Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan praised Washington Sundar for his match-winning knock in the third T20I against Australia as well. Asked to bat first, Australia posted 186/6, with Tim David smashing with a brilliant 74 off 38 balls, including eight fours and five sixes. For India, Arshdeep Singh impressed with figures of 3/35 from his four overs as well. In response, Washington Sundar came in at No. 6 for India and finished as the top scorer, remaining unbeaten on 49 off 23 balls with three fours and four sixes, guiding India to a five-wicket win with nine balls in hand.

Praising his innings in a video on his YouTube channel, Irfan Pathan said: “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.

With this win, India equalled the five-match series 1-1, with two games remaining.