4th T20I: Sundar, Axar, Dube help India beat Australia by 48 runs, take 2-1 lead

Washington Sundar picked remarkable figures of 3-3 while Axar Patel and Shivam Dube took two wickets each as India produced a commanding bowling performance to defeat Australia by 48 runs in the fourth T20I at Carrara Oval on Thursday and take an unassailable 2-1 lead in the five-match series.

- AGENCIES

Despite India posting a par score of 167/8 on a two-paced pitch with variable bounce, their bowlers turned the contest decisively in their favour. Each of the six bowlers used picked up at least one wicket, with Sundar, Axar and Dube proving to be standout persons.

Australia, who were well placed to chase down 168, lost their last nine wickets for just 52 runs and couldn't recover from the stranglehold imposed by India’s spin trio. From 67/1, Australia were eventually bowled out for 119 in 18.2 overs and are now in a must-win scenario for the final game in Brisbane on Saturday.

Australia began their chase with Matthew Short and Mitchell Marsh hitting six boundaries between themselves. Axar provided the breakthrough for India by trapping Short lbw after missing the ball on a sweep and came back to castle Josh Inglish. Marsh looked promising, but his innings was cut short by a slower ball from Dube and holed out to backward square leg.