Hobart: Tim David bludgeoned the Indian bowling attack to take Australia to 186 for six in the third T20 International here Sunday.
Opting to bowl in nippy conditions, India started well courtesy Arshdeep Singh, who struck twice in a two-over spell on his return to the side.
Playing his first game of the series, India’s leading wicket taker in the format removed the dangerous Travis Head and Josh Inglis to leave Australia at 14 for two.
However, India’s early advantage was negated by David (74 off 38), who targeted every Indian bowler in an exemplary show of power-hitting. Four of his five sixes came down the ground, while one was a slap over cover off Axar Patel.
Following his dismissal, the seasoned Marcus Stoinis (64 off 39) stepped up on the offensive to take Australia to a competitive total.
Whether it was the peerless Jasprit Bumrah or mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, David just looked to dominate.
David got a reprieve batting on 20 when Washington Sundar dropped him at point off Bumrah. It was a regulation catch, though the ball literally flew towards him.
India missed the services of injured all-rounder Hardik Pandya, with Shivam Dube being taken to the cleaners by both David and Stoinis.
The sixth bowling option was Washington Sundar, but the team opted for the left-arm spin of Abhishek Sharma, who leaked 13 runs in his only over. It had more to do with no left-handers at the crease during a specific time.
After Arshdeep’s twin strike in the power play, it was Chakravarthy who put the brakes on the scoring rate by dismissing Mitchell Marsh and Mitchell Owen in successive balls. The incoming delivery to Owen, flicked through the fingers, was a peach.
Arshdeep and Bumrah closed the innings well for the visitors.
PTI
