IND vs AUS: Who said what after the third T20I in Hobart

Arshdeep Singh won Player of the Match in the third IND vs AUS T20I.

Indian Cricket Team outplayed Australian Cricket Team by five wickets in the third T20I at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart on Sunday, November 2, to make a comeback in the five-match series. The Suryakumar Yadav & Co. chased a 187-run target in 18.3 overs in the clash to level the series 1-1.

Opting to bowl first, Arshdeep Singh took India off to a great start, putting Australia’s top order under pressure, dismissing Travis Head (6), Josh Inglis (1). Mitchell Marsh (11) also fell cheaply as the hosts were under pressure. However, Tim David (74) and Marcus Stoinis (64) ensured that they brought their side back in the game. With unbeaten 26 runs by Matthew Short towards the end, the hosts finished with 186/6.

India, who displayed a dismal batting show in the previous game, made a brilliant comeback in the chase, despite losing openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill in the powerplay. Maintaining run rate of almost 10+, the visitors reached 145/5 in the 15th over. After that, Washington Sundar (49*) and Jitesh Sharma (22*) took the team home with their unbeaten stand of 43 runs.

Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah are a fantastic pair- Suryakumar Yadav after India’s victory in Hobart

Speaking in the post-match presentation, Indian captain Suryakumar heaped praise on pacer Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, terming them a lethal combination in bowling. He also responded to winning the toss after a long time.

“Yes, they’re a fantastic pair (Bumrah and Arshdeep)- a bit like Shubman and Abhishek up top. Bumrah does his job quietly, keeps it tight, and Arshdeep capitalizes from the other end. Together, they’re a really lethal combination,” he said.

“Yes, it felt like we’d lost 19 or 20 tosses in a row, so it was great to break that streak. Winning the toss was important today, and I’m really happy with how the team performed. (On the changes working) Absolutely. Those guys were practising really hard and waiting for their chance. Washi (Washington Sundar) showed great flexibility, Jitesh contributed well, and Arshdeep was outstanding. It felt like the right combination tonight,” he added.

We were probably 20 runs short: Mitchell Marsh after Australia’s defeat in Hobart

Australia captain Marsh felt that Australia were 20 runs short in the match, and praised India for their bowling show. He also revealed that Glenn Maxwell is fit and available for the next game. Maxwell joined Australia’s squad ahead of the third T20I.

“Yeah, we were probably 20 runs short. Credit to India – they bowled really well. We gave it our best in the field, but they deserved the win. (Learnings from having to bat first) We just needed those extra 20 runs. I liked the intent from our batters, especially Tim David, who came in after early wickets and played superbly. Stoinis too showed great experience at the end. In T20s, small margins one or two good overs or bad overs – can change everything,” he stated.

“He (Maxwell) was close (to playing) today but not quite ready. Hopefully he’ll be fit and available for Thursday. He’s such an experienced T20 campaigner – we’d love to have him back,” he added.

It feels great to contribute when I get the chance: Arshdeep Singh

Arshdeep, who was adjudged Player of the Match for his three-wicket haul, said it was great to contribute after getting an opportunity. Notably, the left-arm pacer was not picked in the previous two games.

“I’ve just been working on my process, trusting my skills, and executing the plans I’ve practised. It feels great to contribute when I get the chance. Yes (enjoying bowling to aggressive batters), definitely. When someone is coming hard at you, there’s always a chance to pick up wickets,” he said.

“And when someone like Bumrah is bowling from the other end, batters often take more risks against me, that gives me wicket-taking opportunities. I just try to enjoy my bowling and keep my plans simple. No matter the situation – powerplay or death – I just focus on execution and stick to what I’ve practised,” he added.

Meanwhile, both sides will now travel to Gold Coast for the fourth T20I at Bill Pippen Oval, which is scheduled to be played on November 6 (Thursday). The five-match series is tied 1-1 after three games. Earlier, the opening game was washed out due to rain, while Australia won the second clash by four wickets.

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