AUS VS IND 3RD T20I

Right then, that’s all from this entertaining contest where India have levelled the series 1-1. The action now shifts to the Heritage Bank Stadium in Queensland for the 4th T20I, with both teams eyeing the lead. That game will be played on 6th November, Thursday, at 1.45 pm IST (8.15 am GMT), but as always, do join us early for all the build-up and pre-match chatter. Meanwhile, the cricketing action continues - the Indian openers have made a strong start in the ICC Women’s World Cup final against South Africa, so switch tabs and catch all the live coverage from that blockbuster clash. Cheers!

Suryakumar Yadav, the victorious skipper of India, expressed his delight after the win, highlighting the importance of winning the toss. He praised the team's hard work and the winning combination, particularly noting Washington Sundar's flexibility as a batter. Yadav also lauded the partnerships, mentioning Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma as 'fire and ice', while Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh were described as a lethal duo, with both bowlers executing their plans brilliantly.

Mitchell Marsh, the captain of Australia, says that they were probably 20 runs short. Adds that they tried their best with the ball, but India were too good. Mentions that he loved the intent with the bat and praises Tim David and Marcus Stoinis for the way they batted, and says that the latter showed his experience. Says that he was hoping Glenn Maxwell would have been fit for this game, but he was not, and he expects him to play in the next match.

Arshdeep Singh is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his excellent spell with the ball. He attributed his success to focusing on the process and trusting his skills. He credited Jasprit Bumrah's presence at the other end for making his job easier and expressed his enjoyment in playing for India. Singh emphasized the importance of executing his practiced skills, stating that he simply tries to have fun whenever he gets the chance to bowl.

Presentation Time...

Australia needed early wickets in the Powerplay, and while they did manage to grab a couple, they conceded far too many runs in the process. They couldn’t build sustained pressure or string together enough quiet overs, and a few missed chances only added to their woes - something rarely seen from them. Amidst all this, Nathan Ellis was a major positive, showcasing excellent variations to claim three wickets. Marcus Stoinis and Xavier Bartlett chipped in with one each, but Australia were probably 15–20 runs short of what could have made a real difference.

Earlier in the game, Australia put up an impressive total on the board, thanks to a blistering 74 off just 38 balls from Tim David. Marcus Stoinis added a fiery half-century, while Matthew Short provided the finishing touches with a quick cameo at the death. For India, Arshdeep Singh marked his return with a fine three-wicket haul and was the standout performer with the ball. Varun Chakaravarthy picked up a couple, Shivam Dube chipped in with one, and although Jasprit Bumrah went wicketless, he kept things tight with an economical spell.

While chasing, Abhishek Sharma got off to a brisk start, as he has done consistently since his international debut, but his innings was cut short by a superb short ball from Nathan Ellis. Suryakumar Yadav then found his rhythm early, playing some trademark strokes, while Shubman Gill once again struggled to make an impact, raising questions about his place in this format. SKY’s quickfire 24 off 11 gave India early momentum before he fell to a soft dismissal. Axar Patel and Tilak Varma then ensured the run rate stayed under control with regular boundaries, though neither managed to see it through. In the end, Washington Sundar produced one of his best T20I innings, staying unbeaten on 49 off 23 balls, while Jitesh Sharma provided crucial support as India sealed the chase comfortably with 9 balls to spare.

A comprehensive performance from India! They’ve bounced back in style after the defeat at the MCG, completely outplaying Australia to level the series. To add to that, this marks the first time ever that the Aussies have lost a T20I in Hobart - a result that’s bound to hurt the hosts. Also, this is now the highest successful chase for the Men in Blue against Australia in T20Is.

FOUR! INDIA LEVEL THE SERIES! On a length around off, Jitesh Sharma strides on top of the bounce of this delivery and just lofts this over cover for a boundary to seal the game. Washington Sundar is left stranded at the non-striker's end just 1 short of his half-century but he wouldn't mind one bit as India have won the game by 5 wickets.

On a length around off, Washington Sundar punches this away for a single. India needs just 3 to win now.

Full toss on off, Jitesh Sharma dabs this around backward point for one.

Sean Abbott replaces Matthew Kuhnemann. It has not been a great day for Abbott as he has conceded 51 runs in his 3 overs.

On a length around off, Washington Sundar lofts this behind Mitchell Marsh at cover for a couple.

Bumper, on leg, Jitesh Sharma hooks this to fine leg for one.

Good length around off, Washington Sundar tucks this to mid-wicket for one.

On a length around middle and off, Washington Sundar smashes this past the bowler to his right for a couple. Stoinis does well to get his body away from the line of this.