Australia vs India, 3rd T20I Preview – 2nd November 2025, Bellerive Oval, Hobart

Date: Sunday, 2nd November 2025
Time: 08:15 AM GMT | 01:45 PM IST | 07:15 PM Local
Venue: Bellerive Oval, Hobart
Series: India Tour of Australia – 3rd T20I
Format: T20 International

Match Context

As the India vs Australia T20I series heads into its third installment, the teams are set for a thrilling encounter at Bellerive Oval in Hobart. The series so far has been a tight battle, with Australia securing a win in the second T20I at Melbourne, while India took the opener at Manuka Oval. The stage is now set for a crucial mid-series clash where both teams aim to take control.

Team Form & Strengths

Australia:

Australia has been in consistent form, particularly with their new ball attack, spearheaded by the likes of Josh Hazlewood. However, the focus has shifted to developing younger talent as the series progresses.

• Mitchell Marsh has been in scintillating form, scoring 413 runs in 12 T20Is this year, and is a key match-winner for the Aussies.
• Tim David is a potent lower-order finisher and has an impressive record at Bellerive Oval, averaging 65.33 since 2023.
• Josh Inglis has shown great efficiency behind the stumps and with the bat, averaging well in recent games.

India:

India, on the other hand, has struggled with the bat in recent matches but has been formidable with the ball.

• Abhishek Sharma has been a reliable opener, scoring 680 runs in 14 T20Is this year.
• The spin duo of Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav has been instrumental in tight conditions, offering crucial breakthroughs.
• Jasprit Bumrah remains a consistent wicket-taker and a key figure in India's bowling setup.

Head-to-Head Analysis

In the last five encounters between the two teams, India has edged out Australia with 3 wins, while Australia has one victory, with one match being a washout. Despite Australia's recent win in Melbourne, India's historical superiority and current bowling strength make them a strong contender.

Venue Insights – Bellerive Oval, Hobart

Bellerive Oval has evolved into a high-scoring venue in recent years:

• Average 1st Innings Score (2022–2025): 170.0
• Chasing Advantage: Teams batting second have won 69.3% of matches.
• Fast Bowlers: Average – 24.60, Economy Rate – 8.18
• Spin Bowlers: Average – 26.79, Economy Rate – 7.60

With the balance slightly favoring the chasing side, the toss could play a pivotal role in the outcome of the match.

Key Players to Watch

Australia:

• Mitchell Marsh: A match winner with both bat and ball.
• Tim David: Explosive finisher with a great record in Hobart.
• Josh Inglis: Efficient wicketkeeper-batter, crucial in tight moments.

India:

• Abhishek Sharma: Key opener and run-scorer for India.
• Varun Chakravarthy: Crucial with the ball in middle overs.
• Jasprit Bumrah: India’s premier death bowler and match decider.

Squads

Australia (14):
Mitchell Marsh (c), Josh Inglis (wk), Josh Philippe, Tim David, Travis Head, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Short, Sean Abbott, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Xavier Bartlett, Mahli Beardman, Nathan Ellis, Matthew Kuhnemann.

India (14):
Suryakumar Yadav (c), Sanju Samson (wk), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Abhishek Sharma, Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav.

Match Predictions

• Toss Winner: Australia
• Match Winner: India
• Top Batter Runs Scored: Mitchell Marsh (Australia), Abhishek Sharma (India)
• Top Bowler Wickets Taken: Nathan Ellis (Australia), Varun Chakravarthy (India)
• Most Sixes: Tim David (Australia), Abhishek Sharma (India)
• Player of the Match: Abhishek Sharma (India)
• Team Scores Batting First: Australia 180+, India 190+

Final Verdict

This third T20I promises to be a fascinating contest between two evenly matched sides. Australia will look to build on their recent win in Melbourne, while India will aim to regain the momentum with a strong batting display and clinical bowling. The toss could be a game-changer, and with Bellerive Oval favoring chasing teams, the team batting second may have the edge. However, given India's experience and strong bowling attack, they are slight favorites to come out on top in this high-stakes encounter.
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