Can Ellis and Zampa's Three Wickets Secure Australia's Victory Over India?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa were pivotal in Australia's bowling performance.
- India's middle order struggled to build partnerships.
- Australia's bowlers excelled in the final overs, conceding only 46 runs.
- Shivam Dube's promotion raised eyebrows.
- India fell just three runs short of 170.
Carrara (Gold Coast), Nov 6 (NationPress) — In a remarkable display of bowling, Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa each took three wickets, helping Australia limit India to 167/8 during the fourth T20I at the Carrara Oval on Thursday.
After being asked to bat, India started strong with a 49-run opening partnership featuring Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill, who showcased their intent and skill. However, the Indian innings lost momentum as their top order was unable to convert good starts into bigger scores. The middle order faltered, collapsing from 121/2 to 136/6, which allowed Australia to reclaim control.
Pacer Ellis, with his characteristic slower deliveries, struck regularly to hinder India's progress, while leg-spinner Zampa maintained pressure during the middle overs, conceding only 46 runs in the final six overs.
India began with promise; Abhishek survived an early chance off Ben Dwarshuis, and he and Gill hit eight boundaries in total. Zampa ended the opening partnership by having Abhishek caught at long-on. In a surprising move, Shivam Dube was promoted to number three, a decision that raised eyebrows.
After hitting a six and a four, Dube fell to Ellis, who deceived him with a slower ball that resulted in a chop onto his stumps. Suryakumar Yadav then attempted to accelerate the innings with several boundaries, including two sixes off Zampa. Gill remained composed but struggled to score freely after the power-play and was ultimately bowled by a sharp delivery from Ellis.
Bartlett then dismissed Suryakumar with a well-placed delivery that induced a top-edge caught by square leg, while Tilak Varma was out attempting a reverse sweep off Zampa. Jitesh Sharma fell victim to Zampa's lbw decision, which was successfully overturned via DRS. Ellis and Marcus Stoinis then accounted for Washington Sundar and Arshdeep Singh, ensuring India fell just three runs short of 170.
Brief Scores: India 167/8 (Shubman Gill 46, Abhishek Sharma 28; Nathan Ellis 3-21, Adam Zampa 3-45) against Australia.