India’s ODI series against Australia didn’t unfold as planned, but the visitors ended on a high by showcasing their potential in the final match. After a seven-month gap in 50-over cricket, India appeared rusty early on, allowing Australia to secure the series with a game in hand. The focus now shifts to the T20 format, where India enter in dominant form following their unbeaten Asia Cup triumph. Australia, too, have been exceptional in T20Is, making this contest a clash between two of the strongest sides in world cricket.

Since January 2024, Australia have won 26 of 32 T20Is, maintaining an unbeaten run across eight series. Their powerful batting lineup and depth in all-rounders have been key.

India, however, will miss all-rounder Hardik Pandya once again, affecting their team balance. Wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav, rested for the early ODIs, is expected to play alongside Varun Chakaravarthy. 

Meanwhile, the return of Sanju Samson to the team is expected to lend strength to the batting.

Pitch report and weather forecast

The pitch at Canberra’s Manuka Oval is expected to be slightly slow but good for batting, with an average first-innings score of around 150. Weather conditions should remain cool and mostly cloudy, with light passing showers possible. The matches will air on Star Sports Network and stream on JioHotstar.

Probable XI

Australia: Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh(c), Josh Inglis(wk), Matt Short, Tim David, Mitchell Owen, Marcus Stoinis, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

India: Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson(wk), Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy (With inputs from Agencies)