Without their pace spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah, India faced an uphill battle, defending a modest target of 162 in the fourth innings. However, their hopes of a miracle did not materialise as Australia launched a blistering counterattack, chasing down the target in just 27 overs. The six-wicket victory not only sealed the match but also secured the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for Australia, their first triumph in the series in over a decade.
Australia’s openers, Sam Konstas and Usman Khawaja, capitalised on wayward bowling from Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna early in the innings. The Indian pacers struggled with their lines, frequently drifting onto the pads and offering easy scoring opportunities.
Despite a shaky start, Prasidh found his rhythm, providing a glimmer of hope for India. He struck thrice, removing Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, and Steve Smith, using his height and the uneven bounce to good effect. His improved line and length briefly kept India in the contest, but the absence of Bumrah was glaring as Australia maintained their aggressive approach and kept the pressure on.
India’s bowlers, while briefly sparking resistance, couldn’t match Australia’s intensity, allowing the hosts to seal a commanding victory.
Post Lunch, Australia needed just 91 runs to clinch their first Border-Gavaskar Trophy since the 2014-15 series, and Khawaja stepped up at a crucial moment. After a challenging series, Khawaja delivered in the decisive run-chase, building a 46-run stand with Travis Head, who looked solid but fell after a promising start. Following Khawaja’s dismissal, Beau Webster joined Head and ensured there were no further hiccups, forming an unbeaten 58-run partnership. Fittingly, Webster—Australia’s standout batter in this Test—sealed the victory with the winning runs.
India’s overnight lead of 145 quickly evaporated on this all-important moving day, as Cummins and Boland dismantled the tail with surgical precision. The duo wrapped up India’s innings within an hour of play, conceding just 16 runs while claiming the final four wickets in only 7.5 overs.
Boland’s masterful six-wicket haul epitomised Australia’s dominance with the ball, restricting India’s lead to a modest total and setting the stage for a comfortable chase.