In the third T20I between Australia and India at Bellerive Oval, Hobart, Varun Chakaravarthy bowled a remarkable googly to dismiss Mitchell Owen. Tim David and Marcus Stoinis powered Australia to a total of 186/6.
The five-match series was finely poised, with Australia leading 1-0 after winning the second T20I; the first match was washed out due to rain. Australia aimed to extend their lead to 2-0, while India was eager to level the series and keep their chances alive.
Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and chose to bowl first. This decision quickly paid off as left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh, making his series debut, dismissed Travis Head and Josh Inglis inside the powerplay. His early wickets put Australia under pressure before their middle order began rebuilding.
Despite the initial setbacks, Australian batsmen launched a strong counterattack. Just as Australia seemed to regain momentum, Varun Chakaravarthy, the Tamil Nadu spinner known for his deceptive variations, delivered a brilliant googly that took the wicket of Mitchell Owen on the third ball of the ninth over.
"The Tamil Nadu spinner, known for his deceptive variations, bowled a stunning googly to dismiss Mitchell Owen on the third ball of the ninth over."
Australia finished with a competitive 186/6, setting the stage for a thrilling encounter.
Varun Chakaravarthy's clever googly played a key role in India's effort to challenge Australia's strong total in a high-stakes third T20I.