All-rounder Washington Sundar powered India to a five-wicket win over Australia in the 3rd T20I at Hobart’s Bellerive Oval.
Washington Sundar, who was promoted to No. 6, hammered an unbeaten 49, helping India chase down 187 in 18.3 overs. He missed his half-century, with Jitesh Sharma scoring the match-winning shot. Notably, Washington Sundar didn’t bowl in the match.
Abhishek Sharma provided India a flying start before falling to Nathan Ellis. Suryakumar Yadav joined Shubman Gill, who departed after India crossed the 60-run mark in the Powerplay. Although SKY, Tilak Varma, and Axar Patel propelled India past 100, the visitors were four down. Washington Sundar, who joined Tilak, smashed a barrage of fours and sixes against Matthew Short and Matthew Kuhnemann.
Washington Sundar, who brought the required run rate significantly down, returned unbeaten on 49 off 23 balls. He hammered 3 fours and 4 sixes. Jitesh Sharma slammed an unbeaten 22 off 13 balls. As mentioned, Washington Sundar recorded his career-best score against Australia in T20I cricket.
In 55 T20Is, the Indian all-rounder has raced to 242 runs at an average of 17.28. His only half-century in the format against came against New Zealand in 2023. Washington Sundar, who didn’t bowl in Hobart, also has 48 wickets at 17.28. The off spinner has an economy rate of 6.94.
Washington Sundar showcased his growing T20 prowess as India chased down 187 to beat Australia by five wickets at the Ninja Oval. Displaying calm and power, he hit crucial sixes and later said he focuses on enjoying the game rather than chasing results or pressure. Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan was in all praise for Washington Sundar’s stellar performance vs Australia.
Irfan Pathan is in high praise of Washington Sundar for his stellar 49 vs Australia
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan applauded Washington Sundar for his match-winning knock in the third T20I against Australia. The game was played on Sunday, November 2, in Hobart.
Asked to bat first, Australia posted 186/6, with Tim David shining with a brilliant 74 off 38 balls, including eight fours and five sixes. For India, Arshdeep Singh impressed with figures of 3/35 from his four overs.
In response, Washington Sundar came in at No. 6 for the visitors and finished as the top scorer, remaining unbeaten on 49 off 23 balls with three fours and four sixes, guiding India to a five-wicket win with nine balls to spare. Praising the southpaw’s innings in a video on his YouTube channel, Irfan Pathan said:
“Washington Sundar looked like the best batter, playing his first match after making a comeback, and what a remarkable return it was.
He even got the chance to bat higher up the order and completely justified his selection. Although he didn’t bowl even a single over, his unbeaten knock of 49 runs was a match-winning innings. The way he played the short ball was exceptional.”
“Remember, Axar Patel had gotten out to a short ball, with both hands very close together, but Sundar handled those same short deliveries brilliantly, hitting big shots with ease.
His technique looked much better, and the manner in which he played, even against the spinners, when he waited and played that ball outside off straight down the ground, showed that he’s in solid form.
He was patient, composed, and fully justified his selection. His batting looked excellent, under control, and he single-handedly snatched the game away from Australia,” he added.
With this win, India leveled the five-match series 1-1, with two games remaining. Washington Sundar made his T20I debut for India against Sri Lanka in December 2017. Since then, the Tamil Nadu all-rounder has featured in 55 matches in the format. ‘The off spinner has picked up 48 wickets in 52 innings at an average of 23.50, a strike rate of 20.3, and an economy rate of 6.94, with best figures of 3/15.
With the bat, the southpaw has scored 242 runs in 23 innings at an average of 17.28 and a strike rate of 132.96, including a half-century with a top score of 50. The two teams will face off again in the fourth T20I on Wednesday, November 5, at the Bill Pippen Oval in Gold Coast.
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