India vs Australia 3rd T20I: Washington Sundar, Jitesh Sharma Star as India Level Series 1–1 in Hobart

Hobart [Australia], Nov 2 — A composed and clinical finish from Washington Sundar and Jitesh Sharma helped India script a thrilling five-wicket victory over Australia in the third T20I at Hobart on Sunday. The duo’s cool-headed partnership under pressure levelled the five-match series 1-1, setting up an exciting final stretch for the remaining two encounters.

India’s decision to bowl first after winning the toss proved fruitful early on. Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh struck twice within the powerplay, removing both openers and putting the hosts under pressure. His spell of 3/35 was crucial in keeping Australia in check. However, Australia recovered thanks to solid middle-order partnerships. Tim David (74 off 38 balls, with eight fours and five sixes) unleashed a brutal assault on the Indian bowlers, while Marcus Stoinis (64 off 39 balls, with eight fours and two sixes) added crucial momentum. Together, they propelled Australia to a competitive 186/6 in their 20 overs despite early setbacks.

Chasing 187, India started briskly. Young opener Abhishek Sharma showed attacking intent right from the second over, dispatching Sean Abbott for two fours and a six. His fearless approach gave India the kind of start they needed in pursuit of a tall total. However, his innings ended when Nathan Ellis dismissed him for 25, continuing the pacer’s impressive record against the left-hander.

Shubman Gill, who has struggled for form in recent T20 innings, once again failed to capitalize and was trapped leg-before by Ellis for 15. Despite these early wickets, skipper Suryakumar Yadav kept the scoreboard moving with two powerful sixes in quick succession. Alongside Tilak Varma, he took India past the fifty-run mark in under five overs. Yet, just as the partnership began to look threatening, Suryakumar was caught at cover for 24 off 11 balls, leaving India at 76/3 in the eighth over.

Axar Patel joined Tilak Varma at the crease, and the pair steadied the innings for a brief period. Their partnership added some stability, but Axar’s dismissal for 17 once again halted India’s progress. At 111/4, the chase was delicately poised. That’s when Washington Sundar walked in and immediately changed the complexion of the game.

The all-rounder displayed incredible confidence, striking his second ball for a six off Nathan Ellis. He then targeted Sean Abbott in the 14th over, smashing two sixes and a four in quick succession. His calculated aggression ensured that India stayed ahead of the asking rate. Sundar’s ability to pick gaps and rotate strike effectively reduced pressure from the non-striker’s end.

However, India suffered another blow when Tilak Varma fell for 29, mistiming a scoop straight to the keeper. With 42 runs still required and only five wickets remaining, it seemed the match could go either way. That’s when Jitesh Sharma entered and delivered one of his most composed T20I innings.

The wicketkeeper-batter complemented Washington Sundar perfectly. While Sundar played the big shots, Jitesh focused on placement and running between the wickets. Their chemistry was evident as they calmly built an unbeaten 42-run partnership. Every boundary from Sundar drew cheers from the Indian supporters in Hobart, while Jitesh’s ability to find gaps and keep the strike rotating was equally vital.

In the penultimate over, Jitesh Sharma finished the job in style by driving the ball through covers for a boundary, sealing India’s win with nine balls remaining. Washington Sundar remained unbeaten on 49 off 23 balls, a knock studded with three fours and four sixes. Jitesh Sharma, too, stayed not out on 22 from 13 deliveries, showcasing immense maturity in his short yet impactful innings.

For Australia, Nathan Ellis was the standout bowler, finishing with figures of 3/36, while Bartlett and Stoinis picked up a wicket each. Despite commendable efforts from Tim David and Marcus Stoinis with the bat, the hosts could not contain India’s lower-order counterattack.

This victory was crucial for India’s young side, which showed remarkable depth and resilience. The performances of Washington Sundar and Jitesh Sharma highlighted the growing confidence among India’s emerging players. Both cricketers demonstrated that they can handle high-pressure situations and finish games against strong opponents.

With the series now tied at 1-1, the focus shifts to the fourth T20I, where India will look to build on this momentum. For Australia, it will be about regrouping quickly and finding ways to contain India’s aggressive middle and lower order, especially the in-form Sundar and Jitesh Sharma, who proved once again that they can be match-winners on any given day.