Australia vs India, 5th T20I

The 5th T20I between Australia and India at The Gabba promises to be an electrifying finale to the series. Australia has looked strong recently on home soil, leveraging their explosive batting lineup and disciplined bowling attack. Players like Aaron Finch and Mitchell Starc have been pivotal to their success, combining aggression with tactical nous. India, meanwhile, brings a blend of youth and experience, with the likes of Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah holding the reins. The visitors have been outstanding in adapting their game plans for Australian conditions, with key contributions from their middle order and death-over specialists bolstering their chances. Head-to-head, the teams have been fairly competitive in T20Is at The Gabba, with a slight edge to Australia in recent encounters, mainly due to their ability to defend totals under pressure. Strategically, Australia is likely to look for early breakthroughs with their pace attack to unsettle India’s top order, while India will aim to build a solid platform through steady partnerships and then accelerate in the final overs. Overall, the match could hinge on which side handles pressure better and executes their plans efficiently in the crucial middle overs. Both teams have match-winners who can change fortunes in a matter of a few deliveries, making this encounter intensely balanced. #### AI suggested match winner Australia: 53%, India: 47%

If Australia bats first on this Gabba pitch, expecting a score in the range of 170-185 is realistic. The surface typically offers true bounce, favouring stroke play, especially with Australia’s powerful top order. Conversely, if India wins the toss and opts to bat first, a target around 165-180 would be competitive. India’s batsmen have adapted well to Australian pace and bounce, but the slightly quicker outfield could make running between wickets and boundary conversions critical. Both teams have the firepower to post or chase totals effectively, setting up an enthralling contest.

The Gabba traditionally offers a hard and bouncy pitch, supporting fast bowlers early but also easing stroke play for batters as the innings progresses. The average first-innings total here in T20Is is approximately 175 runs. Historically, chasing teams have had a moderate success rate of around 55%, indicating a slight but not overwhelming advantage for chasing sides. Weather forecast predicts clear skies with minimal chance of rain and temperatures hovering around 28°C, ideal conditions for a full-length match. Best bowler records at The Gabba between the two teams: Mitchell Starc (Australia) with 12 wickets at an economy of 6.8, and Jasprit Bumrah (India) with 10 wickets at an economy of 7.1. Best batsmen records: Aaron Finch (Australia) averages 43 with a strike rate of 140, and Virat Kohli (India) averages 41 with a strike rate close to 135. The highest individual score at this venue in Australia-India T20Is is 89 by Aaron Finch.

Matches Played	Australia Wins	India Wins
20	11	9

Team Recent Performance

Team	Last 5 Matches
Australia	W, L, W, W, L
India	W, W, L, W, L

Aaron Finch: Finch has been in scintillating form with his explosive starts, recently scoring two fifties in the series and maintaining a strike rate above 140.

Mitchell Starc: Starc remains Australia’s leading pace threat, delivering crucial early breakthroughs and death-overs wickets with his cutters and yorkers.

Pat Cummins: Cummins adds control and pace, offering breakthroughs in both powerplays and death, and can be a game-changer with the ball.

Virat Kohli: Kohli provides classical stability and timely aggressiveness, anchoring the Indian innings with consistent 40+ scores this season.

Jasprit Bumrah: Bumrah’s impeccable line and length with yorkers make him India's most effective death bowler, with multiple 2+ wicket hauls recently.

Rishabh Pant: Pant’s aggressive batting in the middle overs has turned matches around for India, showcasing his ability to accelerate when needed.