India’s men’s cricket team secured a commanding 48‑run win over Australia in the fourth T20I at Carrara Oval, Gold Coast, taking a 2‑1 lead in the five‑match series. The victory was built on a strong batting platform followed by a clinical performance from India’s spinners, who dismantled the Australian middle and lower order to seal the match well before the final over.
Batting first, India posted 167 for 8 in their 20 overs. Shubman Gill top‑scored with 46 runs, providing stability at the top of the order, while Abhishek Sharma and Shivam Dube made crucial contributions of 28 and 22 runs respectively. All‑rounder Axar Patel accelerated the innings toward the end, finishing unbeaten on 21 from 11 balls, ensuring India had a defendable total.
Australia began their chase positively, reaching 67 for 1, but the momentum shifted decisively with the introduction of India’s spinners. Axar Patel picked up two key wickets, while Washington Sundar turned the game on its head, claiming three wickets for just three runs in 1.2 overs. Australia collapsed under pressure, losing nine wickets for 52 runs and being bowled out for 119 in 18.2 overs. The spin trio’s control in the middle overs choked Australia’s scoring rate and prevented any significant partnerships from forming.
India captain Suryakumar Yadav praised the batters for setting a competitive total but credited the spinners for executing the plan to perfection. The performance highlighted India’s depth, with players across the squad stepping up at crucial moments. It also showcased the team’s ability to defend moderate totals on a pitch conducive to batting, reflecting tactical discipline and mental toughness.
The win gives India a crucial advantage in the series, positioning them just one victory away from securing the rubber on Australian soil. For Australia, the defeat exposed vulnerabilities in their batting lineup, particularly against disciplined spin in the middle overs, signaling the need to reassess strategies for the final match.
Key factors in India’s success included a strong opening partnership to lay the foundation, intelligent spin bowling that exploited the conditions, and consistent pressure that prevented Australia from building momentum. The combination of these elements ensured that India controlled the match from midway through the innings and never allowed the hosts to recover.
As the series heads into the final T20I, India will aim to consolidate their advantage and close out the contest, while Australia will be under pressure to regroup, address the batting collapse, and find ways to counter India’s spin attack effectively. The fourth T20I will be remembered for the decisive role played by India’s spinners, who turned the game firmly in their team’s favor and demonstrated their importance in high-pressure T20 encounters.
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