India’s bid to wrap up another overseas T20I series win will hinge on ironing out their batting inconsistencies when they meet Australia in the fifth and final match of the series in Brisbane on Saturday. Suryakumar Yadav’s side, already 2–1 ahead, have ensured their unbeaten T20I series run against Australia remains intact for a 17th year, yet the visitors will want to close the tour with authority.
Shubman Gill’s form will be under scrutiny again after the opener showed glimpses of fluency in the previous outing. India had built a promising platform of 121 for 2 in 14 overs at Carrara before suffering a late collapse that saw four wickets tumble for 15 runs. Gill’s 46 marked a return to rhythm after seven innings without a fifty, though he fell to a slower ball after looking settled.
Skipper Suryakumar has produced bright starts across the series but has not converted them into substantial innings, a concern he will hope to address before next month’s South Africa tour. Tilak Varma, with scores of 0, 29, and 5, is also seeking a meaningful knock, while wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma is under pressure to justify his selection ahead of Sanju Samson.
Abhishek Sharma has been India’s most assured presence at the top, living up to his reputation as the world’s top-ranked T20 hitter with an enterprising half-century. Contributions from the lower order have lent crucial depth, with Axar Patel smashing an 11-ball 21 in the previous match.
Also read: Bowlers put India ahead in series
India’s bowling has been markedly sharper. Arshdeep Singh has continued to flourish as a new-ball partner to Jasprit Bumrah, claiming four wickets with accuracy and control. The spin trio of Varun Chakaravarthy, Axar, and Washington Sundar has been a decisive force, compensating for the absence of Kuldeep Yadav. Shivam Dube and Washington have chipped in effectively with both bat and ball, Dube turning the third T20 with a 23-ball 49 and Washington sealing the fourth with stunning figures of 3 for 3.
Australia remain wary of India’s spin challenge after their top order faltered again in the fourth match, where Varun, Axar, and Washington combined for six wickets in under 10 overs. The hosts will look to Mitchell Marsh, Marcus Stoinis, and Tim David to stabilise their batting after the absence of Travis Head undermined their chase of 168.
Matthew Short, who has thrived as an opener in recent seasons, was pushed down the order and failed to capitalise on Head’s absence. He will be eager to correct that on Saturday. Australia have also missed the penetration of Josh Hazlewood, leaving Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa to shoulder the bowling burden. Ben Dwarshuis went wicketless in the fourth match, and the hosts may consider giving Mahli Beardman a debut.
The final match will be India’s last T20I outing before next year’s World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, adding significance to the final exchanges of the series.
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