With an unassailable 2-1 lead in the five-match series, India have extended their 17-year streak of not losing a T20I series against Australia. Suryakumar Yadav and his team will aim to finish the tour on a high.
The focus will be on the batting of Shubman Gill and skipper Suryakumar Yadav, while Australia will look to tackle India’s spin threat in their final face-off before next year’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
India displayed better tactical awareness in the previous match, adapting smartly to a tricky Carrara pitch. Gill anchored a solid start as India reached 121 for 2 in 14 overs before a late collapse saw them lose four wickets for just 15 runs.
For vice-captain Gill, it has now been seven innings without a fifty, though his 46 in the fourth T20I showed signs of returning form. The stylish opener, who looked composed before falling to a slower delivery, will be eager to sign off on a high and silence concerns about his rhythm.
Suryakumar, too, has shown flashes of brilliance but struggled to convert his starts. The captain will be expected to play with greater freedom and lead by example ahead of next month’s home series against South Africa.
Tilak Varma’s lean patch continues, with scores of 0, 29, and 5 in his last three innings, while wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma — preferred over Sanju Samson in the last two matches — is yet to make a telling contribution.
Abhishek Sharma, however, has lived up to his billing as one of the most destructive T20 batters in world cricket, scoring a fluent half-century and giving India brisk starts.
India’s lower order has provided crucial depth, with Axar Patel’s 11-ball 21 in the previous match boosting the total. The presence of all-rounders at No. 7 and No. 8 has given the team valuable flexibility.
In the bowling department, Arshdeep Singh has impressed again, picking up four wickets and forming an effective new-ball pairing with Jasprit Bumrah.
India’s spin trio — Varun Chakaravarthy, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar — has been a key strength despite the absence of Kuldeep Yadav. Both Shivam Dube and Washington have also made notable all-round contributions. Dube’s 23-ball 49 turned the third T20I India’s way, while Washington’s spell of 3 for 3 sealed victory in the fourth. Dube also chipped in with 18 off 22 and two wickets in that game.
Australia, meanwhile, have struggled against India’s spin. In the fourth T20I, Varun, Axar, and Washington combined for six wickets in under 10 overs at Carrara Oval.
The hosts’ batting has heavily relied on skipper Mitchell Marsh, Marcus Stoinis, and Tim David. The absence of Travis Head hurt them in the last game, as they failed to chase a modest 168.
All-rounder Matthew Short, who has thrived as an opener, was pushed down the order and failed to capitalise on Head’s absence. He will be keen to make amends in the final game.
Australia have also missed Josh Hazlewood’s control, with their attack lacking penetration. Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa have carried the bowling burden, while Ben Dwarshuis went wicketless in the previous match. The hosts might consider handing a debut to Mahli Beardman at the Gabba.
Teams (from):
India: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill (VC), Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Sanju Samson (WK), Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar.
Australia: Mitchell Marsh (C), Matthew Short, Josh Inglis (WK), Josh Philippe (WK), Mitchell Owen, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Kuhnemann, Adam Zampa, Mahli Beardman, Ben Dwarshuis, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Marcus Stoinis.
