Ugly Collapse Leaves Aussies Facing T20 Series Loss
India secured a 2-1 lead in the T20 series after Australia suffered a disastrous batting collapse in the fourth match on Thursday night at People First Stadium. Australia's hopes were dashed during their chase on the Gold Coast, where they collapsed from 1-67 to 9-52.
Set a target of 168 runs, no Australian batter scored more than 30. Mitch Marsh top-scored with 30 runs from 24 balls, followed by Matthew Short (25 from 19), Marcus Stoinis (17 off 19), and Tim David (14 from 9). Despite promising starts, none could build a significant innings, leading to a shocking 48-run defeat in front of 20,470 fans.
Key Bowling Performances
- Axar Patel took 2 wickets for 20 runs
- Washington Sundar impressed with 3 wickets for just 3 runs
- Shivam Dube also claimed 2 wickets for 20 runs
“Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Shivam Dube tore through the Australian lineup, capitalizing on poor batting,” said commentators during the match.
Nathan Ellis continued his outstanding series, leading the Australian bowling and triggering a middle-order collapse in India’s batting lineup that initially made the chase easier for Australia.
Outlook
Australia will aim to even the series in the final game in Brisbane on Saturday after their disappointing batting performance cost them a crucial opportunity.
Shivam Dube hit a spectacular six out of the stadium, showcasing his all-round impact on the game.
#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/H5px77NuIa
Author's summary: Australia's severe batting collapse cost them the fourth T20 match, giving India a critical series lead ahead of the final game.