The fifth T20I of the five-match series between India and Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane was called off due to heavy rain and thunderstorms. The match began with high expectations, but the weather forced an early end after just 4.5 overs of play. As a result, India sealed the series with a 2-1 victory over Australia.

Confident Start by India

Australia won the toss and asked India to bat first, sparking interest in how India’s openers would handle the bouncy Gabba pitch. Without Josh Hazlewood — who was preparing for the Ashes — the Australian attack looked lighter, and India’s top order took full advantage.

Before the rain arrived, India’s openers had given their side a blazing start. Abhishek Sharma struck a powerful boundary over mid-off off Ben Dwarshuis’ fourth delivery. On the very next ball, he miscued a shot high into the air, but Glenn Maxwell dropped a straightforward catch, giving Abhishek a crucial reprieve.

Meanwhile, Shubman Gill played with supreme confidence, hitting four stylish boundaries in Dwarshuis’ second over, including a stunning cover drive. It was a welcome return to form after a tough tour where he had struggled in both ODIs and T20s.

Abhishek, on 11, received another life when Dwarshuis dropped him again at fine leg. He quickly punished the bowlers, hammering Nathan Ellis for a six over midwicket.

Soon after, lightning forced the players off the field, followed by heavy rain that ended all hopes of resuming play.

Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill had started confidently, adding 52 runs in quick time before the interruption. Abhishek enjoyed some luck after being dropped twice, while Gill looked in excellent rhythm, smashing 29 off just 16 balls with clean timing and elegant strokes.

Weather Plays Spoilsport

The contest promised fireworks, but typical Brisbane weather had other plans. After a brief lightning delay, heavy rain flooded the ground, forcing officials to abandon the match. The sold-out crowd at the Gabba was left disappointed as the players never returned to the field.

This washout mirrored the series opener in Canberra, which was also ruined by rain. Despite Australia’s dominant win in the second game at the MCG, India bounced back with strong performances on slower pitches in Hobart and the Gold Coast to clinch the series 2-1.

Team Effort Behind India’s Victory

India captain Suryakumar Yadav praised his team’s all-round effort throughout the series. He said, “The way everyone chipped in every game, it was a complete team effort with the bat, ball and in the field.”

Reflecting on the upcoming T20 World Cup in India, he added, “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 time there is a lot of excitement.”

The win gives India confidence ahead of their World Cup title defence on home soil next year.

Australia Reflect on Series Positives

For Australia, the final game was their last T20 outing before the T20 World Cup. Their batting against quality spin attacks came under scrutiny during the series, but captain Mitchell Marsh remained upbeat.

“I don’t think I can remember the last time we had so many rain interruptions,” 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.”