India won the toss and decided to field first in the third T20I against Australia at Bellerive Oval, Hobart. With Australia leading the five-match series 1–0, this encounter is crucial for India to keep the series alive.
Varun Chakaravarthy made an impressive start by taking two quick wickets. He dismissed Mitchell Marsh for 11, caught by Tilak Varma at long-off, and bowled Mitchell Owen for a golden duck on the next delivery. Arshdeep Singh also delivered early breakthroughs for India.
Tim David launched a fierce counterattack, reaching a 23-ball fifty and propelling Australia forward. His aggressive play stabilized the innings after early setbacks.
“Tim David unleashed a blistering 23-ball 50 for Australia after Varun Chakaravarthy and Arshdeep Singh struck early for India.”
Marcus Stoinis further strengthened Australia’s innings, smashing three consecutive boundaries off Arshdeep Singh to complete his half-century. Earlier, he survived a close call when Rinku Singh’s low catch was ruled “not out” after the third umpire confirmed the ball had touched the ground.
Matthew Short added momentum with a six off Abhishek Sharma, though Arshdeep Singh couldn’t hold the catch at the boundary. Later, Shivam Dube provided a crucial breakthrough by dismissing Tim David for a brilliant 74 off 38 balls; his attempted loft found Tilak Varma at long-off.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav is seeking redemption after India’s batting collapse in Melbourne. Critics, including Srikkanth, have questioned the team’s batting order, demanding a stronger performance in this crucial contest.
Author’s Summary: Tim David’s explosive innings and Stoinis’s resilience gave Australia the edge as India’s bowlers sought to regain control in a tense third T20I at Hobart.