India defended a modest total with a stifling bowling performance for a 48-run win over Australia in the fourth T20 International to grab an unassailable 2-1 lead in the five-match series here on Thursday.

The architects of India's win were Axar Patel and Shivam Dube who shared two wickets each to put Australia on the back foot in the run chase.

Washington Sundar struck thrice towards the end as India comfortably defended 168 with Australia folding up for 119 in 18.2 overs after being 91/3 at one stage.

The final T20 will be played in Brisbane on November 8. The opening match of the series was washed out in Canberra.

Openers Matthew Short (30 off 24) and Mitchell Marsh (25 off 19) got Australia off the blocks smoothly in the run chase but a flurry of wickets in the middle overs pushed

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