Australia caught in spinners' web as India win fourth T20 by 48 runs

"India's spinners trapped Australia in a web of despair to secure a 48-run win in the T20 international on the Gold Coast to take a 2-1 series lead. India made 8-167 after being asked to bat on Thursday and Australia were tracking nicely at 1-67, but spinners Axar Patel (2-20) and Varun Chakravarthy (1-26) sent the required run rate skyrocketing as the pressure built on the hosts. Australia lost their last nine wickets for 52 to be bowled out for 119 in 18.2 overs."

"With 91 runs needed from the last 10 overs, it was set up for Tim David to launch a typical assault, but he fell to a short ball by Shivam Dube, who had earlier picked up Marsh. Australia received a boost for the clash with superstar finisher Glenn Maxwell returning from a wrist injury, but it was not his night. Chakravarthy cleaned him up for just two. Maxwell had not played since mid-September after he injured a wrist in the lead-up to last month's T20 series against New Zealand."

"Man of the match Patel probed with his deadly accurate left-arm offspinners that he sent down like darts. In these conditions bowling wicket to wicket was the most important thing, Patel said. Australia captain Mitch Marsh (30) and his opening partner Matt Short (25) played cameos at the top of the order to set up the run chase. I thought walking off the ground that 167 was par on that wicket. India provided us with challenges with the bat, Marsh said. Man of the match Axar Patel. Photograph: Dave Hunt/EPA Fair play to India. They are a world-class team."

India posted 8-167 after being asked to bat. Australia reached 1-67 but collapsed as Axar Patel (2-20) and Varun Chakravarthy (1-26) increased the required run rate. Australia lost their last nine wickets for 52 and were bowled out for 119 in 18.2 overs. Mitch Marsh (30) and Matt Short (25) provided early cameos, but Tim David's dismissal to Shivam Dube and Glenn Maxwell’s return ended quickly when Chakravarthy cleaned him up for two. Washington Sundar took two wickets in two balls, including Marcus Stoinis. The series moves to the Gabba with Australia needing a win to level.

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