Spinners bowl India to big win over Australia on Gold Coast

In a thrilling display of spin bowling, India clinched a commanding 48-run victory over Australia in the fourth T20I at Carrara Stadium on the Gold Coast. The match, held on Thursday, saw India’s spinners orchestrate a remarkable collapse of the Australian batting lineup, taking six crucial wickets and restricting the hosts to a mere 119 runs in their pursuit of 168. Washington Sundar, making his bowling debut in the series, delivered a standout performance with figures of 3-3 in just 1.2 overs, while Axar Patel contributed significantly with 2-20. Australia, after a promising start, lost their last nine wickets for a paltry 52 runs, crumbling under the pressure of India’s spin attack. Earlier in the match, Australia’s Adam Zampa and Nathan Ellis had each claimed three wickets, limiting India to what initially seemed a modest total of 167-8. However, India’s batsmen, led by Shubman Gill’s 46, laid a solid foundation, allowing the spinners to capitalize in the second innings. Patel, named Man of the Match, also chipped in with an unbeaten 21 runs. With this win, India now leads the series 2-1 heading into the final match in Brisbane. Australian captain Mitchell Marsh acknowledged India’s prowess, stating, ‘Fair play to India, they are a world-class team.’ The series outcome now hinges on the fifth T20I, where Australia will aim to level the series.