For a brief moment, doubt crept in. When India walked off the field after setting a modest total, every fan felt that familiar nervous twitch - Was this enough? The scoreboard looked light. The pitch looked true. Australia, in their backyard, looked confident. But cricket has a way of humbling assumptions, and India, with heart, grit, and a ruthless spin brigade, flipped the script in style.
Axar Shifts Momentum
Australia strode out to chase as if the target was a formality. At 37 without loss, they looked unbothered, almost casual. But complacency is a dangerous companion, and Axar Patel made sure they paid for it. His first strike broke the opening stand, and his second - a beauty to clean up Josh Inglis - sucked the life out of Australia’s top order.
From 37/0 to 67/2, the hosts suddenly found themselves second-guessing their approach. Patel wasn’t just bowling overs; he was dictating narrative. India had found their spark.
Dube’s Redemption Spell
Shivam Dube was not expected to be the headline. He was not even expected to bowl at that stage. So when Suryakumar Yadav tossed him the ball in the 10th over, millions watching collectively thought, Really? Now? But leadership is about reading moments that others overlook. One over later, Dube had removed Mitchell Marsh - one of the most dangerous men in yellow - and then humbled Tim David, who had punished him mercilessly in the previous game. From villain to redemption warrior, Dube’s over didn’t just shift momentum; it sucker-punched Australia’s chase.
Spin Suffocation
If Axar started the fire, Varun Chakravarthy and Washington Sundar turned it into an inferno. Chakravarthy’s laser-sharp precision shed Maxwell of his stumps and swagger, while Sundar spun a web Australia simply couldn’t break free from. Three wickets for Sundar, six for the spin trio in just 9.2 overs, and only 49 runs conceded. This wasn’t bowling; it was domination by strangulation.
The final act was inevitable. The collapse complete. Australia bowled out for 119 - stunned, smothered, and swept aside.
India didn't just defend a “par” total - they defended pride, intent, and tactical brilliance. In a world obsessed with power-hitting and flat-track fireworks, this win reminded everyone: sometimes, skill speaks louder than sixes. And when India’s spinners speak, even Australia listens.
Series safe. Confidence soaring. Statement delivered.
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