In the fourth match of the India tour of Australia 2025, India defeated Australia by 48 runs at the Carrara Oval in Queensland.
Australia won the toss and decided to field, giving India the opportunity to bat first on a sluggish Queensland surface. The Indian openers, Abhishek Sharma (28) and Shubman Gill (46), got off to a strong start in the powerplay. While Abhishek profited from a dropped catch early on, he was unable to completely capitalise, making it tough to play his customary aggressive style. He still managed three fours and one six. Gill, who played the anchor’s job admirably, also hit four fours and a six, proving his doubters on X (previously Twitter) incorrect.
At number three, Shivam Dube (22) batted well, while skipper Suryakumar Yadav (20) attempted to accelerate from the start but was unable to bat deep. Axar Patel (21) concluded powerfully in the final over, smashing a four and a six to lead India to a competitive 167/8.
Chasing 168, Australia began brightly, with Mitchell Marsh (30) and Matthew Short (25) putting on a 37-run opening stand. However, following Short’s dismissal, the run rate slowed, and the Australian batters struggled to adapt to the conditions. While the top six batters scored in double figures, none of the middle and lower-order batters were able to contribute in the death overs. Australia collapsed dramatically, going from 70/3 in 9.2 overs to all out for 119 in 18.2 overs, giving India an overwhelming victory.
The Indian bowlers delivered an outstanding all-round performance, with each bowler contributing with wickets. Axar ruptured the first strong partnership by dismissing Short, and shortly afterwards he also removed Josh Inglis. Shivam Dube was also effective with the ball, taking important wickets of Mitchell Marsh and Tim David. Despite bowling only 1.2 overs, Washington Sundar stood out by taking three crucial wickets. The remaining wickets were shared by Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, and Varun Chakaravarthy, ensuring a balanced bowling effort.
Adam Zampa and Nathan Ellis were Australia’s standout bowlers, each taking three wickets. Ellis also stood out with his economy, giving up only 21 runs. Xavier Bartlett and Marcus Stoinis each claimed a wicket too.
Axar Patel was adjudged Player of the Match for his brilliant all round performance. With this dominant performance, India take a 2-1 lead in the series with one game remaining.
Scorecard:
India: 167/8, Overs 20, Shubman Gill 46, Nathan Ellis 3/21
Australia: 119/10, Overs 18.2, Mitchell Marsh 30, Washington Sundar 3/3
