Australia Tighten Grip as India Struggle to 1678 in 4th T20

By Harshit - Nov 06, 2025 05:45 PM
Last updated on Nov 06, 2025 05:45 PM

In a crucial fourth T20 International clash between India and Australia at Carrara, the Indian batting lineup faltered after a promising start, finishing at 167 for eight. Despite flashes of brilliance from the openers, the middle order failed to build on the early momentum. The Australian bowlers, led by Nathan Ellis, exploited conditions smartly and ensured that India never really found their rhythm throughout the innings.

Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill gave India a steady start, but once the partnership was broken, the innings lost its structure. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube tried to inject some momentum but couldn’t capitalize on the platform set by the openers. Australia’s disciplined bowling and sharp fielding made it a challenging night for the Men in Blue as they struggled to accelerate in the latter half of the innings.

Despite a late flourish from Axar Patel, who managed to find some crucial boundaries towards the end, India’s total seemed below par given the pitch and outfield conditions. The match once again highlighted India’s dependency on its top order and the importance of adapting quickly against a strategic Australian bowling attack that thrives under pressure.

Solid Start by Openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill

India began their innings on a steady note, with Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill showing intent and composure. The duo added 56 runs for the first wicket, a partnership that provided a solid base for India. Abhishek played with aggression, taking on the Australian pacers early with confident strokes down the ground, while Gill relied on timing and placement to rotate the strike effectively.

Abhishek’s innings of 28 off 21 balls included a powerful six off Adam Zampa, signaling his intent to dominate the spinners. However, his adventurous approach soon led to his downfall as he tried to clear the boundary once again but was caught at long-on. Gill, on the other hand, continued to build the innings, finding occasional boundaries but never quite breaking free from the shackles imposed by the disciplined Australian attack.

Gill’s innings of 46 from 39 deliveries reflected a mix of patience and pressure. He looked set for a big one before Nathan Ellis deceived him with a slower ball that took the pace off and forced a mistimed shot. The dismissal triggered a mini-collapse that derailed India’s momentum midway through the innings.

Middle Order Struggles to Maintain Momentum

After the promising start, the middle order failed to carry forward the momentum. Shivam Dube, promoted to number three to counter Adam Zampa’s leg-spin, started positively but was unable to convert his start into a significant score. He managed 22 off 18 balls before perishing while attempting to accelerate the innings. His dismissal exposed India’s middle-order vulnerability against spin and variations.

Suryakumar Yadav, known for his unorthodox stroke play and aggressive intent, tried to shift gears. He smashed two sixes in quick succession, raising hopes of a quickfire cameo. However, his stay was short-lived as he mistimed a lofted shot and was caught inside the circle after scoring 20 off 10 balls. His dismissal came at a time when India needed stability and aggression in equal measure, leaving the lower order with plenty of work to do.

With both Dube and Yadav back in the pavilion, the innings lost steam. The Australian bowlers tightened their lengths, denying easy boundaries and forcing the Indian batters into risky shots. The required momentum was missing as the hosts controlled the pace of the game effectively through smart variations and clever field placements.

Nathan Ellis Shines with the Ball

Australia’s Nathan Ellis was the standout performer with the ball, finishing with impressive figures of 3 for 21 in his four overs. He mixed his pace intelligently, using slower deliveries and cutters to deceive the Indian batsmen. Ellis’s ability to bowl consistently in the right areas made it difficult for India to target him, and his breakthroughs came at crucial junctures of the game.

Ellis first removed the well-set Shubman Gill with a perfectly disguised slower ball, then dismissed Suryakumar Yadav and a lower-order batsman to restrict India’s acceleration. His precise execution and calm approach under pressure made him a vital asset for Australia in this match, setting the tone for the rest of the attack to follow.

While Zampa proved expensive, conceding 45 runs in four overs, his three wickets, including that of Abhishek Sharma, were pivotal in halting India’s progress. His dismissal of the aggressive left-hander right after being hit for a six displayed his mental toughness and ability to strike back under pressure.

Abhishek Sharma’s Missed Opportunity

Abhishek Sharma’s innings was a brief yet entertaining display of aggressive cricket. He started off confidently, stepping out to Adam Zampa and lofting him over long-on for a six early in the innings. However, his attempt to replicate the shot two balls later led to his dismissal, a turning point that allowed Australia to claw back control.

Earlier in the game, Abhishek was lucky to survive when Xavier Bartlett dropped a straightforward catch off Ben Dwarshuis’s bowling in the second ball of the innings. The reprieve allowed him to settle in, but his inability to capitalize on the lifeline hurt India’s chances of posting a formidable total. His dismissal broke the momentum that India had built and shifted the balance back in Australia’s favor.

Despite his failure to convert, Abhishek’s positive intent and partnership with Gill laid a decent foundation. The lack of support from the middle order, however, meant that his efforts didn’t translate into a big score for the team.

Late Flourish from Axar Patel

Axar Patel once again showcased his ability to contribute with the bat in the lower order. His unbeaten 21 off 11 balls gave India’s total some much-needed respectability. Displaying excellent composure, Axar managed to find the gaps and clear the ropes when required, ensuring India crossed the 160-run mark.

His cameo included a couple of boundaries and a well-timed six, demonstrating his growing confidence in finishing roles. Despite wickets tumbling at the other end, Axar’s calculated aggression and ability to adapt to the situation stood out. However, his efforts were not enough to mask the middle-order failures that preceded him.

India lost four wickets for just 42 runs in the last five overs—a phase that completely shifted momentum toward the Australians. What could have been a 190-plus score turned into a below-par total of 167/8, leaving India’s bowlers with a tough task ahead.

India’s Batting Concerns Continue

This performance once again highlighted India’s recurring issue of inconsistency in the middle order. The top order provided a solid base, but lack of partnerships in the crucial overs proved costly. The inability to maintain a steady run rate against disciplined bowling remains an area of concern, especially ahead of important international fixtures.

Skipper Suryakumar Yadav’s intent was evident, but the lack of contributions from experienced players in the middle meant India couldn’t sustain pressure on the Australian bowlers. Going forward, the team management might need to reassess the batting order and approach, particularly against quality oppositions like Australia.

As the teams prepare for the series decider, India will need to regroup and focus on building partnerships while ensuring better execution under pressure. The fourth T20I at Carrara served as a reminder that starts must be converted, and opportunities cannot be squandered against a side as clinical as Australia.

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