India edged out Australia by 6 runs in the series-deciding T20I at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium this past Sunday, ending the series 4-1. The match came down to the wire, with Arshdeep Singh delivering a flawless final over to protect a 9-run lead. Chasing a target of 161, the Australian side struggled to maintain momentum in the middle overs, which ultimately proved to be their undoing. Ben McDermott was the sole standout with a half-century (54), but his teammates failed to provide the necessary support.
Indian bowlers produced a brilliant effort to beat Australia by 6 runs in the last and final T20I at M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday, finishing the series 4-1. Arshdeep Singh bowled superbly to defend 9 runs in the final over and took India home. Chasing an average 161, Aussie batters failed to produce good partnerships in the middle overs, which cost them the match. Ben McDermott (54) gave some hope with a fine half-century while other batters failed to rise to the occasion.
Choosing to bat first, India started aggressively with Yashasvi Jaiswal hitting two towering sixes and a four before Jason Behrendorff dismissed him for 21 with a well-executed short delivery. The pressure mounted in the following over when Ben Dwarshuis removed Ruturaj Gaikwad for 10, caught by Behrendorff near the inner circle. The slump continued as Suryakumar Yadav departed for 5, courtesy of a brilliant low catch by McDermott.
India found their footing again thanks to a productive 43-run partnership between Shreyas Iyer and Jitesh Sharma, who both displayed great shot-making to keep the scoreboard ticking. Jitesh added 24 runs to the total, while Iyer played a crucial knock of 53. A quick-fire 31 from Axar Patel further boosted the score, helping India finish their 20 overs at a respectable 160/8.
Australia's chase got off to a flyer with Travis Head striking three boundaries in a row. However, the 'Men in Blue' quickly regained control by snatching two rapid wickets; Mukesh Kumar first bowled out Josh Philippe for 4, followed by Ravi Bishnoi, who trapped Head for 28 with a textbook delivery. The Indian bowlers maintained relentless pressure, taking wickets consistently to prevent Australia from building any rhythm. Mukesh Kumar led the attack with three wickets, while Bishnoi and Arshdeep claimed two each.