Brisbane, November 8, 2025 - The stage is set at the Gabba in Brisbane for the fifth and final T20 International between Australia and India. With India leading the series 2-1, the Aussies are under immense pressure to salvage a draw in this series finale. The match is scheduled to begin at 7:15 PM AEDT.
After a washout in the first match at Canberra, Australia won the second T20I in Melbourne. However, India bounced back strongly, securing consecutive victories in Hobart and Gold Coast. India's recent 48-run victory at the Carrara Oval has put them in a commanding position, ensuring they cannot lose the series. At best, Australia can level the series with a win today.
India's success in the series has been largely attributed to their potent spin attack, with Axar Patel and Washington Sundar playing pivotal roles. In the fourth T20I, Sundar's impressive spell of 3 wickets for just 3 runs dismantled the Australian middle order. Patel's all-round performance has also been a significant factor. The focus will be on how Australia tackles India's spin threat in this final encounter.
Australia's batting lineup has struggled to maintain consistency throughout the series. In the previous match, the team collapsed, losing nine wickets for just 52 runs. Despite decent starts from Mitchell Marsh and Matthew Short, the middle order failed to capitalize. The return of Glenn Maxwell after recovering from a fractured forearm was expected to boost the team's batting prowess, but he couldn't deliver in the previous match.
For India, Shubman Gill's form will be crucial. Despite not having scored a fifty in his last seven innings, his 46 in the fourth T20I was a positive sign. Captain Suryakumar Yadav's batting will also be key to India's chances.
Both teams have an eye on the upcoming T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next year, making this match a valuable opportunity to fine-tune their strategies and team compositions.
The Gabba is known for its true pitch with consistent bounce and carry, favoring fast bowlers early on. However, as the match progresses, the surface tends to slow down, offering a balanced contest between bat and ball.
With India aiming to seal the series and Australia desperate to level it, a thrilling contest is expected at the Gabba.
