Arshdeep Singh made an emphatic statement with his return to India’s T20 playing eleven, proving his critics wrong and solidifying his reputation as a match-winning bowler. Having been sidelined for the first two matches, he wasted no time making an impact, claiming two crucial early wickets in his opening overs. He swiftly dispatched Travis Head for a mere six runs, followed by Josh Inglis for just one, showcasing his masterful swing and cunning variations.
The team’s previous decision to bench Arshdeep in favor of Harshit Rana, supposedly to bolster batting depth, had drawn significant criticism from fans and former players alike. Many questioned the wisdom of overlooking India’s most consistent T20I wicket-taker for minimal batting benefits. Head coach Gautam Gambhir and the management faced increasing scrutiny, but Arshdeep’s stellar bowling performance has unequivocally reaffirmed that a player of his caliber cannot be left out.
Despite early concerns from commentators who believed the pitch favored a 200-run total, India successfully restricted Australia to a competitive 186 for 6. Australia’s innings was anchored by exceptional batting from Tim David, who scored 74, and Marcus Stoinis, adding 64 runs.
Australia experienced a brief wobble when Mitchell Marsh and Matt Owen fell consecutively to Varun Chakravarthy. However, Stoinis, in partnership with Matthew Short, skillfully steered the innings back on track. Arshdeep capped off his impressive spell by dismissing Stoinis in the final over, finishing with figures of 3 for 35. Varun Chakravarthy and Jasprit Bumrah maintained tight lines, while Dube, though costly, managed to secure the important wicket of Tim David.
With Australia’s bowling attack missing key player Hazlewood, India now enters the chase of 187 runs with considerable confidence.