Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan showered praise on Washington Sundar after India won the third T20I against Australia by five wickets at the Bellerive Oval, Hobart, on Sunday. Sundar scored an unbeaten knock of 49 runs off just 23 balls in the run chase of 187. 

Batting at number six, Sundar smashed three fours and four sixes. The left-hander pulled the ball with aplomb against the Australian fast bowlers and delivered the goods for the team. With this win, India were able to level the five-match series 1-1.

Pathan said Sundar looked like the best Indian batter after the latter top-scored in the innings. Interestingly, Sundar was not given a solitary over by captain Suryakumar Yadav.

Irfan Pathan said on his YouTube Channel, “Washington Sundar looked like the best batter, playing his first match after making a comeback, and what a remarkable return it was. He even got the chance to bat higher up the order and completely justified his selection. Although he didn’t bowl even a single over, his unbeaten knock of 49 runs was a match-winning innings. The way he played the short ball was exceptional.”

“Remember, Axar Patel had gotten out to a short ball, with both hands very close together, but Sundar handled those same short deliveries brilliantly, hitting big shots with ease. His technique looked much better, and the manner in which he played, even against the spinners, when he waited and played that ball outside off straight down the ground, showed that he’s in solid form. He was patient, composed, and fully justified his selection. His batting looked excellent, under control, and he single-handedly snatched the game away from Australia,” he added.

The fourth T20I between India and Australia will be played on Thursday at the Bill Pippen Oval, Gold Coast.