3rd T20I: Washington, Arshdeep star as India beat Australia to level series

Although all-rounder Washington Sundar didn't get to bowl, he stepped up when it mattered most to smash an unbeaten 49 off 23 balls as India defeated Australia by five wickets in the third T20I at the Bellerive Oval on Sunday.

- AGENCIES

Chasing 187, India’s top seven contributed in patches, but it was Sundar’s late flourish, laced with three fours and four sixes, that sealed the win for India with nine balls remaining and levelled the five-match series 1-1. The result also marked Australia’s first defeat in six T20 Internationals at Hobart.

Despite Nathan Ellis’ three-wicket haul, Australia couldn't halt India’s momentum in the closing stages. Arshdeep Singh also played a crucial role in India’ victory by striking early and maintaining the pressure on to pick a three-fer, as Australia scored 186/6, thanks to Tim David's 74 and Marcus Stoinis’ 64.

India began their chase with intent, as Abhishek looked in fluent touch to slice Xavier Bartlett for six, before carting Sean Abbott for two fours and a six. But the momentum shifted when Nathan Ellis struck twice in quick succession - Abhishek mistimed a pull and the top-edge was caught by the keeper, while Shubman Gill was trapped lbw.