India bounced back strongly in the third T20I against Australia, clinching a five-wicket win to level the series 1-1. With three changes to the playing XI, all of them proved decisive — Arshdeep Singh’s three-wicket burst, Washington Sundar’s unbeaten 49, and Jitesh Sharma’s composed finish powered India past the hosts’ total of 186 with nine balls to spare.

Australia’s innings was highlighted by aggressive fifties from Tim David (74 off 38) and Marcus Stoinis (64 off 39), but Arshdeep’s disciplined bowling ensured they were restricted under 200.

India’s confident chase led by Washington and Jitesh

Chasing 187, India got off to a flying start as Abhishek Sharma, opening the innings, struck Xavier Bartlett and Sean Abbott for quick boundaries and a six, racing to 25 off just 16 balls before being dismissed by Nathan Ellis. Captain Suryakumar Yadav kept the tempo with two towering sixes but perished for 24, while Shubman Gill fell for 15 as India closed the powerplay at 64 for 2.

Tilak Varma and Axar Patel steadied the chase with positive strokeplay, but Ellis struck again, removing Axar for 17 and completing a three-wicket haul. At 105 for 4, India needed a strong partnership — and it came through Washington Sundar and Jitesh Sharma.

Sundar, promoted up the order, played a blistering knock filled with crisp timing and smart placement. He launched Ellis for a six, followed by a boundary off Matthew Kuhnemann, and then tore into Abbott with a four and two sixes in one over. Jitesh, who replaced Sanju Samson in the lineup, complemented him with composed strokes, including a scoop off Ellis in the 16th over.

Despite a late chance offered by Jitesh, who was dropped by Mitch Owen, the duo remained unbeaten as India completed the chase in 18.3 overs, with Washington on 49 not out (23 balls) and Jitesh on 22 not out (13 balls).

Arshdeep shines with the ball as Australia restricted to 186

Earlier, after opting to bowl first, India struck early through Arshdeep Singh, who removed Travis Head and Josh Inglis inside the powerplay. Tim David counterattacked with sixes off Axar Patel and Varun Chakaravarthy, racing to a 23-ball fifty. Marcus Stoinis joined the assault with two sixes off Shivam Dube as the pair added 45 runs for the fifth wicket.

However, India regained control in the middle overs when Varun dismissed Marsh and Owen in quick succession. Despite late fireworks from Stoinis, who brought up his half-century in 32 balls, Arshdeep’s death bowling limited the damage. His final over saw the dismissal of Stoinis, finishing with figures of 3 for 35, while Varun returned 2 for 33.

Bumrah bowled economically, conceding just 26 in four overs, as Australia finished at 186 for 6 — a total that eventually proved insufficient.

All-round performance levels series

The win marked a complete team effort, with India’s younger players stepping up in crucial moments. The bowling attack, spearheaded by Arshdeep, laid the platform, while the middle order — anchored by Washington — ensured a professional finish.

With the series now tied, both sides will head into the next T20I with the momentum evenly balanced and India buoyed by their renewed bench strength and tactical flexibility.