BRISBANE, Australia — India have clinched a 2-1 series victory over Australia in their T20I series after the fifth and final match at the Gabba was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to persistent rain and a saturated outfield.
The anti-climactic finish to a thrilling, high-scoring series came as a disappointment to a packed Brisbane crowd, but it handed India an unassailable lead after they had won the third and fourth matches to turn the series on its head following an opening-game defeat.
The washout meant India secured their first T20I series win on Australian soil since 2018, providing a significant morale boost and valuable game time for a new-look squad ahead of the T20 World Cup next year.
A Series of Batting Fireworks
The four matches that were played were characterized by explosive batting from both sides, with records tumbling and bowlers being put to the sword on flat Australian pitches. The series aggregate of 1,547 runs was the highest for any four-match T20I bilateral series in history, underlining the sheer dominance of the bat.
India’s batting, in particular, was a revelation. With senior players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma rested, a new generation of stars seized their opportunity. The top-order firepower was on full display, setting the stage for the series turnaround.
Key Batting Performances for India:
- Suryakumar Yadav (Captain): Led from the front with two blistering half-centuries, showcasing his 360-degree hitting.
- Ruturaj Gaikwad: The opener announced his arrival with a spectacular, unbeaten 123* in the third T20I in Guwahati.
- Rinku Singh: Emerged as the finisher par excellence, playing several crucial, calm innings under pressure.
- Jitesh Sharma (Wicket-keeper): Provided explosive cameos lower down the order, strengthening his case for a permanent role.
The Turning Point in Raipur
After a nail-biting two-wicket loss in the first match in Visakhapatnam, where India failed to defend 208, the series shifted to a different dynamic. The second match in Thiruvananthapuram was washed out, putting immense pressure on the third fixture. It was in Raipur, during the fourth match, where the series truly turned.
India’s bowlers, heavily criticized after the first game, delivered a masterclass in defending a modest total of 174. The spin duo of Axar Patel and Ravi Bishnoi strangled the Australian middle order, with Bishnoi’s figures of 4-0-17-2 earning him the Player of the Match award and swinging the series momentum decisively in India's favor.
Reflecting on the Raipur victory, Captain Suryakumar Yadav praised his team's character, stating, "After the first game, we spoke about our bowling execution and the boys responded brilliantly. To defend 174 on that pitch showed a lot of heart."
Australian Positives Amid Defeat
For Australia, the series served as a testing ground for their depth ahead of their home World Cup campaign. Despite the series loss, there were several standout individual performances. Josh Inglis blasted a magnificent 110 in the first T20I, while Tim David provided his trademark power-hitting throughout.
Stand-in captain Matthew Wade, leading the side in the absence of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Marsh, and other World Cup participants, acknowledged the challenge but remained upbeat. He said after the washout, "It's disappointing not to get a game in tonight, but it's been a great series. We were outplayed in the last two games, but we've seen some incredible performances from our young guys."
The Australian bowling attack, missing its frontline pacers, was put under constant pressure but found a new star in left-arm quick Ben Dwarshuis, who made a promising debut. Leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha also gained valuable experience against a world-class batting lineup.
Looking Ahead: The World Cup Horizon
This series was far more significant than a typical bilateral contest. For India, it was a crucial step in finalizing their core group for the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA. The performances of Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma, and Ravi Bishnoi have given the selectors a welcome headache.
The ability to win a series on foreign soil with a second-string team, missing key bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, speaks volumes about the depth of Indian cricket. The team demonstrated they could win both in high-scoring shootouts and in gritty, low-scoring defensive battles.
For Australia, the series highlighted areas for refinement but also confirmed their immense batting firepower deep into the order. The return of their first-choice players will add steel to the lineup, but the fringe players have now been given a taste of international intensity.
A Damp Squib Finale, A Clear Victor
While the Brisbane weather denied fans a grandstand finish to a spectacularly entertaining series, the outcome was a fair reflection of the cricket played. After being stunned in the opener, India regrouped and outplayed Australia in the key moments of the subsequent matches.
The Player of the Series award was fittingly given to India’s captain, Suryakumar Yadav, for his aggressive and inspirational leadership. Upon receiving the award, he summarized the team's sentiment, saying, "We came here with a plan to be fearless and enjoy our cricket. The boys showed great fight. Winning a series in Australia is always special, no matter the format."
As the covers remained on at the Gabba, India’s young squad celebrated a significant achievement. The 2-1 series win not only adds another trophy to the cabinet but also solidifies the team's identity and depth, sending a strong message to their rivals with the global tournament just months away.