IND vs AUS, 4th T20I: Axar Patel, Rinku Singh lead India to series win.
India secured a resounding 20-run victory over Australia in the fourth T20I at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur on Friday, December 1, to clinch the five-match series 3-1. The win was powered by stellar performances from Rinku Singh with the bat and Axar Patel with the ball.
India, electing to bat first, found themselves in a spot of bother at 63 for 3, with Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shreyas Iyer struggling to find their rhythm. However, Rinku Singh’s arrival at the crease changed the complexion of the innings.
Singh, playing his first T20I, displayed remarkable composure and struck a blistering 29-ball 46, laced with four fours and two sixes. He stitched together a crucial 56-run partnership with Jitesh Sharma (26), reviving India’s innings.
Suryakumar Yadav, the India captain, chipped in with a valuable 28, while Deepak Hooda added a quickfire 18 towards the end. India eventually posted a competitive 174 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs.
Rinku Singh’s Blazing Innings
After electing to bat first, India found themselves in a spot of bother at 63/3, with Ruturaj Gaikwad struggling to find his rhythm. However, Rinku Singh stepped up to the occasion with a blistering 29-ball 46, which included five fours and two sixes. He forged a crucial 56-run partnership with Jitesh Sharma to revive India’s innings and propel them to a respectable total of 174/9.
Axar Patel’s Bowling Masterclass
In response, Australia’s chase was derailed by Axar Patel’s exceptional bowling. The left-arm spinner spun a web around the Australian batsmen, claiming three wickets for just 16 runs in his four overs. His economical spell and ability to break partnerships stifled Australia’s progress and put India firmly in control of the match.
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Matthew Wade’s Late Fightback
Despite Patel’s brilliance, Australia captain Matthew Wade threatened to spoil the party for India with a late flourish. Wade smashed an unbeaten 43 off 20 balls, including three fours and three sixes, keeping Australia’s hopes alive.
However, the Indian pacers held their nerve in the death overs, with Umran Malik and Harshal Patel conceding just 13 runs in the final two overs to seal India’s victory.
India’s Clinical Performance
Apart from Rinku Singh and Axar Patel, the other Indian bowlers also contributed to Australia’s downfall. Ravi Bishnoi and Umran Malik picked up two wickets each, while Harshal Patel and Deepak Chahar chipped in with one apiece. The Indian bowlers collectively restricted Australia to 154/7, sealing a comprehensive victory for the hosts.
Series Win for India
India’s win in the fourth T20I marked a dominant display of their batting and bowling prowess. Rinku Singh’s fiery knock and Axar Patel’s economical spell were the cornerstones of India’s success. With the series win secured, India will head into the final match in Bengaluru with their confidence soaring.
DISCLAIMER: This team is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.
