India's spinners orchestrated a dramatic collapse as Australia lost their last nine wickets for just 52 runs, handing the visitors a 48-run victory in the third T20 international on the Gold Coast. The win gives India a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.
Batting first, India posted 8-167, with opener Shubman Gill top-scoring with 46 off 39 balls. Australia's reply started strongly at 1-67, but left-arm spinner Axar Patel (2-20) and Varun Chakravarthy (1-26) applied the brakes. The required run rate climbed, and Australia were eventually bowled out for 119 in 18.2 overs.
Australian legend Mark Waugh summed up the collapse with one word: 'disappointing.' He noted the surface was even and said Australia would be unhappy with their batting performance after being 1-67. Captain Mitch Marsh (30) and Matt Short (25) provided early momentum, but the middle order faltered.
Patel, named man of the match, said bowling wicket to wicket was crucial in the conditions. Washington Sundar's double strike, including the wicket of Marcus Stoinis, sealed the match for India. Earlier, seamer Nathan Ellis (3-21) and legspinner Adam Zampa (3-45) had restricted India after they were 2-121 at the end of 14 overs.
Australia made four changes for the match, including the return of Glenn Maxwell from a wrist injury, but he managed just two runs. The series moves to the Gabba on Saturday for the final match, where Australia must win to level the series.
