India’s innings in the fourth T20I against Australia unfolded as a gripping contest between skillful bowling and resilient batting. After Australia won the toss and opted to bowl, the hosts managed to post 167 for 8 in 20 overs — a total that appeared competitive on a pitch offering extra bounce and assistance for slower deliveries. The Indian innings witnessed moments of promise and collapse in equal measure as Australia’s disciplined bowling attack kept the scoring under control.
| Batter | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abhishek Sharma | 28 | 21 | 3 | 1 | 133.33 |
| c Tim David b Adam Zampa | |||||
| Shubman Gill | 46 | 39 | 4 | 1 | 117.95 |
| b Nathan Ellis | |||||
| Shivam Dube | 22 | 18 | 1 | 1 | 122.22 |
| b Nathan Ellis | |||||
| Suryakumar Yadav (C) | 20 | 10 | 0 | 2 | 200.00 |
| c Tim David b Xavier Bartlett | |||||
| Tilak Varma | 5 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 83.33 |
| c Josh Inglis b Adam Zampa | |||||
| Jitesh Sharma (WK) | 3 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 75.00 |
| lbw b Adam Zampa | |||||
| Washington Sundar | 12 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 171.43 |
| c sub b Nathan Ellis | |||||
| Axar Patel | 21* | 11 | 2 | 1 | 190.91 |
| Arshdeep Singh | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| c Josh Philippe b Marcus Stoinis | |||||
| Varun Chakravarthy | 1* | 1 | 0 | 0 | 100.00 |
| Extras | 9 (W 6, LB 3) | ||||
Fall of Wickets: 56/1 (A. Sharma, 6.4 ov), 88/2 (S. Dube, 11.3 ov), 121/3 (S. Gill, 14.1 ov), 125/4 (S. Yadav, 15.1 ov), 131/5 (T. Varma, 16.1 ov), 136/6 (J. Sharma, 16.4 ov), 152/7 (W. Sundar, 18.4 ov), 164/8 (A. Singh, 19.4 ov)
| Bowler | O | M | R | W | Econ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ben Dwarshuis | 4 | 0 | 31 | 0 | 7.75 |
| Xavier Bartlett | 4 | 0 | 26 | 1 | 6.50 |
| Nathan Ellis | 4 | 0 | 21 | 3 | 5.25 |
| Marcus Stoinis | 4 | 0 | 41 | 1 | 10.25 |
| Adam Zampa | 4 | 0 | 45 | 3 | 11.25 |
Pitch and Conditions: Bounce, Grip, and Variable Pace
The surface at today’s venue was a lively one, characterized by uneven bounce and slower pace off the pitch. Deliveries bowled at around 120 km/h were losing nearly 20 km/h after pitching, forcing batters to adjust their timing constantly. The bounce proved deceptive — some deliveries climbed sharply, while others stayed low — creating uncertainty throughout the innings. Australia’s bowlers adapted quickly, using slower balls and cutters with precision, while India’s top order found it hard to settle into a rhythm.
Top Order: Gill Anchors, Abhishek and Dube Fall Early
Starting with positive intent, Abhishek Sharma struck a few crisp boundaries before falling to Adam Zampa for 28 off 21 balls. His dismissal at 56/1 came just when India were building momentum. At the other end, Shubman Gill played the role of stabilizer, crafting a well-paced 46 off 39 balls. Gill’s knock stood out for its composure and precise shot selection, especially against the slower bowlers. However, just as he looked set for a big score, he was bowled by Nathan Ellis at 121/3, leaving India without a set batter in the middle overs.
Shivam Dube contributed 22 off 18 balls, including two powerful boundaries, but perished while trying to accelerate. Ellis’s deceptive length and subtle change of pace once again proved effective, as Dube’s dismissal at 88/2 slowed India’s progress midway through the innings.
Middle-Order Stumble: Australia Regain Control
Skipper Suryakumar Yadav brought a spark to the innings, smashing 20 off just 10 balls, including two consecutive sixes. His aggressive approach, however, ended abruptly when Xavier Bartlett induced a mistimed lofted shot that was safely taken by Tim David. The wicket at 125/4 in the 16th over turned the tide again in Australia’s favor.
Tilak Varma (5 off 6) struggled to handle Zampa’s sharp spin and bounce, nicking behind to the keeper, while Jitesh Sharma (3 off 4) was trapped leg-before by a Zampa slider. The review confirmed the dismissal, leaving India at 136/6 with just over three overs remaining. The middle-order collapse transformed what looked like a platform for a 180-plus total into a battle for survival.
Lower Order Steadies: Axar Patel Leads Late Surge
Axar Patel played the role of a composed finisher, scoring a crucial 21 not out off 11 balls with a strike rate of 190.9. His ability to find gaps and convert singles into twos helped India squeeze valuable runs in the final overs. Axar’s late flourish, including a well-timed four and quick running between the wickets, gave India a respectable finish.
Washington Sundar added 12 runs from 7 balls — a brief but useful cameo that supported Axar during the final push. Though not a major contribution in terms of numbers, Sundar’s shot selection and intent to keep the scoreboard moving ensured India did not lose momentum after the fall of wickets. Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakravarthy chipped in towards the end, taking India to 167 by the close of the 20th over.
Australia’s Bowling Excellence
Nathan Ellis emerged as the standout performer, delivering four overs of exceptional control. His figures — 4 overs, 21 runs, and 3 wickets — reflected smart variations and tactical awareness. Ellis consistently mixed slower balls and hard lengths, exploiting both the bounce and the pitch’s unpredictable pace.
Adam Zampa, though slightly expensive, picked up three vital wickets for 45 runs. His dismissals of Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, and Jitesh Sharma came at crucial intervals, breaking India’s rhythm. The combination of pace-off bowling and strategic field placements underlined Australia’s preparation and execution.
Xavier Bartlett and Marcus Stoinis took one wicket apiece, while Ben Dwarshuis bowled economically without success. Together, the Australian bowlers maintained discipline and composure, ensuring India never managed a full-fledged acceleration.
Scorecard Summary
India – 167/8 (20 overs)
Shubman Gill 46 (39), Abhishek Sharma 28 (21), Shivam Dube 22 (18), Suryakumar Yadav 20 (10), Axar Patel 21* (11), Washington Sundar 12 (7)
Fall of Wickets: 56/1 (A. Sharma), 88/2 (S. Dube), 121/3 (S. Gill), 125/4 (S. Yadav), 131/5 (T. Varma), 136/6 (J. Sharma), 152/7 (W. Sundar), 164/8 (A. Singh)
Australia Bowling:
Nathan Ellis 4–0–21–3, Adam Zampa 4–0–45–3, Xavier Bartlett 4–0–26–1, Marcus Stoinis 4–0–41–1, Ben Dwarshuis 4–0–31–0
Analysis: Tactical Battle on a Difficult Surface
The key takeaway from India’s innings was the pitch behavior. The variable bounce and slow pace meant conventional strokeplay was always risky. The surface rewarded patience and adaptability — something Shubman Gill showed in his knock. Yet the middle-order’s failure to rotate strike and handle spin cost India momentum between overs 12 to 17, where they scored just 47 runs and lost four wickets.
Australia, on the other hand, excelled tactically. Ellis’s off-cutter and slower short balls consistently beat batters, while Zampa’s sliders and fuller lengths capitalized on indecision. Their fielding was sharp, highlighted by Tim David’s catches and quick ground coverage near the boundary. Even though Zampa conceded runs, his knack for breakthroughs proved invaluable.
What Lies Ahead: India’s Bowlers Face a Test
With 167 on the board, India’s bowlers will need early wickets to stay competitive. Arshdeep Singh’s ability to swing the new ball, coupled with Axar Patel and Washington Sundar’s control in the middle overs, could define India’s defense. Varun Chakravarthy’s role as a mystery spinner will also be crucial on this pitch, where grip and bounce are assisting slower bowlers.
For Australia, a strong top order led by Josh Philippe and Travis Head will be key. If they negotiate the first six overs without major damage, they will back themselves to chase the target comfortably. However, any early breakthroughs by India could shift the momentum again, as this surface is not conducive to fluent strokeplay under lights.
The game remains delicately poised — 167 is neither too high nor too low, but enough to test both temperament and skill. With India looking to maintain their lead in the series, and Australia determined to bounce back, the second innings promises a fascinating contest of execution and nerve.
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