Drama, rain, and high stakes defined the fifth and final T20 International between India and Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane on November 8, 2025. With the series on the line and both teams eager to stamp their authority ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup, it was Mother Nature who threatened to have the final say. As the action unfolded, fans were treated to a whirlwind of big shots, dropped catches, and a tense weather delay that left everyone guessing about the outcome.
India entered the contest with a 2-1 lead in the five-match series, having already extended their remarkable 17-year streak of not losing a T20I series against Australia. Suryakumar Yadav, leading a blend of youth and experience, looked to finish the tour on a high note. On the other side, Mitchell Marsh’s Australia, stung by back-to-back defeats, were desperate to salvage pride and avoid a third straight T20I loss—a fate they hadn’t suffered since July 2021.
The day began with Marsh winning the toss and electing to bowl first, a decision greeted with a mix of anticipation and humor from the Indian camp. "Until you're winning the game and losing the toss, it's fine. Want to go out and express ourselves. Always good to understand what the team's goal is. All batters realised it wasn't a 200 wicket. All boxes ticked in the last game, just want to continue the same. Always good to win bilaterals. At the same time, what combination you want is more important. Other than openers, this is one format where everyone has to be flexible with batting positions. One change — Tilak is resting, Rinku comes in," said Suryakumar Yadav before the match, encapsulating India’s positive mindset and tactical flexibility.
Both teams fielded familiar lineups. India’s XI featured Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma (wicketkeeper), Washington Sundar, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Jasprit Bumrah. Australia countered with Mitchell Marsh (captain), Matthew Short, Josh Inglis (wicketkeeper), Tim David, Josh Philippe, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, and Adam Zampa.
As the match got underway, Indian openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill came out swinging. The first over yielded 11 runs, with Abhishek surviving a dropped catch by Glenn Maxwell—an early sign that luck might be on India’s side. The fireworks continued as Gill unleashed a barrage of boundaries, smacking four fours in five balls off Dwarshuis. By the end of the fourth over, India had raced to 47 without loss, with Abhishek finishing the fourth over with a towering six off Nathan Ellis. The aggressive start had the Gabba crowd buzzing, and Australia’s fielders under pressure after two costly dropped catches.
But just as India’s openers threatened to run away with the game, the skies opened up. Heavy rain, accompanied by lightning, forced the umpires to halt play. Spectators were warned to seek shelter as the downpour intensified, and the covers came on. The big screen at the Gabba flashed severe weather warnings, and the lower stands were cleared for safety. The match, which had all the makings of a classic, suddenly hung in the balance.
As the delay dragged on, fans clung to hope that the weather would clear. The ground’s excellent drainage offered a glimmer of optimism, but with each passing minute, the likelihood of a resumption faded. Commentators noted the irony that, after all the on-field drama, it might be the rain that decided the series. If play could not resume, India would clinch the series 2-1, maintaining their unbeaten run in T20I series against Australia.
Throughout the series, India’s spin trio—Varun Chakaravarthy, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar—had been the difference-makers. Their combined guile and control on slow pitches stifled Australia’s power hitters and provided crucial breakthroughs. Washington Sundar, in particular, stood out for his calm demeanor and adaptability. Reflecting on his approach, Sundar explained, “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.” His spell of 3/3 in just eight balls at the Gold Coast and an unbeaten 49 off 23 balls in Hobart were pivotal in India’s series dominance.
Axar Patel also emerged as a key figure, using his accuracy and tactical awareness to choke Australia’s middle order. “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 of his successful formula. His ability to adapt to the ground dimensions and use subtle variations proved invaluable, especially on Australian pitches that offered minimal turn.
On the batting front, Shubman Gill’s form was a talking point. After a lean patch, his composed 46 in the previous match drew praise from former Indian pacer Varun Aaron, who stated on Star Sports, “When people raise questions about Shubman Gill being in the T20 setup, it never makes sense to me... He gives you a 46, which is worth its weight in gold.” Abhishek Sharma’s aggressive starts and the depth provided by India’s lower order, including Axar’s late hitting, gave India the flexibility and firepower needed in crunch moments.
For Australia, the absence of key players like Travis Head and Josh Hazlewood was keenly felt. The batting lineup, heavily reliant on Marsh, Stoinis, and Tim David, struggled to counter India’s spin threat. The bowling attack, led by Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa, lacked penetration, and fielding lapses compounded their woes. Marsh, ever the optimist, summed up the Australian perspective: “Going to bowl first. Looks a good surface, always great to come here and play at this great stadium. Certainly a chance to draw the series. Lots to play for. Both teams have played some great cricket.”
Jasprit Bumrah’s chase for a historic milestone added another layer of intrigue. One wicket shy of 100 T20I scalps, Bumrah stood on the cusp of becoming the first Indian bowler to claim 100 wickets across all three international formats—a testament to his consistency and impact across formats.
As the rain persisted and the match hung in limbo, the series narrative remained one of Indian dominance, tactical acumen, and the emergence of new heroes. Whether or not play resumed, India’s unbeaten streak in T20I series under head coach Gautam Gambhir looked set to continue, reinforcing the team’s fearless mindset and balance.
For now, all eyes remain on the Gabba skies. If the weather relents, fans could yet witness a thrilling finish. If not, India’s 2-1 series lead will stand as a testament to their adaptability and resilience on Australian soil—a warning shot ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup.
