Men

Men
India finished the ODI series on a high, winning the third match at Sydney by nine wickets. Rohit Sharma’s unbeaten 121 and Virat Kohli’s calm 74 ensured a smooth chase after Harshit Rana’s four-wicket burst restricted Australia to 236.
The visitors avoided a clean sweep but lost the series 2-1. Attention now shifts to the five-match T20I series, where the reigning world champions face Mitchell Marsh’s Australia.
India arrived with renewed confidence after their Asia Cup 2025 victory, led by Abhishek Sharma’s 314 runs. This is the format where they have looked most dangerous in recent years.
This article breaks down the odds of either of the teams winning and explores the factors of weather, pitch conditions, and even players in the spotlight.
Australia vs India 1st T20I – Match Details
The opening T20I happens at Manuka Oval in Canberra on October 29, 2025, with the first ball at 7:15 PM local time. This marks the first T20I between these nations at this venue, adding fresh intrigue.
| Series | India tour of Australia 2025 |
| Match | 1st T20I |
| Date | Oct 29, 2025 |
| Time | 7:15 PM (LOCAL) |
| Venue | Canberra, Manuka Oval |
Manuka Oval gets its first T20I between these nations, offering fresh conditions for both teams to test their approaches and team combinations. The venue, established in 1929, has hosted just six T20 internationals previously.
India Tour Of Australia 2025 – Squads
Both squads show interesting picks, with India fielding their Asia Cup-winning squad while Australia includes several returning players after rest periods. Glenn Maxwell misses out due to a wrist injury, while Pat Cummins focuses on Ashes preparation.
India Squad (T20I):
Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill (VC), Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Sanju Samson, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar.
Australia Squad (1st and 2nd T20I):
Travis Head, Matt Renshaw, Matthew Short, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh(C), Cooper Connolly, Mitchell Owen, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Xavier Bartlett, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Matthew Kuhnemann
The T20I squads reflect both nations’ preparations for the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next February-March, mixing experience with chances for younger talent to stake their claims. India, as defending champions, aim to test combinations ahead.
Australia vs India 1st T20I – Pitch Report
Manuka Oval is known for even bounce and reliable batting conditions, though it lacks the raw pace seen at Brisbane or Perth. Average first-innings T20I totals here hover between 149 and 155.
The ground once saw Sydney Thunder pile up 219 for seven during BBL 2020-21, proof that stroke play can thrive when conditions settle.
| Pitch Behaviour | Good batting surface with true bounce, slows down in the second innings |
| Batting Assistance | Batsmen enjoy an upper hand with scoring becoming easier as the game progresses, the outfield is fast, rewarding shots |
| Bowling Assistance | Pacers get advantage in initial overs, spinners may get turn with old ball as pitch dries |
| Ground Dimensions | Straight boundary approximately 80 meters, square boundaries shorter at around 65 meters, creating six-hitting opportunities |
| ODI 1st Innings Score | The average first innings T20I score is 149 runs, the ODI average is 261, demonstrating a batting-friendly nature |
| Toss & Dew Factor | Toss is not a major factor historically; teams batting first and second have equal success rates |
Teams have crossed 100 runs in seven of the past matches here, and six of the last ten games have been won by chasing sides. The average strike rate stands at 134.8, a sign of free-flowing batting.
Australia vs India 1st T20I – Weather Report
Canberra is set for ideal cricket weather on October 29 with a top of 21°C and a low of 8°C. The spring air should be crisp but dry, with only a two to three millimetre chance of rain during the period. Conditions look perfect for a full game.
| Temperature | Maximum 21°C, Minimum 8°C for match day |
| Weather | Clear skies expected with normal 8 hours of bright sunshine |
| Precipitation | Low rainfall probability, approximately 2-3mm expected this period |
| Humidity | Average humidity ranges from 73-82% during October evenings in Canberra |
| Wind | Wind speed averaged 28 meters per second throughout October |
A pleasant spring evening should greet both sides with little threat of rain. Conditions suit swing early on before dew sets in later. It promises a fair contest between bat and ball.
Australia vs India – Head-to-Head Stats In T20Is
India leads this rivalry with 20 wins from 32 completed T20Is, showing their command in the format. That 62.5 percent success rate highlights India’s ability to adapt and dominate consistently.
| Matches | India win | Australia win | No result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32 | 20 | 11 | 1 |
India’s record speaks for itself, though Australia has narrowed the gap in recent years. In the last T20I series in 2023, India prevailed 4-1 at home, continuing their hold in this matchup.
Some Other Head-to-Head Stats In T20Is
Individual duels often decide contests between these teams. Kohli’s calm finishing, Bumrah’s yorkers, and Maxwell’s audacity have defined the rivalry. Behrendorff’s swing has also troubled Indian openers in Australian conditions.
- Highest Total: India – 209/4, Australia – 201/7
- Lowest Total: India – 74, Australia – 86
- Most runs: India – Virat Kohli (794), Australia – Glenn Maxwell (574)
- Most wickets: India – Jasprit Bumrah (17), Australia – Jason Behrendorff (13)
India’s Asia Cup win reminded everyone why they remain the best T20 side in the world. Abhishek Sharma’s 314 runs in seven innings came at a breathtaking strike rate of 200, the most ever in a single T20 Asia Cup.
His 135 against England became India’s highest individual T20I score. Tilak Varma’s average of 53.44 and his 92.50 in run chases underline his calm under pressure.

Arshdeep Singh joined Tim Southee as the joint-fastest to reach 100 T20I wickets. For Australia, Travis Head must rediscover the form that brought him 539 runs at a 178 strike rate in 2024.
Winning & Toss Odds For Australia vs India 1st T20I
Bookmakers have India as slight favourites, a reflection of their Asia Cup dominance and stronger T20I record. Australia still carries the comfort of home advantage and a proven core. Most odds suggest a closely fought game with little between the two sides.
| Platform | India Win Odds | Australia Win Odds | Toss Odds (India) | Toss Odds (AUS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stake | 1.85 | 1.95 | 1.90 | 1.90 |
| 1xBet | 1.82 | 2.00 | 1.88 | 1.92 |
| 4RABET | 1.88 | 1.93 | 1.91 | 1.89 |
| BETVIBE | 1.84 | 1.98 | 1.90 | 1.90 |
The odds show a fine balance between both teams, though India’s form has nudged confidence their way. Markets have shortened slightly on India, hinting at growing belief in their current momentum.
Key Players To Watch In Australia vs India 1st T20I
There is no shortage of match-winners on either side. Abhishek Sharma’s powerplay aggression will meet Australia’s pace attack, while Travis Head’s response against India’s spinners could define the evening.
For both captains, this is a chance to set the early tone of the series.
| Players | Reason |
|---|---|
| Abhishek Sharma (IND) | Tournament’s top scorer with 314 Asia Cup runs at a 200 strike rate, became the number one T20I batter |
| Suryakumar Yadav (IND) | Captain averaged just 11.11 in 2025 with 100 runs from 11 innings, desperately needs runs |
| Tilak Varma (IND) | Averages 53.44 in T20Is with 962 runs, a phenomenal 92.50 average in successful chases, making him crucial |
| Arshdeep Singh (IND) | First Indian with 100 T20I wickets in 64 matches, averages 18.30, deadly in powerplay and death |
| Travis Head (AUS) | Averaged 38.50 in 2024 but struggling with 57 runs from four 2025 matches at 111.76 strike rate |
| Mitchell Marsh (AUS) | Captain scored 555 runs in the last 10 limited-overs innings, led Australia to a 2-1 ODI series victory |
Each of these players can shape the game through a burst of brilliance or a spell of accuracy. Suryakumar’s ongoing form slump adds pressure to India’s middle order to deliver early.
Related Reads:
Conclusion: India Seems To Have Better Records In T20Is Against Australia Compared To ODIs
India walk into this T20I series with confidence after avoiding an ODI sweep and riding the high of their unbeaten Asia Cup run. Abhishek Sharma’s 314 runs made him the new star of the format, while Tilak Varma’s consistency adds security behind him.
Suryakumar Yadav’s lean run of 11.11 this year remains a concern, though India’s overall balance looks solid. Australia’s hopes rest on Marsh’s prolific scoring form and their comfort at home.
The 20-11 head-to-head record tells the story of India’s T20 edge, something both sides will treat seriously as they prepare for next year’s World Cup.
FAQs
The match begins at 7:15 PM local time on October 29 at Manuka Oval. For fans in India, the action starts at 1:45 PM IST, perfect for an afternoon watch.
Cooper Connolly and Mitchell Owen were called up after Maxwell’s wrist fracture and Cummins’ decision to focus on Ashes readiness. Maxwell’s absence removes Australia’s main spin-bowling all-rounder and one of their most destructive T20 hitters.
Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Varun Chakravarthy remain from the Asia Cup squad. Kuldeep’s 17 wickets at 9.29 underlined his dominance in that tournament.
The surface tends to aid batters with an average first-innings score of around 150. Pacers find early movement before spin comes into play later. Chasing teams have enjoyed better results recently.
This series is part of both teams’ preparations for the 2026 T20 World Cup. India aims to build on their title defence, while Australia seeks redemption after their 2024 World Cup exit.
