Hobart, November 2, 2025 - India defeated Australia by five wickets in the third T20I at the Bellerive Oval, levelling the five-match series at 1-1. India's victory came after a strong batting performance, successfully chasing down Australia's total of 186/6 with nine balls to spare.
Australia, after winning the toss and electing to bat, posted a competitive total, thanks to half-centuries from Tim David (74 off 38 balls) and Marcus Stoinis (64 off 39 balls). Arshdeep Singh made an impactful return to the Indian side, taking two early wickets and finishing with figures of 3/35. Varun Chakravarthy also contributed with two wickets. Despite the wickets falling at regular intervals, Australia managed to post a challenging total.
In response, India lost Abhishek Sharma (25) and Shubman Gill (15) early in the powerplay, and Suryakumar Yadav (24) was dismissed in the eighth over, leaving India at 76/3. However, the scoring rate remained brisk. Tilak Varma (29), Axar Patel (17), Washington Sundar (49 not out) and Jitesh Sharma (22 not out) all contributed to the chase. Sundar and Sharma combined for an unbeaten 43-run partnership to guide India to victory. Nathan Ellis was the pick of the Australian bowlers, taking 3/36.
The absence of Josh Hazlewood from the Australian bowling attack was keenly felt, as the remaining bowlers struggled to contain the Indian batsmen. Although Ellis and Xavier Bartlett picked up wickets, they couldn't prevent India from maintaining a strong run rate.
Arshdeep Singh's early breakthroughs were crucial in restricting Australia's total. He dismissed both Travis Head and Josh Inglis within the first three overs. Tim David then launched a counter-attack, smashing eight fours and five sixes in his innings. Marcus Stoinis continued the momentum, hitting three boundaries in the 18th over to help Australia reach 186.
India's chase was characterized by a collective batting effort. Each of the top and middle-order batsmen reached double figures, ensuring that the scoreboard kept ticking. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, India managed to stay ahead of the required run rate and ultimately secured the win.
With the series now level, both teams will be looking to gain the upper hand in the remaining matches. India will aim to carry the momentum from this victory, while Australia will need to regroup and address their bowling concerns.
