Daijiworld Media Network - Brisbane
Brisbane, Nov 8: India raced to 52 without loss in 4.5 overs before rain forced the fifth and final T20I against Australia at The Gabba to be abandoned, sealing a 2-1 series victory for the visitors. This marks India’s fifth consecutive T20I series win over Australia, underlining their dominance in the shortest format.
Openers Abhishek Sharma (23*) and Shubman Gill (29*) gave India a flying start before persistent rain and lightning brought an early halt to proceedings. Sharma, surviving two early chances, became the second fastest Indian to reach 1,000 T20I runs in just his 28th innings since debuting in July 2024. Gill provided stability at the other end, striking six boundaries to give India early momentum.
Sharma’s reprieves came from Glenn Maxwell at long-off off Ben Dwarshuis and Dwarshuis himself at the boundary off Nathan Ellis. Despite the early jitters, Sharma capitalised on the opportunities, while Gill looked confident and fluent at the crease.
The weather worsened as a severe alert forced spectators in front rows to be evacuated to covered stands. Heavy rain ensured there was no possibility of a restart, resulting in a no-result—the second such occurrence in the series.
Australia had won the opening match in Melbourne, but India bounced back to claim victories in Hobart and Gold Coast, demonstrating resilience throughout the tour.
Brief Scores: India 52/0 in 4.5 overs (Shubman Gill 29*, Abhishek Sharma 23*) vs Australia