The fifth and final T20I of the 2025 series between India and Australia is set to take place at The Gabba in Brisbane on Saturday, November 8. While the hosts can’t win the series, they can draw it. For India, a win will help them clinch the series 3-1. Meanwhile, a no result affair will also work in India’s favour.
After a dominant start, India’s bowlers have been on a roll, outsmarting Australia with their spin in Hobart and Gold Coast. Now, they look to maintain their winning momentum against a shorthanded Australian side.
What one can expect in the decider?
Australia’s aggressive batting order failed to perform on a slower Gold Coast surface in the fourth T20I. The team collapsed after a strong start, with India’s spinners Varun Chakravarthy, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar wreaking havoc. This has raised questions about Australia’s ability to handle top-notch spin bowling, especially with the ICC T20 World Cup looming in spin-friendly conditions.
India’s top-order will be tested in Brisbane. The focus will be on Shubman Gill, in particular. He is yet to look convincing so far. The onus of scoring runs will be on Abhishek Sharma and the middle order. Among bowlers, one would want pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh come good.
The Gabba surface usually offers plenty of pace and bounce, making it conducive for seamers but also allowing runs to flow freely.
India aim for a 4th successive bilateral series win over Australia (T20Is)
India are out to claim a 4th successive bilateral series win over Australia. As per ESPNcricinfo, India downed Australia 2-1 Down Under in 2020. In 2022 next, the Aussies lost 1-2 against the Men in Blue in India. In 2023, India thrashed Australia 4-1 in a 5-match bilateral series held in India. And now, the Indian side owns a 2-1 lead with the decider in Brisbane on Saturday.
Are India the favourites? What does the H2H record say?
The two teams brace themselves for a 37th meeting in T20Is. Team India owns a 22-12 win-loss record (NR: 2). In Australia, the Men in Blue have won 9 matches against the hosts from 16 meetings (L5, NR: 2).
If the Indian cricket team manages to win the series, it will see them will return home with confidence ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 where they are expected to start as favourites.
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