Australia’s captain Mitchell Marsh pointed to weak batting partnerships as the main reason for their 48-run loss to India in the fourth T20I at Carrara Oval. Despite a strong start, Australia’s chase faltered as India capitalized on consistent wicket-taking to secure a lead in the series.
Australia, missing key players such as Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, and Travis Head, found it difficult to chase India’s target of 168 runs. The match began with a promising 37-run opening stand between Marsh and Matthew Short, but momentum quickly shifted after Short was dismissed by Axar Patel.
Following Short’s dismissal, Australia’s batting lineup began to collapse. Marsh and Josh Inglis managed a brief 30-run partnership before Axar Patel struck again, bowling Inglis out. Consistent breakthroughs from the Indian bowlers prevented Australia from regaining control of the innings.
“We lacked effective partnerships throughout the innings, and that cost us the game,” said Mitchell Marsh after the match. “The absence of senior players is tough, but these experiences are valuable for the younger guys ahead of the World Cup.”
India’s disciplined bowling and fielding sealed a 2–1 lead in the series, leaving Australia to regroup before the next match.
Mitchell Marsh cited poor partnerships and missing key players as decisive factors in Australia’s 48-run T20I defeat, crediting India’s steady bowling for their series advantage.