

- Shubman Gill broke free in the fourth over with a couple of boundaries, while Abhishek Sharma has been kept quiet in the powerplay so far.

- Australia opted to bowl first as India stuck with an unchanged XI; Sanju Samson missed out once again.