Australia lost 9-52 in a dismal collapse as India took a 2-1 lead in the T20 series on the Gold Coast on Thursday night.

The hosts were in a strong position at 1-67 in the ninth over, chasing 168 for victory, before a series of woefully executed shots laid waste to the promising start and exposed the tail.

The Indians rolled Australia for 119 to win the fourth of five matches by 48 runs and ensure they cannot lose the series, which will finish with a game in Brisbane on Saturday night.

Left-arm orthodox spinner Axar Patel took 2-20 from four overs after striking an unbeaten 21 from 11 balls to earn himself man-of-the-match honours.

The first Australian batter to fall was Matt Short, who was trapped lbw while trying to sweep Patel. He lost his wicket for 25 as Australia fell to 1-37.

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