Spin surge powers India to commanding win on the Gold Coast
BRISBANE: India produced a sensational bowling display to claim a 48-run victory over Australia in the fourth T20I on the Gold Coast, securing a 2-1 lead heading into Saturday’s series decider in Brisbane.
Defending what initially looked like a modest total of 167/8, India unleashed a spin-powered fightback to bundle out the hosts for just 119. Washington Sundar, playing his first match of the series, was the star with a remarkable 3–3 in just 1.2 overs, while Axar Patel’s tight spell earned him 2–20. The duo dismantled Australia’s middle order, triggering a dramatic collapse of nine wickets for just 52 runs at Carrara Stadium.
Australia’s chase started steadily, reaching 60/1 with only Matt Short (25) dismissed, but India’s spinners seized control as pressure mounted. Even the returning Glenn Maxwell couldn’t rescue the innings, bowled by Varun Chakravarthy for just two as hopes faded.
Earlier, Adam Zampa and Nathan Ellis shared six wickets to keep India to a competitive but far from daunting score after Australia chose to field. Yet, the visitors’ resilience and tactical brilliance in the second innings proved decisive, putting them firmly in the driver’s seat ahead of a high-stakes finale.
