India start well before rain forces a washout
India wrapped up the five-match T20I series 2-1 after the final game at the Gabba was abandoned due to inclement weather just 4.5 overs into play. The result marked Australia’s fourth bilateral T20I series defeat since 2022, with three of them coming against India. Mitchell Marsh won the toss opted to bowl once again on a green-tinged surface that showed some cracks, but both Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma showed that it was a good pitch to bat on, with the ball coming on nicely.
Abhishek, as is his wont, attacked from the outset but rode his luck, with Glenn Maxwell dropping a simple chance at mid-off in the first over and Ben Dwarshuis spilling a top edge in the fourth. Despite not being at his fluent best, he managed to pull Nathan Ellis for a six out of the ground and, during his knock, also became the fastest batter among Full Member nations to reach 1000 T20I runs, getting there in just 528 balls. Gill looked in much better touch, striking 6 fours in his 16-ball 29, including four in an over off Dwarshuis.
Play was halted 21 minutes into the proceedings even though it wasn’t raining at the time, with the ground staff covering the pitch amid forecasts of severe weather. Spectators were moved from the lower stands and players were taken off as a precaution against lightning. After a delay of over two hours, the match was called off, handing India the series win.
Abhishek wins Player of the series
India will head home well pleased ahead of their T20 World Cup title defence on home soil. “The way everyone chipped in every game, it was a complete team effort with the bat, ball and in the field,” India captain Suryakumar Yadav said. “I saw what happened with the women’s team winning the World Cup in India, having unbelievable support. When you play at home there is pressure but at the same there is a lot of excitement.”
In their final hit-out in the format before the T20 World Cup, Australia’s aggressive batting approach against high-quality spin attacks has come under scrutiny although recriminations are unlikely amid Ashes hysteria. “I don’t think I can remember the last time we had so many rain interruptions,” Australia captain Mitchell Marsh said. “I think there are a lot of learnings to take forward, a lot of positives. The flexibility of our group and the squad that we’re trying to build in a World Cup year has been amazing.”