India vs Australia 4th T20I: India secured a decisive 20-run victory over Australia in the fourth T20I, played at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur on Friday, to clinch the series with one match remaining. The victory was powered by stellar performances from India’s spin duo of Axar Patel and Ravi Bishnoi, who combined to dismantle Australia’s middle order and restrict them to a score of 154/7.
India’s Steady Start: India vs Australia 4th T20I
After being put into bat by Australia, India got off to a steady start, with openers Ruturaj Gaikwad and Yashasvi Jaiswal putting on a solid 50-run partnership for the first wicket. Gaikwad, in particular, looked in good touch, scoring a brisk 32 runs off 28 balls.
Middle Order Wobble
However, India’s middle order faltered again, with Suryakumar Yadav and Shreyas Iyer falling quickly. Yadav, who had been in exceptional form throughout the series, was dismissed for a well-made 23 runs off 19 balls, while Iyer departed for a quickfire 11 runs off 7 balls.
Rinku Singh and Jitesh Sharma’s Rescue Act
Rinku Singh and Jitesh Sharma then steadied the innings with a crucial 56-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Singh, playing a more attacking role, smashed 46 runs off 29 balls, while Sharma provided valuable support with a composed 35 runs off 22 balls.
Late Order Collapse
Despite their efforts, India lost wickets in a cluster towards the end, with Deepak Chahar, Ravi Bishnoi, and Avesh Khan falling quickly. As a result, India finished their innings with a total of 174/9 from their allotted 20 overs.
Australia’s Blistering Start Followed by Spinners’ Dominance
Australia, chasing a tricky target of 175, got off to a blistering start, courtesy of a fiery innings from Travis Head. The left-hander smashed 22 runs off the third over from Deepak Chahar, setting the tone for Australia’s chase.
However, the introduction of spinners Ravi Bishnoi and Axar Patel turned the game on its head. Bishnoi, in particular, was exceptional, bowling an economical spell and picking up two crucial wickets. Patel, too, chipped in with a wicket, and together they slowed down Australia’s scoring rate.
Australia’s Middle Order Falters
Australia’s middle order failed to capitalize on Head’s early fireworks, and wickets fell regularly. Glenn Maxwell and Matthew Wade provided some late resistance, but it was too little too late as Australia fell short by 20 runs.
Key Takeaways
- India’s spinners, Axar Patel and Ravi Bishnoi, were the stars of the show.
- Travis Head gave Australia a blistering start, but their middle order failed to capitalize.
- India’s lower-order collapse didn’t cost them the match as they defended their total comfortably.
Match Details
- Toss: Australia won the toss and elected to bowl first.
- India: 174/9 (20 overs) – Rinku Singh 46 (29), Jitesh Sharma 35 (22), Ruturaj Gaikwad 32 (28)
- Australia: 154/7 (20 overs) – Travis Head 31 (16), Glenn Maxwell 36 (19), Matthew Wade 36* (19)
- Result: India won by 20 runs.
- Man of the Match: Axar Patel (India)
