In a gripping encounter at the Gabba in Brisbane, India clinched a dramatic 6-wicket victory over Australia in the latest match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series on December 18, 2023. The win has bolstered India's position in the ongoing series, showcasing their resilience and depth in Test cricket.
Chasing a challenging target of 230 runs on the final day, India faced early setbacks but were steered to victory by a composed innings from Yashasvi Jaiswal, who scored a gritty 77, and a crucial unbeaten partnership between Shubman Gill (45*) and Rishabh Pant (38*). The match concluded with India reaching 233/4 late in the final session.
Key Moments of the Match
The turning point came on Day 4 when India’s pace attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah, dismantled Australia’s middle order to restrict them to a second-innings total of 203. Bumrah’s fiery spell of 5/62 earned him the Player of the Match award.
- Day 1: Australia posted 445 in their first innings, with Travis Head scoring a commanding 152.
- Day 2: India replied with 369, anchored by Shreyas Iyer’s resilient 82.
- Day 3: Australia struggled against India’s spinners, with Ravichandran Ashwin claiming 3 wickets.
- Day 4: India’s bowlers wrapped up Australia’s innings, setting up a tense final day chase.
Impact on the Series
With this victory, India now leads the five-match series 2-1, with two Tests remaining. The result also strengthens India’s standing in the World Test Championship table, keeping their hopes alive for a spot in the final.
| Team | Matches Played | Wins | Losses |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Australia | 3 | 1 | 2 |
The next Test is scheduled to begin on December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where India will look to seal the series, while Australia aims to level the scoreline on home soil.
Reactions from the Camp
Indian captain Rohit Sharma praised the team’s determination, stating, “This win shows the character of our side. The bowlers set the tone, and the batters finished the job brilliantly.” Meanwhile, Australian skipper Pat Cummins acknowledged the need for improvement, noting, “We had opportunities, but India outplayed us in key moments.”
As the series progresses, this victory will serve as a significant morale booster for India, reinforcing their reputation as a formidable force in Test cricket.
