IND vs AUS Highlights, 5th T20I: Rain washes out Brisbane match; India clinch series 2-1 against Australia

India wrapped up a 2-1 series triumph over Australia after heavy rain and lightning forced the abandonment of the fifth and final T20 International at the Gabba in Brisbane on Saturday. The result serves as a timely boost for Suryakumar Yadav’s men ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup, which India will co-host with Sri Lanka.

Sent in to bat, India made a blistering start with openers Shubman Gill (29* off 16) and Abhishek Sharma (23* off 13) powering the score to 52 without loss in just 4.5 overs. However, play was halted when lightning flashed across the stadium, sending players and officials off the field. Soon after, heavy rain swept through Brisbane, and despite a lengthy wait of over two hours, conditions showed no sign of improvement. The match was eventually called off, sealing India’s unbeaten record in T20I series on Australian soil.

"Weather isn't in our control. Credit to all the boys to bounce back after losing the first game. Bowlers, fast and spin, know their roles really well. Bumrah, Arshdeep and the spinners are all doing really well. They bring a lot to the table, plan for things and execute them which is what you want. Good headache to have wrt the squads for the WC. We have 2-3 series, which offers us a great build-up. I saw recently what happened with the women's team, who won the WC. There's a lot of excitement, support and responsibility at home. Exciting tournament but still a couple of series to go." - Suryakumar Yadav

"Can't remember the last time we played without rain. It was a good series, congrats to India on the win. A lot of learnings, positives to take. Especially the flexibility in a world cup year. We'll be back to full strength for the WC. BBL will hopefully help prepare, and Scorchers win. He says he will be captaining at the WC, not Cummins." - Mitchell Marsh

"I've been waiting for this tour. I was excited from the time the series was confirmed. Pitches are batting-friendly. I feel we could've gotten bigger scores but we've done well in the series. The way Hazlewood was bowling would be useful. I've enjoyed my battles with him. I was practicing for these kinds of bowlers because that's how you build momentum for your team. My captain and coach have given me the responsibility to play freely and start big. They've given me clarity and space to express myself. T20 WC is one of the biggest tournaments, it'll be a dream-come-true moment if and when I get to play there. I'll make sure I'll be ready for it." - Abhishek

Lost 1-2 to India 2025 (H)
Lost 1-4 to India 2023 (A)
Lost 0-2 to England 2022 (H)
Lost 1-2 to India 2022 (A)

Rain has the final say as the match is abandoned in Brisbane. With two washouts in the series, India emerge 2-1 winners over Australia.

The rain has returned in full force, and the chances of play resuming now look extremely slim. Lightning continues to flash around the ground as the downpour intensifies — a clear sign that the game is likely to be called off soon.

It’s still raining in Brisbane, but hopeful fans remain in their seats, waiting for the weather to clear and play to resume soon.

Fans in the stands are keeping themselves entertained as the rain delay drags on in Brisbane. Moments earlier, commentators had announced that the rain had stopped — only for it to return moments later. The wait continues, and if the weather fails to clear, India will take the series 2-1.

BAD NEWS! Rain intensifies in Brisbane. Looks like a long delay today.

Heavy rain sweeps across the Gabba as spectators wait patiently in their seats. Only the square remains under covers, with the ground’s excellent drainage keeping the rest of the field clear.

The big screen at The Gabba is warning spectators of "severe weather" and that it is "unsafe to remain in open areas." From live visuals, the lower portion of the stands have been cleared with the spectators either moving up - under the roof - or elsewhere for shelter.

Umpire Shawn Craig has a look at the conditions and asks the groundstaff to come on. On-air commentators mention there is lightning in the background so it looks to be a precautionary move. Covers come on!

India go into the dugout at first and now look like they're headed indoors with rain in the offing

To rub salt on the Aussie wounds, and more specifically that of Nathan Ellis, Abhishek Sharma finishes the over off with a six! Slower ball, sits up, short of length, Abhishek waits and smashes it over mid-wicket

India 47/0 after 4 overs

WOW! This is incredible! Second time that Abhishek Sharma has been put down! Dwarshuis the guilty party this time and it has been a horror show for him so far. Leaked 16 runs in the previous over and now lets this slip. Ran in from fine leg, slowed down under the ball, but the ball creeps in between both hands

Shubman Gill is settled in and going gung-ho to Dwarshuis! Five balls, four fours!

2.1 overs: Good length, Gill goes across, gets forward and drives it on the up

2.3: Sent over mid-wicket! Gill steps out, hoicks this one across the line

2.4: Gill backs away, steps out, carves it through backward point

2.5: FOUR MORE! Short ball, into the body, Gill sends the pull through square leg

India reach 35/0 after 3 overs

Dramatic start to the fifth T20I! 11 runs from the over and Abhishek Sharma survives after Glenn Maxwell drops an absolute sitter! Shubman Gill comes down the track on the last ball, gets a full delivery on the pads and uses his wrist well to play it through mid-wicket

DROPPED! Glenn Maxwell has dropped an absolute sitter! Skied by Abhishek, Maxwell moves quickly, settles underneath it, BUT lets it slip! Simple stuff for Maxi at mid-off and he's squandered it

Abhishek Sharma's aggressive approach in this series has continued tonight. First ball, looks to go big but beaten. Next one gets sliced. Fourth ball, FOUR! Charged down to Dwarshuis, short of length, creates room and frees the arms to send it over mid-off

Suryakumar Yadav and rest of the Indian team had a real laugh as the coin came in favour of Australia once again. If you're not keeping count, we have done the math for you: India have lost the toss in 7 out of 8 matches on this tour!

India lost all 3 tosses in the ODIs

India lost the toss in the first two T20Is before winning in the 3rd. But Aussies have regained that luck at Gold Coast and today in Brisbane

India (Playing XI)

Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma(w), Washington Sundar, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah

Australia (Playing XI)

Mitchell Marsh(c), Matthew Short, Josh Inglis(w), Tim David, Josh Philippe, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa

Australia captain Mitchell Marsh wins toss, opts to field against India in Brisbane

At the Gabba, India and Australia have faced off in just one T20I previously, with Australia eking out a narrow four-run win in November 2018.

There’s a quiet confidence about Washington Sundar that sets him apart in Indian cricket’s high-decibel T20 environment. No over-the-top celebrations, no visible aggression — just the calm assurance that his skill, preparation, and adaptability will eventually speak louder than the noise around him.

In the last couple of seasons, that quiet confidence has turned into a powerful statement, transforming him into one of India’s most innovative T20 assets — a bowler who dissects batters with composure and a batter who clears the ropes through timing and clarity of thought rather than brute force.

For much of his early T20I career, Washington was seen primarily as a Powerplay specialist — someone assigned to restrict runs in the first six overs before gradually fading from the attack. But the Washington Sundar of today is far more complete, contributing equally with ball and bat.

There’s deception in his bowling — the change of angle, the tweak in pace, the subtle invitation to hit where you shouldn’t. And when it’s his turn to bat, he now adds not just clean striking but also the temperament to guide chases and finish innings.

His twin match-winning performances against Australia — an unbeaten 49 off 23 balls in Hobart and a record-breaking 3/3 spell in just eight balls at the Gold Coast — perfectly captured his evolution. There’s clear improvement in his ability to handle short-pitched deliveries, and his intent against pace has grown more assertive.

This fearless approach, even under pressure, stems from a clear and purposeful mindset.

“Every practice session that I go to, there’s a purpose. I think about exactly what I want to achieve from that session and I try and achieve that,” the 26-year-old said.

On the bowling front, Washington’s spell in the fourth T20I at the Gold Coast — where his 3/3 in just eight balls dismantled Australia’s lower order — stood out as one of the defining moments of the series.

For Washington, success at the highest level is about constantly finding solutions. “The challenges are definitely exciting because there are different questions thrown at you and you just got to find your answers. That’s the beauty of playing at the highest level,” he said.

India have not managed to win three T20Is in a row against Australia since they achieved a 3-0 series sweep in Australia back in January 2016.

Can they do this today?

The last time Australia suffered a losing streak of three or more T20Is was in July 2021, when they went down in four consecutive matches against the West Indies and Bangladesh.

Jasprit Bumrah is just one wicket shy of reaching 100 T20I scalps.

If he achieves it, he will become the first Indian bowler to claim 100 wickets across all three international formats.

Left-arm spinner Axar Patel has showcased remarkable poise and tactical precision throughout the T20I series against Australia, reaffirming his importance as a key figure in India’s limited-overs setup.

In the third T20I in Hobart, Axar’s control over pace and angles choked Australia’s middle order, setting the tone for India’s victory. A few nights later at the Gold Coast, he once again made decisive breakthroughs, returning figures of 2/20 and dismissing Matthew Short and Josh Inglis — a double strike that halted Australia’s momentum in their chase of 167.

Axar’s approach, particularly on Australian pitches that offer minimal turn, is centered around accuracy and control. “As a spinner, I feel it’s important to contain the batsman on these wickets. I’m bowling wicket to wicket. There’s not much spin but I’m getting a little bit of bounce. Then, on occasions, because of the dew, the ball skids a lot,” Axar said.

This focus on maintaining tight lines and creating pressure through dot balls makes him exceptionally difficult to attack. His success lies in his ability to bowl flat and fast, restricting batters from charging down or finding boundaries easily.

In the Gold Coast match, both of his wickets came through sustained pressure — trapping Short lbw with a low-skidding delivery and then bowling Inglis, who tried to break free by stepping out.

Axar is a master at reading the batter and applying subtle but effective variations. He doesn’t depend on extravagant flight or spin; instead, he alters his pace and length cleverly with a quick arm action. “I just go out there and think what my team needs. Accordingly, I do that. My plan is also to bowl keeping in mind what is the strength of the batsman I am bowling to,” he said.

“If the batters are going to hit me down the line, then I can bowl in the middle-stump. It’s all about keeping the good length... the 5-6m length. And then if things are slipping from me, I’ll just bowl an odd full one,” he said.

Another crucial part of his bowling strategy is using the ground dimensions to his advantage. In T20s, where the risk-reward ratio is everything, Axar forces batters to target the longer boundaries. “I’ve learnt from past mistakes and now try to use the size of the boundary to my advantage,” he said.

India and Australia are set for a thrilling finale to their five-match T20I series at the Gabba on Saturday. What began as a familiar tale of Australian pace dominance — led by Josh Hazlewood’s early control — has gradually transformed into a story of Indian mastery. Through disciplined bowling and intelligent use of spin in Hobart and on the Gold Coast, India have flipped the script and taken firm command of the series.

For Australia, this final contest — played under the shadow of the upcoming Ashes and without several key players — represents a last chance to salvage pride. Though they can no longer win the series, the hosts will be desperate to avoid a third straight defeat and end with a 2-2 draw. After a strong run of form since the last T20 World Cup, back-to-back losses have dented their confidence and rhythm.

The turning point of the series has clearly been India’s spin trio of Varun Chakaravarthy, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar. Their collective brilliance on slow pitches has restricted Australia’s power hitters and set up commanding wins, including the 48-run triumph at the Carrara Oval.

Australia’s approach — built on unrelenting aggression — has backfired on sluggish surfaces. Their high-risk batting formula thrives on pace and bounce but has faltered against the variation and control of India’s spinners. The inability to adjust to spin has raised deeper questions about their readiness for the 2026 T20 World Cup, which will be played in spin-friendly conditions in India and Sri Lanka.

The Gabba’s traditionally fast wicket may not provide clear answers to those questions, but Australia urgently need a morale boost before turning their attention to red-ball cricket.

In contrast, India’s bowling balance has been spot on. What began with pace has now evolved into a spin-driven formula that continues to deliver results. Given their winning momentum, the visitors are unlikely to make changes and are expected to stick with a settled XI that has struck the right balance between control and aggression.

India’s tactical flexibility stood out in the previous match, where they adapted superbly to a slow pitch. Shubman Gill anchored the innings with a composed 46 off 39 balls, guiding India to 121 for 2 before a brief collapse. It was a much-needed knock after a lean run, even if his trademark fluency was missing. The opener, still searching for his first T20I fifty in 14 innings, will look to end the tour on a high.

Captain Suryakumar Yadav has had a similar series — glimpses of brilliance without a big finish. As India’s next assignment against South Africa looms, he’ll aim to lead by example. Tilak Varma, meanwhile, continues to find his feet, with recent scores of 0, 29, and 5 highlighting his inconsistent form.

With India’s spinners dictating terms and Australia desperate to restore pride, the stage is set for a fittingly intense finale at the Gabba — one that could define the tone for both teams heading into a crucial year of T20 cricket.

Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is on the brink of a historic milestone. The star fast bowler needs just one wicket to become only the second Indian ever to claim 100 T20I wickets. If he reaches the landmark during the fifth and final T20I against Australia in Brisbane on Saturday, Bumrah will also become the first Indian bowler to take 100 or more wickets across all three international formats.

India currently lead the five-match series 2-1, with Bumrah playing a key role in maintaining their dominance. In three outings so far, he has picked up three wickets at an average of 26.33, with best figures of 2/26 and an impressive economy rate of 6.58.

Overall, in 79 T20Is, Bumrah has taken 99 wickets in 77 innings at a superb average of 18.11 and an economy of 6.36, with best figures of 3/7. He sits just behind Arshdeep Singh — India’s leading T20I wicket-taker — who has 105 wickets in 67 matches.

In Test cricket, Bumrah has bagged 226 wickets in 50 matches at an exceptional average of 19.83, including 10 five-wicket hauls and best figures of 6/27, making him India’s 12th-highest wicket-taker in the format.

In ODIs, the right-arm quick has 149 wickets in 89 matches, averaging 23.55 with best figures of 6/19 and two five-wicket hauls — placing him 16th among India’s top ODI wicket-takers.

India’s unbeaten streak in T20I series under head coach Gautam Gambhir stayed alive as the Suryakumar Yadav-led side clinched an unassailable 2-1 lead in the fourth T20I against Australia on Thursday in Queensland.

Since taking over from Rahul Dravid last year, Gambhir has overseen a seamless transition that has infused youthful energy into India’s setup while retaining experienced core players. With a fearless and aggressive approach, India have dominated top-tier teams over the past two years with remarkable consistency.

At Carrara Oval, India outclassed Australia with a commanding 48-run win, showcasing a complete all-round performance. The result ensured India avoided a series defeat and extended their unbeaten run in T20I series to five consecutive occasions. The streak began in July last year with a 3-0 clean sweep over Sri Lanka.

On Sri Lankan turning tracks, India proved too strong for the hosts, sweeping the series with ease. Gambhir’s second assignment saw India host Bangladesh in October for a three-match series, which again ended in a 3-0 whitewash as the visitors struggled to match India’s intensity.

Next came the South Africa tour, where India continued their aggressive brand of cricket in a four-match series. India started with a resounding 66-run win, before South Africa levelled the series 1-1 with a narrow three-wicket victory. However, Tilak Varma’s twin unbeaten centuries in the next two games powered India to a 3-1 series triumph.

At the start of this year, England toured India for a white-ball series featuring five T20Is and three ODIs. India began strongly, winning the first two T20Is, before England pulled one back with a 26-run win. The hosts, however, wrapped up the series 4-1 with two more clinical performances in January.

After a break for ODIs and Tests, India returned to T20Is against Australia following an eight-month gap. The series opener in Canberra was washed out, and Australia went ahead with a four-wicket win in Melbourne. But India roared back in style, taking the next two matches convincingly to secure a 2-1 series lead.

Beyond their dominance in the T20 format, India also lifted the Asia Cup 2025 title unbeaten under Gambhir’s leadership — a testament to the team’s fearless mindset and balance under his guidance.

Former Indian pacer Varun Aaron came to Shubman Gill’s defence after the opener scored 46 off 39 balls in India’s third T20I win against Australia at Gold Coast’s Carrara Oval. Aaron praised Gill’s crucial knock on a challenging surface that helped India post 167 runs and seal a 48-run victory over the hosts.

Gill, who now serves as India’s T20I vice-captain, had been struggling for form in the preceding ODI series and the second T20I. However, his composed innings not only anchored the side but also guided India to their highest total at this venue, where they were playing for the first time.

“When people raise questions about Shubman Gill being in the T20 setup, it never makes sense to me,” Aaron said on Star Sports.

“The thing with Gill is that when conditions don’t favour batting, you can always put your money on Shubman Gill because of his technique, because of his poise, and because of his game awareness. He knows exactly what the wicket offers, what kind of stroke play, and he plays according to that. You need somebody like him in the T20 setup,” Aaron explained.

“This is what he gives you when everybody else fails on a wicket that is slightly difficult compared to the other wickets in this whole series. He gives you a 46, which is worth its weight in gold,” Aaron added.

Gill’s inclusion in the T20I squad had come at the expense of Sanju Samson, but his performance in this match justified the team management’s faith.

While Gill top-scored for India, Abhishek Sharma, captain Suryakumar Yadav, and Shivam Dube also contributed with valuable cameos.

Australia, in response, were bowled out for 119, falling short by 48 runs in their chase of 167.

Indian all-rounder Axar Patel says he has learnt from his "past mistake" of letting the size of boundaries dictate his shot-selection, something that was evident from the manner in which he targetted the more distant sides during the fourth T20I against Australia.

Axar's 11-ball 21, laced with a four and a six in the last over off Marcus Stoinis, was crucial to India breaching the 160-mark and posting 167, which Australia fell short by 48 runs. The visitors now have an unassailable 2-1 lead in the five-match series after the first game was washed out.

"Obviously I knew it was tough because wickets were falling back to back. The message that I got from the dressing room was to take it to the last over because there weren't any batsmen after me," Axar said in a video interview with teammate and fellow all-rounder Shivam Dube, posted by the 'bcci.tv'.

"So I thought I would take a chance in the last over. The side boundaries were big but I thought if I could hold my shape and watch the ball, I could clear them," he said.

"I have felt in the past that if I think about the size of the boundary and don't hit towards those sides, they become predetermined shots and because of that we make mistakes. I learnt from past mistakes and played my shots here," he added.

What: India vs Australia 5th T20I

Where: The Gabba, Brisbane

When: November 8, 2025

Time: 18:15 hrs Local Time, 19:15 hrs AEDT, 13:45 hrs IST

PROBABLE XIs:

Australia: Mitch Marsh (c), Matt Short, Josh Inglis (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Tim David, Marcus Stoinis, Mitch Owen/Josh Philippe, Nathan Ellis, Xavier Bartlett, Adam Zampa, Mahli Beardman/Ben Dwarshius

India: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Shivam Dube, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah

Squads:

India Squad: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Tilak Varma, Jitesh Sharma(w), Washington Sundar, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Sanju Samson, Rinku Singh, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana

Australia Squad: Mitchell Marsh(c), Matthew Short, Josh Inglis(w), Tim David, Josh Philippe, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitchell Owen, Mahli Beardman

In the bowling department, Arshdeep Singh has impressed again, picking up four wickets and forming an effective new-ball pairing with Jasprit Bumrah.

India’s spin trio — Varun Chakaravarthy, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar — has been a key strength despite the absence of Kuldeep Yadav.

Both Shivam Dube and Washington have also made notable all-round contributions. Dube’s 23-ball 49 turned the third T20I India’s way, while Washington’s spell of 3 for 3 sealed victory in the fourth. Dube also chipped in with 18 off 22 and two wickets in that game.

Australia, meanwhile, have struggled against India’s spin. In the fourth T20I, Varun, Axar, and Washington combined for six wickets in under 10 overs at Carrara Oval.

The hosts’ batting has heavily relied on skipper Mitchell Marsh, Marcus Stoinis, and Tim David. The absence of Travis Head hurt them in the last game, as they failed to chase a modest 168.

All-rounder Matthew Short, who has thrived as an opener, was pushed down the order and failed to capitalise on Head’s absence. He will be keen to make amends in the final game.

Australia have also missed Josh Hazlewood’s control, with their attack lacking penetration. Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa have carried the bowling burden, while Ben Dwarshuis went wicketless in the previous match. The hosts might consider handing a debut to Mahli Beardman at the Gabba.

For vice-captain Gill, it has now been seven innings without a fifty, though his 46 in the fourth T20I showed signs of returning form.

The stylish opener, who looked composed before falling to a slower delivery, will be eager to sign off on a high and silence concerns about his rhythm.

Suryakumar, too, has shown flashes of brilliance but struggled to convert his starts. The captain will be expected to play with greater freedom and lead by example ahead of next month’s home series against South Africa.

Tilak Varma’s lean patch continues, with scores of 0, 29, and 5 in his last three innings, while wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma — preferred over Sanju Samson in the last two matches — is yet to make a telling contribution.

Abhishek Sharma, however, has lived up to his billing as one of the most destructive T20 batters in world cricket, scoring a fluent half-century and giving India brisk starts.

India’s lower order has provided crucial depth, with Axar Patel’s 11-ball 21 in the previous match boosting the total. The presence of all-rounders at No. 7 and No. 8 has given the team valuable flexibility.

Hello and welcome to the Live coverage of 5th T20I match between India and Australia in Brisbane.

On the verge of another overseas series win, India will look to overcome their batting inconsistencies and wrap up the tour of Australia with authority when the two sides meet in the fifth and final T20 International at Brisbane on Saturday.

With an unassailable 2-1 lead in the five-match series, India have extended their 17-year streak of not losing a T20I series against Australia. Suryakumar Yadav and his team will aim to finish the tour on a high.

The focus will be on the batting of Shubman Gill and skipper Suryakumar Yadav, while Australia will look to tackle India’s spin threat in their final face-off before next year’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

India displayed better tactical awareness in the previous match, adapting smartly to a tricky Carrara pitch. Gill anchored a solid start as India reached 121 for 2 in 14 overs before a late collapse saw them lose four wickets for just 15 runs.