Australia vs India, 5th T20I Preview | Series finale at The Gabba as India eye closing honours and Australia seek redemption

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The T20I series between Australia and India reaches its grand finale this Saturday in Brisbane, with the visitors leading 2-1 and looking to seal another memorable away win. For the host, this is more than a face-saving opportunity, it’s about asserting control and restoring pride before the summer.

‌Surya Kumar Yadav’s side arrived in Brisbane on the back of two commanding victories, showcasing balance in both departments, while Australia’s form has wavered in crucial moments. The Gabba, famous for its bounce and brisk carry, promises an entertaining clash where batters’ timing and bowlers’ control of the new ball will decide the outcome.

Both teams have experimented across the series: India’s spinners have consistently choked scoring through the middle overs, while Australia have relied on power hitters like Glenn Maxwell and Tim David to provide late acceleration. With the World T20 around the corner, the result here could set the tone for squad confidence and selection stability.

In essence, this is not just a bilateral series finale – it’s a statement game for both camps.

Form Guide

Australia started the month strongly with back-to-back wins, including a tense 4-wicket chase in Melbourne. However, their recent defeats in Hobart and Carrara have exposed fragility in middle-order partnerships and death bowling. Marsh’s men have shown flashes of brilliance but lack consistency in defending totals – a pattern they will look to fix at The Gabba.India have enjoyed momentum since their Asia Cup victory in September. After a rain-hit no-result in Canberra and a loss in Melbourne, the visitors bounced back with comprehensive wins in Hobart and Carrara. Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma have formed a lively opening pair, while Axar Patel’s control and Varun Chakaravarthy’s mystery spin have tilted the balance India’s way.

Australia: W NR W L L

India: W NR L W W

Australia vs India Head-to-Head in T20 Internationals

Historically, India have dominated the format, leading the head-to-head 22-12. In recent years, however, contests have tightened: Australia’s emerging all-round core has pushed India into close finishes, though the visitors still maintain an edge thanks to superior spin depth and composure in run-chases.

The last three bilateral T20I series have all featured decisive fifth matches, with India winning two and Australia one. At The Gabba, the sides have met thrice, with India victorious on two occasions – a stat that will weigh on Marsh’s mind as he strategises for conditions suiting pace and bounce.

Australia 12-22 India

Pitch and Weather

The Gabba is renowned for its fast, true surface – one that assists seamers early before flattening out under lights. The average first-innings score in T20Is here hovers around 160, while chasing sides average about 138. Expect genuine pace and carry, making powerplay overs critical for both teams.

Weather forecasts for Saturday predict partly cloudy skies and a 30% chance of evening showers. Humidity near 65% and a breeze from the Pacific may assist swing movement for the new-ball bowlers. Captains winning the toss will likely prefer batting first to avoid potential DLS interventions and to make use of a drier surface early on.

Team News

Australia are expected to retain the same combination that played in Carrara, with Glenn Maxwell and Tim David providing middle-order stability. Mitchell Marsh continues to lead the side, while Adam Zampa remains the key in the spin department.

India are unlikely to make major changes after their strong win in the previous game. Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh will spearhead the pace attack, while Surya Kumar Yadav will look to continue his fine run with the bat.

Australia (Probable XI): Matt Short, Mitchell Marsh (c), Josh Inglis (wk), Tim David, Mitchell Owen, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Xavier Bartlett

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

Broadcasting Platforms

The 5th T20I between Australia and India will be broadcast live on Star Sports Network across the Indian subcontinent and streamed digitally via Jio+ Hotstar. In Australia, coverage will be available through Fox Cricket and Kayo Sports, with worldwide digital rights carried by the ICC.tv platform.