India vs Australia 3rd T20I: Sundar, Jitesh heroics seal victory, level series

Hobart: India secured a thrilling five-wicket victory over Australia in the third T20I at Hobart, with key contributions from Washington Sundar and Jitesh Sharma towards the end of the chase. The win levelled the five-match series at 1-1, with two games remaining.

Australia posted a competitive total of 186/6, boosted by half-centuries from Tim David (74 in 38 balls) and Marcus Stoinis (64 in 39 balls). David’s aggressive innings included eight fours and five sixes, while Stoinis added eight fours and two sixes. Early wickets by pacer Arshdeep Singh (3/35) and twin wickets from spinner Varun Chakaravarthy (2/33) helped India maintain control.

During the run chase, India started strongly with opener Abhishek Sharma smashing 25 off 16 balls, followed by captain Suryakumar Yadav’s quick 24 off 11 balls. However, India faced wickets falling at regular intervals and found themselves in a precarious position at 145/5 after 14.2 overs.

Washington Sundar’s unbeaten 49 off 23 balls, featuring three fours and four sixes, alongside Jitesh Sharma’s steady 22 not out off 13 deliveries, guided India to victory with five wickets and nine balls to spare. Jitesh sealed the chase with a boundary, keeping the series alive.

The match featured pivotal moments, including Suryakumar Yadav’s arrival at the crease with intent and timely dismissals by Australia’s Nathan Ellis, who was the top wicket-taker with 3/36. The partnership between Sundar and Jitesh provided the much-needed momentum in a challenging chase.

Earlier, Australia’s innings displayed power hitting interspersed with important partnerships, while India’s bowling attack, led by Arshdeep Singh’s effective comeback spell, kept the hosts in check at crucial stages.

Brief Scores:

Australia 186/6 in 20 overs (Tim David 74, Marcus Stoinis 64; Arshdeep Singh 3/35)

India 188/5 in 18.3 overs (Washington Sundar 49*, Tilak Varma 29, Nathan Ellis 3/36).