India took a 2–1 lead in the five-match T20I series against Australia after a dominant 48-run victory at the Carrara Oval, with Washington Sundar scripting history through a stunning bowling spell that dismantled Australia’s lower order.
Sundar’s magical spell seals the match
After sitting out the first two games and going wicketless in the third, Washington Sundar finally got his chance to make an impact — and he seized it in style. Introduced into the attack during the 17th over, Sundar bowled a brief yet devastating spell, claiming three wickets in eight balls to wrap up the Australian innings.
The 25-year-old dismissed Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, and Adam Zampa, finishing with dream figures of 3 for 3 in 1.2 overs. His performance not only sealed India’s comfortable win but also earned him a place in the record books for delivering one of the most economical and shortest three-wicket spells in international T20 history.
Historic figures and rare feats
Sundar’s 3–3 figures set a new benchmark — the fewest runs conceded in a three-wicket haul against Australia in T20Is. The record was previously held by England’s Chris Woakes, who took 3 for 4 against Australia in Canberra in 2022.
With this spell, Sundar became:
- The first Indian to take a three-wicket haul while conceding three runs or fewer in T20Is.
- The eighth player globally from a full-member nation to achieve such an economical haul.
- The fifth bowler among Test-playing nations to pick up three wickets in a spell lasting fewer than ten balls.
Least runs conceded for a three-wicket haul in T20Is (Full-member nations)
| Player | Wickets | Runs | Overs | Opponent | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lockie Ferguson | 3 | 0 | 4 | PNG | Tarouba | 2024 |
| Adil Rashid | 4 | 2 | 2.2 | West Indies | Dubai | 2021 |
| Mansoor Ahmed | 3 | 3 | 1 | Bangladesh | Karachi | 2008 |
| Rangana Herath | 5 | 3 | 3.3 | New Zealand | Chattogram | 2014 |
| Rashid Khan | 5 | 3 | 2 | Ireland | Greater Noida | 2017 |
| Sikandar Raza | 3 | 3 | 2.4 | Rwanda | Windhoek | 2023 |
| Sufiyan Muqeen | 5 | 3 | 2.4 | Zimbabwe | Bulawayo | 2024 |
| Washington Sundar | 3 | 3 | 1.2 | Australia | Carrara | 2025 |
Confidence boost for captain Suryakumar Yadav
Sundar’s performance also provided a huge tactical boost for skipper Suryakumar Yadav, who has been looking to strengthen India’s spin-bowling options ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup.
Sundar, known for his calm temperament and batting ability, followed up his batting display in the previous match — an unbeaten 49 in Hobart — with this all-round performance, reaffirming his value as a genuine spin-bowling all-rounder.
“He’s a team-first player who always delivers when given responsibility,” said a member of the Indian coaching staff. “His control and discipline make him a captain’s dream in white-ball cricket.”
Axar Patel wins Player of the Match
While Sundar’s spell stole headlines, it was Axar Patel who earned the Player of the Match award for his all-round contribution. Axar smashed a brisk 21 off 11 balls and picked up 2 for 20 in four overs, setting up India’s victory and restricting Australia’s chase early on.
India’s total, built around aggressive batting from the top order, proved too steep for the hosts, as Australia collapsed under pressure despite a few late partnerships.
Statistical milestone: rare short-spell brilliance
Best bowling figures in a spell lasting 10 balls or fewer (Full-member nations)
| Player | Overs | Runs | Wickets | Opponent | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Bracewell | 0.5 | 5 | 3 | Ireland | Belfast | 2022 |
| Mansoor Ahmed | 1 | 3 | 3 | Bangladesh | Karachi | 2008 |
| Mahmudullah | 1.2 | 10 | 3 | Pakistan | Mirpur | 2021 |
| Riyan Parag | 1.2 | 5 | 3 | Sri Lanka | Pallekele | 2024 |
| Washington Sundar | 1.2 | 3 | 3 | Australia | Carrara | 2025 |
Sundar now joins the elite list of bowlers to claim three wickets in under ten balls — and the first Indian to do so against Australia.
Conclusion
From being benched in the early matches to turning match-winner in style, Washington Sundar’s performance at the Carrara Oval is a testament to perseverance and readiness. His historic spell not only sealed India’s win but also underscored his growing importance in India’s white-ball setup ahead of the T20 World Cup.