Carrara (Gold Coast), Nov 6 (NationPress) Australia captain Mitchell Marsh acknowledged that his team was outplayed by a “world-class” Indian squad following a stunning batting collapse, leading to a defeat by 48 runs in the fourth T20I at Carrara Oval on Thursday.

This loss granted India an unassailable 2-1 lead in the five-match series, with one more game scheduled in Brisbane on Saturday.

“As I walked off, I felt that around 167 was a decent score for that pitch. The surface had its challenges for batting. In such scenarios, you require a few strong partnerships, which we failed to establish. Hats off to India; they are a world-class team, particularly in these conditions,” said Marsh post-match.

Despite India posting what seemed like a modest total of 167 for 8 on a two-paced pitch with unpredictable bounce, their bowlers executed a dominant performance, decisively shifting the contest in their favor.

Washington Sundar spearheaded the bowling attack with exceptional figures of 3 for 3, while Axar Patel and Shivam Dube each took two wickets. All six bowlers utilized by India claimed at least one wicket as Australia, well-positioned at 67 for 1, crumbled to 119 all out in 18.2 overs, losing their last nine wickets for just 52 runs.

Australia started strongly with Marsh and Matthew Short hitting six boundaries between them, but the onset of spin changed the dynamics of the chase. Axar struck first, trapping Short lbw after a failed sweep before returning to dismiss Josh Inglis. Marsh, who seemed set on 35, fell victim to a slower ball from Dube and was caught at backward square leg, signaling the start of India's dominance.

“In a perfect scenario, you’d have your full-strength squad in every game, but some players have crucial series approaching. We also prefer to provide opportunities as we head towards a World Cup. Gaining experience in high-pressure games like this is invaluable,” Marsh explained when questioned about Australia’s rotation policy.

After Marsh’s exit, Australia’s middle order fell apart. Tim David misplayed a pull shot off Dube to extra cover, while Josh Philippe was caught at short mid-wicket off Arshdeep Singh. Glenn Maxwell, who had scored a record-breaking century earlier in the series, was deceived by a sharp googly from Varun Chakaravarthy that clipped the top of off stump.

From that moment, Sundar took charge. He trapped Marcus Stoinis lbw and then completed a quick return catch to dismiss Xavier Bartlett, marking his 50th T20I wicket. Jasprit Bumrah added to Australia’s woes by bowling Ben Dwarshuis for his 99th T20I scalp, before Sundar fittingly concluded the match by having Adam Zampa caught at long-on.

It was a comprehensive bowling display from India, who demonstrated adaptability and composure on a challenging surface. For Marsh and his team, however, it was another disappointing evening where potential transformed into collapse.

Australia will now travel to Brisbane facing a must-win scenario to conclude the series on a high note, while India will aim to secure a 3–1 series victory with another complete effort.