Washington Sundar enhanced his reputation as a reliable T20 scorer as India smashed a target of 187 to beat Australia by five wickets at the Ninja Oval on Sunday. The win helped India level the series and also handed Australia their first ever T20 International defeat at the venue formerly known as Bellerive Oval.
Often seen as a bowling all-rounder, Washington has shown his ability to hit big when required. Most of his sixes have come in the cowhorn area, proving that he can clear the ropes with ease when the situation calls for it.
Watch IND vs AUS, 2nd T20I Highlighting | Scorecard
India’s bowlers took the game early. Arshdeep Singh took two wickets in the powerplay to build pressure on Australia while Varun Chakravarthy bowled beautifully in the middle overs. Chakravarthy dismissed Mitchell Marsh and Mitchell Owen off successive balls, with the delivery to Owen – the incoming one flying through his fingers – exceptional. The team also had Washington as their sixth bowling option, but instead opted to walk left-arm Abhishek Sharma, who conceded 13 runs in his only over, as there were no left-handers in the crease at the time.
after winning Washington talked about his approach and mindset. “I just try to wait for my opportunities. One thing I never want to do is chase results. Whenever an opportunity arises, I focus on what the situation and conditions call for and play to my strengths. This gives me a clearer mind and I can really enjoy the game. When I start thinking that I have to perform with the bat because I haven’t done much with the ball, it takes away the joy of what I’m doing and until the team I don’t do what I do lies.”
He added: “I was mentally prepared for my chance to bat today. I just wanted to watch the ball carefully and react positively. I didn’t think about anything – I just focused on seeing the ball and enjoying the moment. God was very kind today.”
“It is always a great honor to represent the country. Whatever opportunity comes my way, I want to be ready for it — that’s the mindset I carry every day. Playing at this level is a lot of fun and I just want to keep enjoying it.”
– The end
Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
November 2, 2025
