India got off to a steady start in the fourth T20I against Australia before leg-spinner Adam Zampa struck to break the opening stand. Abhishek Sharma was dismissed for 28 off 21 balls after mistiming a lofted shot to long-on, where Tim David completed a low catch.
Zampa cleverly slowed the delivery down to 82.2 kmph, tempting Abhishek into an aerial drive that didn’t get the required power. His dismissal ended a 56-run opening partnership with Shubman Gill, who continues to anchor the innings.
At the end of 8.1 overs, India are 66/1, with Gill batting on 29 off 23 balls (4 fours) and Shivam Dube, promoted up the order, unbeaten on 6 off 5 balls.
Australia, led by Mitchell Marsh, opted to bowl first after winning the toss — maintaining his streak of choosing to chase in all 20 T20Is as captain. The hosts have made four changes, bringing in Zampa, Glenn Maxwell, Josh Philippe, and Ben Dwarshuis, while India have fielded an unchanged XI under Suryakumar Yadav.
Earlier, Suryakumar mentioned that the team wanted to challenge itself by batting first on a subcontinent-like surface expected to slow down later.
With one wicket down, the focus now shifts to Gill and Dube, as India look to post a competitive total to seal the five-match series.
