India produced an all-round performance to chase down 187 with nine balls to spare, defeating Australia by five wickets in the third T20I at Hobart to level the series 1–1.

After losing the toss again, India’s bowlers—led by Arshdeep Singh—restricted Australia to 186 for 6 despite a brutal 74 off 38 balls from Tim David.

Arshdeep, returning to the XI, took three crucial wickets including those of Travis Head and Marcus Stoinis, and was named Player of the Match for his 3 for 35.

Varun Chakravarthy also struck twice, while Jasprit Bumrah kept the runs in check with tight death bowling.

Tim David’s counterattack rescued Australia from 14 for 2, smashing four sixes and six fours in an explosive innings that turned the momentum briefly in the hosts’ favour.

Stoinis supported him with 64, the pair adding 108 runs for the fourth wicket. But once Arshdeep dismissed Stoinis and David fell to Tilak Varma at long-off, India regained control.

India’s reply was built on steady contributions throughout the batting order.

Openers gave a brisk start, but it was Washington Sundar—promoted up the order—who anchored the chase with 49 not out off 23 balls.

He shared an unbroken 43-run stand with Jitesh Sharma, who marked his return to international cricket after 18 months with a confident 22 not-out off 13.

Earlier, India’s decision to include three new players—Arshdeep, Washington, and Jitesh—proved decisive. Washington’s clean hitting and Arshdeep’s early breakthroughs turned the game in India’s favour on a lively surface.