New Delhi – The fourth T20I at Carrara Oval, Queensland witnessed how India Australia spinners dominate as Axar Patel and Washington Sundar orchestrated a comprehensive 48-run victory, giving India an unassailable 2-1 lead in the five-match series. The spinning duo’s exceptional performance restricted Australia to just 119 runs in 18.2 overs while chasing India’s total of 167/8, delivering a masterclass in T20 bowling.
Axar Patel set the tone with crucial early breakthroughs in the powerplay, while Washington Sundar’s devastating late spell of three wickets sealed the contest comprehensively. The victory demonstrated India’s bowling depth and tactical acumen in conditions that offered assistance to spinners.
Axar Patel’s Crucial Early Strikes
The foundation for how India Australia spinners dominate was laid by Axar Patel’s intelligent bowling during the powerplay phase. The left-arm spinner trapped Matthew Short LBW, providing India with the essential early breakthrough that disrupted Australia’s chase plans. Axar’s ability to extract bounce and maintain tight lines prevented the Australian openers from establishing momentum.
His economical spell and strategic wicket-taking proved instrumental in building pressure on the middle order. Axar also contributed significantly with the bat, remaining unbeaten on 21 off just 11 deliveries during India’s innings, showcasing his all-round value to the team in crucial moments of the match.
Washington Sundar’s Match-Winning Burst
The climax of how India Australia spinners dominate came through Washington Sundar’s brilliant three-wicket haul that shattered Australian resistance. After his explosive batting performance of 49 off 23 balls in the previous match, Sundar proved equally destructive with the ball, removing key middle-order batsmen including Marcus Stoinis.
His variations in pace and flight consistently troubled the Australian batsmen, who struggled to read his trajectory and rotations. Washington’s ability to bowl in different phases of the innings makes him an invaluable asset, and his performance at Carrara Oval exemplified his growing maturity as an all-rounder in limited-overs cricket.
Shivam Dube’s Sweet Revenge
Beyond the India Australia spinners dominate, Shivam Dube provided a memorable moment by dismissing Tim David immediately after being hit for a six. This crucial wicket demonstrated Dube’s character and ability to bounce back under pressure, putting India firmly in command when Australia threatened to build a partnership.
Dube’s contribution to how India Australia spinners dominate extended beyond this single dismissal, as his ability to bowl useful medium pace provides captain Suryakumar Yadav with an additional bowling option in the middle overs.
India’s Batting: Mixed Fortunes at 167/8
India’s innings reflected contrasting performances, with the total of 167/8 built through contributions from multiple batsmen but lacking a substantial individual score. The opening partnership between Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill produced 56 runs, providing a solid foundation before Sharma departed post-powerplay.
Shubman Gill’s innings of 46 runs off 39 balls at a strike rate of 117.95 came under scrutiny for its sluggish nature, preventing India from accelerating during crucial middle overs. His dismissal by Nathan Ellis marked his sixth consecutive match on tour without registering a half-century, highlighting concerning form issues.
Nathan Ellis Leads Australian Bowling
Australian fast bowler Nathan Ellis emerged as the most successful bowler for his team, claiming 3 wickets for 21 runs. His disciplined bowling included the crucial dismissals of Shivam Dube and Shubman Gill, temporarily halting India’s momentum. Ellis castled Gill with a delivery that exploited the batsman’s vulnerability against fuller-length balls offering movement.
Despite Ellis’s efforts and Australia’s generally disciplined bowling performance that restricted India below 200, the total proved more than adequate given how India Australia spinners dominate the chase phase.
Suryakumar and Gill’s Form Concerns
Captain Suryakumar Yadav and vice-captain Shubman Gill’s continuing struggles placed additional responsibility on other batsmen. Suryakumar’s early dismissal added pressure, while Gill’s inability to convert starts into substantial scores remained problematic. Quick exits of Tilak Varma and Jitesh Sharma further dented hopes of posting a commanding total.
These form concerns for senior batsmen made the bowlers’ performance even more critical to India’s victory.
Team Changes and Strategic Decisions
Australia made four changes to their playing XI, including Glenn Maxwell’s return, hoping to strengthen their batting depth. However, even Maxwell’s presence couldn’t prevent the collapse as India Australia spinners dominate the middle overs systematically.
India maintained an unchanged lineup from the previous match, with Sanju Samson missing out again. The decision to rest Kuldeep Yadav for the upcoming Test series against South Africa meant Arshdeep Singh’s inclusion strengthened the pace attack alongside Jasprit Bumrah.
Match Highlights and Key Moments
Several pivotal moments defined how India Australia spinners dominate this crucial encounter. Jasprit Bumrah’s economical bowling complemented the spinners, while Varun Chakaravarthy’s removal of Glenn Maxwell eliminated Australia’s most dangerous middle-order threat.
Australia’s innings featured brief resistance, notably from Marcus Stoinis and Josh Inglis, but consistent wickets prevented any substantial partnerships from developing.
Series Implications
With this comprehensive victory where India Australia spinners dominate, India has taken an unassailable 2-1 lead with one match remaining. The performance demonstrates India’s ability to win through different combinations and validates the team management’s rotation policy and strategic planning throughout the series.
