India delivered a dominant all-round performance to secure a commanding 48-run victory over Australia on the Gold Coast on Thursday, taking a 2-1 lead in the five-match T20 series.

After being sent in to bat, India posted 167-8, with Shubman Gill top-scoring with a composed 46, while Abhishek Sharma (28) and Shivam Dube (22) provided valuable support. Though India might have hoped for a slightly higher total, their bowlers ensured it was more than enough.

Australia’s chase started promisingly but crumbled spectacularly, bowled out for just 119. Off-spinner Washington Sundar was the star with the ball, taking a sensational 3 wickets for just 3 runs in eight balls to wrap up the innings in style.

At one stage, Australia seemed well placed at 67-1 in the ninth over, but India’s disciplined bowling and sharp fielding turned the game decisively. Earlier, openers Abhishek Sharma and Gill had given India a blazing start, putting on 56 runs off just 6.4 overs before Abhishek fell attempting another big hit off Adam Zampa.

Nathan Ellis struck twice in quick succession, dismissing Dube and Gill, while Suryakumar Yadav’s departure for 20 stalled India’s momentum. Still, the total proved more than sufficient thanks to India’s relentless bowling attack.

For Australia, Mitchell Marsh (30) and Matthew Short (25) offered early resistance, but once they fell, the hosts collapsed under pressure.

With this win, India head to Brisbane for Sunday’s clash, eyeing a series-clinching victory after the first match in Canberra was washed out.

India’s blend of fearless batting, smart bowling, and fielding intensity continues to impress — and they now sit just one win away from sealing the series.