Washington shines with the bat after being denied a bowling spell; India levels the series 1-1
Arshdeep named Player of the Match for brilliant spell
Hobart: India pulled off a fine five-wicket victory against hosts Australia in the third T20I on Sunday, chasing down a target of 187 with nine balls to spare to level the five-match series 1-1. Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh (4-0-35-3) starred with the ball, while all-rounder Washington Sundar (49* off 23 balls, 4 sixes, 3 fours) powered India home with the bat after not being given a chance to bowl.
Arshdeep dismissed three key batsmen — Travis Head (6), wicketkeeper Josh Inglis (1), and Marcus Stoinis (64 off 39 balls, 2 sixes, 8 fours). Though Washington did not bowl, his attacking knock proved decisive in India’s chase.
India reached 188/5 in 18.3 overs, thanks also to useful contributions from Abhishek Sharma (25), Shubman Gill (15), Suryakumar Yadav (24), Tilak Varma (29), and Axar Patel (17). Wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma provided crucial support with an unbeaten 22, guiding India to victory alongside Sundar. Australian pacer Nathan Ellis (3 for 36) was the standout performer with the ball but could not prevent defeat.
Also read: Men’s Cricket: David and Stoinis Power Australia to 186/6, India Under Pressure
Earlier, Australia had posted 186/6, driven by Tim David’s 74 and Marcus Stoinis’s 64. Apart from Arshdeep’s three wickets, Varun Chakaravarthy claimed two, and Shivam Dube picked one. Bumrah, Axar, and Abhishek went wicketless.
The teams will now enjoy a three-day break before facing off in the fourth T20I at Cairns on Thursday (1:45 PM local time).