Match Preview: Australia vs India – 1st T20I, India Tour of Australia 2025

Date & Time (IST): Wednesday, October 29, 1:45 PM
Venue: Manuka Oval, Canberra
Match: Australia vs India, 1st T20I
Series: India Tour of Australia, 2025
Format: T20 International (5-match series)

Match Context

After a successful ODI series win, Australia will look to continue their momentum as they host India in the first of a five-match T20I series. The two sides are set to meet at the Manuka Oval in Canberra, a venue known for its balanced nature and often favoring the chasing side. This match marks the first T20I encounter between the two teams in over 16 months, with India having last faced Australia in the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which they went on to win.

India, coming off a T20I Asia Cup victory, will be high on confidence, having defeated arch-rivals Pakistan en route to the title. Meanwhile, Australia has been in fine form in recent 20-over games, losing just one of their last five matches.

Head-to-Head Record (T20Is)

• Matches Played: 32
• Australia Wins: 11
• India Wins: 20
• Tied / No Result: 1
• First Ever Fixture: September 22, 2007
• Most Recent Fixture: June 24, 2024

India holds the edge in their T20I encounters, but Australia will be determined to change the narrative in the current series.

Venue and Pitch Report

Manuka Oval, Canberra is a well-balanced T20I venue that has historically favored the chasing side. Of the five T20Is played here, 40% have seen the side batting second win. A score of 180 or more is typically considered competitive, and bowlers will need to be at their best to restrict the opposition.

Australia Playing XI Prediction

• Mitchell Marsh (Captain & Opener)
• Josh Philippe (Opener)
• Travis Head
• Matthew Short
• Josh Inglis (Wicketkeeper)
• Marcus Stoinis
• Tim David
• Mitchell Owen
• Xavier Bartlett (Bowler)
• Nathan Ellis (Bowler)
• Josh Hazlewood (Bowler)

With Adam Zampa unavailable due to personal reasons, Tanveer Sangha has been added to the squad and may make his debut in this match. The middle order is stacked with T20 specialists, while the bowling attack features Josh Hazlewood, who has been in exceptional form with the new ball.

India Playing XI Prediction

• Shubman Gill (Opener)
• Abhishek Sharma (Opener & Captain)
• Suryakumar Yadav (Captain)
• Tilak Varma
• Sanju Samson (Wicketkeeper)
• Shivam Dube
• Nitish Kumar Reddy
• Axar Patel (All-rounder)
• Jasprit Bumrah (Bowler)
• Arshdeep Singh (Bowler)
• Varun Chakravarthy (Bowler)

India has retained a strong core from the Asia Cup-winning squad, with Nitish Kumar Reddy as the new addition. Abhishek Sharma, the No. 1 T20I batter in the ICC rankings, will open alongside Shubman Gill, and will be a key figure for India.

Key Players to Watch

Abhishek Sharma (India)

The rising star of Indian cricket, Abhishek Sharma has shown his potential with big scores in high-pressure situations. He was the Player of the Match in the Asia Cup final and will look to continue his red-hot form in Canberra.

Josh Hazlewood (Australia)

Australia’s most experienced and reliable seamer in T20Is, Josh Hazlewood has a stellar economy rate and the ability to break partnerships. He will be vital for the hosts, especially in the death overs.

Match Prediction

The match promises to be a high-scoring affair, with both teams in excellent form. Given the venue's historical bias and the strength of both batting lineups, the chasing team is expected to win. However, the battle between the bowlers will be crucial, especially in the middle and death overs.

Prediction: Chasing team to win the match.

Broadcast and Live Streaming

• Live Coverage: JioStar Network Channels and JioHotstar App & Website
• Time (IST): 1:45 PM
• Time (GMT): 08:15 AM

Final Thoughts

Australia will be eager to make a strong statement on home soil, while India will look to replicate their T20I Asia Cup success. With star performers on both sides and a competitive venue, the first T20I of the series is set to be an exciting encounter. Fans can expect fireworks from the bat and a tight battle in the field.

Who will win? The cricketing world will be watching closely.
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