After no-show with ball, batter Washington Sundar helps India level series amid tactical blunders

After being unused with the ball, Washington Sundar stepped up with the bat and scored an unbeaten 49 to help India win by 5 wickets

Washington Sundar single-handedly steered India cricket team to victory against Australia in the IND vs AUS 3rd T20I in Hobart on Sunday. After not being trusted with the ball even for a single over, the batter proved his inclusion in the playing XI right with a match-winning 49-run knock off 23 deliveries. With the win in Hobart, India have now managed to level the series 1-1. The loss also marked Australia’s first at the venue.

Sundar steers India to 5-wicket win in Hobart

India got off to a flying start in the run-chase, with the aggressive Abhishek Sharma hammering 25 off 16 deliveries before he was the first batter to depart. Shubman Gill’s poor form ensued as the vice-captain was sent packing for just 15 runs. The same was for SKY as well as he was dismissed for 24 runs. Subsequently, Axar (17) and an out of touch Tilak Varma (29) were the next batters to be sent to the pavilion. It was then Sundar and Jitesh who stole the show and ensured India got across the line in what was a nail-biting game.

Jitesh Sharma aces role as finisher

Returning to the playing XI for the first time since January 2024, Jitesh aced his role as a finisher for the side. Not only did he hit the winning runs but played a handy cameo of 22 runs off 13 deliveries and stitched a crucial partnership with Sundar. Australia did have a late chance in the 18th over when Sharma attempted a big hit but was dropped by Owen off Stoinis. Eventually, Sharma sealed the game with a four to win the game while Sundar was left stranded on 49 runs.

Arshdeep shines

India finally managed to end their toss jinx with a win in Hobart and opted to bowl first. The team decided to make three changes, leaving out Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana and Sanju Samson for Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh and Jitesh Sharma. Arshdeep Singh provided India with a couple of breakthroughs in his first two overs but it was Tim David who then decided to unleash carnage on the visitors.

David steadied the ship for Australia with his 74-run knock. India’s tactics were baffling – the least to say- with captain SKY opting to not give even a single over to Sundar despite the all-rounder’s inclusion in the playing XI. In addition to that, the captain decided to give three overs to Bumrah within the powerplay, where he tasted minimum success. Stoinis then piled up more misery on India with his 64-run knock, allowing Australia to finish at 186/6 at the end of 20 overs. Eventually, India’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is – Arshdeep Singh – who was snubbed from the first two games finished with figures of 3/35 while Varun Chakravarthy managed to get 2.