NEW DELHI: Washington Sundar showcased his growing prowess as a T20 finisher, guiding India to a commanding five-wicket win over Australia in Hobart on Sunday and helping level the five-match series 1-1. India chased down a daunting target of 187 in just 18.3 overs - marking Australia's first-ever T20I defeat at the Ninja Oval (formerly Bellerive Oval).

Earlier, Tim David's explosive 74 off 38 balls powered Australia to 186/6 after India opted to bowl first. Despite Nathan Ellis (3/36) threatening to derail the chase with his incisive spell, India's batting depth proved decisive.

Arshdeep Singh proves his worth with stunning spell on comeback

Abhishek Sharma (25 off 16) provided a fiery start, while skipper Suryakumar Yadav (24 off 11), Tilak Varma (29 off 26), and Axar Patel (17 off 12) kept the scoreboard ticking. Washington then took charge, hammering an unbeaten 49 off just 23 balls - a knock laced with audacious strokes, particularly in the midwicket and cow corner regions.

Jitesh Sharma (22* off 13), making his first appearance in the series, offered crucial support in the closing stages as the duo sealed the chase with nine balls to spare. Washington’s finishing heroics underlined his evolution as a reliable lower-order hitter capable of turning games single-handedly.

The absence of Josh Hazlewood - who opted out of the remainder of the series to prepare for the upcoming Ashes - eased India's challenge considerably.

Apart from Nathan Ellis, whose sharp bouncers and clever variations unsettled the Indian batters, the rest of the Australian attack struggled to make an impact. Their inability to maintain pressure allowed India to dictate terms throughout the chase.

The action now shifts to the Gold Coast, where the fourth T20I of the five-match series will be played on November 6.

Opting to bowl in nippy conditions, India started well courtesy Arshdeep Singh who struck twice in a two-over spell on his return to the side. His performance earned him the Player of The Match award.

Playing his first game of the series, India's leading wicket taker in the format removed the dangerous Travis Head and Josh Inglis to leave Australia at 14 for two.

However, India's early advantage was negated by David (74 off 38) who targeted every Indian bowler in an exemplary show of power-hitting. Four of his five sixes came down the ground while one was a slap over cover off Axar Patel.

Following his dismissal, the seasoned Marcus Stoinis (64 off 39) stepped up on the offensive to take Australia to a competitive total.

Whether it was the peerless Jasprit Bumrah or mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, David just looked to dominate.

David got a reprieve batting on 20 when Washington Sundar dropped him at point off Bumrah. It was a regulation catch though the ball literally flew towards him.

India missed the services of injured all-rounder Hardik Pandya with Shivam Dube being taken to the cleaners by both David and Stoinis.

The sixth bowling option was Washington but the team opted for left-arm spin of Abhishek Sharma who leaked 13 runs in his only over. It was more to do with no left-handers at the crease during that specific time.

After Arshdeep's twin strike in the powerplay, it was Chakravarthy who put brakes on the scoring rate by dismissing Mitchell Marsh and Mitchell Owen in successive balls. The incoming delivery to Owen, flicked through the fingers, was a peach.

Arshdeep and Bumrah closed the innings well for the visitors.

(With PTI Inputs)