The Gabba is one of the oldest cricket grounds located in Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, Australia.

Established in 1895, The Gabba is owned by the Queensland Government and has a seating capacity of around 37,000.

Also known as the Brisbane Cricket Ground, The Gabba serves as the home ground of the Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League (BBL) and Women’s Bash League (WBBL) and also for the Queensland Bulls in domestic cricket.

Apart from cricket, The Gabba is known to be a multi-speciality stadium which has staged athletics, rugby league, rugby union, Australian rules football, Association football, cycling, baseball, pony, greyhound racing and concerts.

The Gabba hosted its first international cricket match, a Test played between Australia and South Africa in December 1931. Under the leadership of Bill Woodfull, Australia won the Test by an innings and 163 runs.

It later staged its first One-Day International (ODI) that featured England and West Indies in December 1979. 

The Gabba hosted its first-ever T20 international played between hosts Australia and South Africa in January 2006. Since then, it has staged 10 T20Is so far. 

With that being said, let’s have a look at The Gabba T20 records and stats.

The Gabba T20 records and stats

Highest total

The Australia cricket team recorded the highest total at The Gabba in T20 international cricket. During the only T20I of South Africa’s tour of Australia in January 2006, the hosts posted 209/3 in their 20 overs at the Brisbane Cricket Ground. Electing to bat first, Australia rode on Damien Martyn’s 56-ball 96 and Andrew Symonds�unbeaten 54 off just 26 balls to register a record T20I total at the venue. In reply, South Africa were bowled out for 114 in 18.3 overs as Australia won the T20I by 95 runs. 

Lowest total

The South Africa cricket team registered the lowest total at The Gabba in T20 international cricket. South Africa were bundled out for 114 while chasing Australia’s 209/3 in the first-ever T20I at the Brisbane Cricket Ground in January 2006. Chasing 210, South Africa lost wickets at regular intervals as they later lost the game by 95 runs. Wicketkeeper-batter Mark Boucher top-scored for South Africa with 29. For Australia, Nathan Bracken, Mick Lewis, James Hopes and Andrew Symonds picked up two wickets each.

Most runs

Former Australia cricketer David Warner has the most runs at The Gabba in the T20I format. Between 2009 and 2022, David Warner amassed 145 runs in four T20Is at the Brisbane Cricket Ground at an average of 48.33 and a strike rate of 143.56. The swashbuckling southpaw slammed two T20I fifties at The Gabba. Former Australia captain Aaron Finch features second on the list with 109 runs in five matches at a strike rate of 115.95. 

Most wickets

Australia spinner Adam Zampa has picked up the most wickets at this venue in T20 international cricket. The leg-spinner has already bagged seven wickets in just four T20Is at an average of 13.57 and an impressive economy of 5.93. Zampa’s 2/19 against Ireland during an ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022 group match is his best bowling figures at The Gabba in cricket’s shortest format. His teammate Mitchell Starc is second on the list with six wickets in two T20Is while Pat Cummins has also claimed six scalps in three games at The Gabba.

Highest individual score

Former Australia top-order batter Damien Martyn registered the highest individual score at this ground in T20 international cricket. Opening the batting, Damien Martyn slammed 96 off 56 balls against South Africa in the only T20I of the series in January 2006. His brilliant knock was laced with seven fours and five maximums. Martyn’s scintillating knock helped Australia post a massive total of 209/3 in their allotted overs. Later, Australia bowled out South Africa for 114 to register a 95-run win in Brisbane.

Best bowling figures

Australia’s star pacer Mitchell Starc has the best bowling figures at The Gabba in T20 international cricket. The left-arm pacer recorded match-winning figures of 4/20 against West Indies in the second T20I of a two-match series in October 2022. Defending 178, Mitchell Starc dismissed Kyle Mayers, captain Nicholas Pooran, Jason Holder and Odean Smith to restrict West Indies to 147/8 in their allotted overs. Earlier, David Warner’s 75 and Tim David’s 42 powered Australia to 178/7 in their 20 overs as the hosts won the game by 31 runs.

Highest partnership

Australia’s David Warner and Steven Smith hold the record for the highest partnership at The Gabba in T20 international cricket. David Warner and Steven Smith forged an unbeaten 117-run stand for the second wicket while chasing Sri Lanka’s 117 in October 2019. While Warner scored 60 not out, Smith remained unbeaten on 53 to help Australia chase down the target in just 13 overs. Australia won the second T20I by nine wickets and later clinched the three-match T20I series 3-0.

Photo credit: Imago

The India vs Australia T20 history began with their first-ever meeting at the ICC T20 World Cup 2007 in Durban, South Africa.

Led by captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, India defeated Australia by 15 runs in the semi-finals of the inaugural edition of the ICC T20 World Cup.

Since then, India and Australia have played 31 T20 internationals against each other. 

The Men in Blue have a superior head-to-head record against the Aussies in T20I cricket, winning 19 of the 31 matches that they have contested so far. Australia have registered 11 victories while one match ended in no result.

Both the sides have registered numerous records during their T20 international battles and here we take a closer look at some of those India vs Australia T20 records and stats.

India vs Australia T20 records and stats

Highest total

The Indian cricket team holds the record for the highest team total in India vs Australia T20 internationals. During the second T20I of Australia’s tour of India in 2023, the Suryakumar Yadav-led hosts recorded 235/4 after they were put in to bat. India rode on fifties from Ruturaj Gaikwad (58), Yashasvi Jaiswal (53) and Ishan Kishan (52) to post a record T20 international total in this high-profile fixture. In reply, Australia could only manage 191/9 in their allotted overs. 

Lowest  total

India registered the lowest total in India vs Australia T20 internationals. Electing to bat first, the MS Dhoni-led side were bowled out for 74 in 17.3 overs during the only T20I of India’s tour of Australia in 2008 in Melbourne. All-rounder Irfan Pathan was the top-scorer with 26 off 30 balls. For Australia, Nathan Bracken picked three wickets while Adam Voges bagged two scalps. Australia later chased down the target in 11.2 overs with nine wickets in hand.

Most runs

Virat Kohli holds the record for the most runs in India vs Australia T20Is. The former India captain has amassed 794 runs in 22 T20 matches at an average of 52.93 and a strike rate of 143.84 against the Aussies. Kohli has slammed eight fifties against Australia in the T20I format. He registered his highest score of 90 not out off 55 balls against the Aussies in the first T20I of India’s tour of Australia in 2016 in Adelaide.

Most wickets

India’s Jasprit Bumrah has picked the most wickets in this high-profile T20I fixture. The right-arm fast bowler has bagged 16 wickets in 13 T20I matches against Australia at an average of 23.43 and an economy of 8.06. For Australia, leg-spinner Adam Zampa has the most wickets against India in T20I cricket. Zampa has claimed 12 wickets in 14 T20Is at an impressive economy of 6.93.

Highest individual score

Former all-rounder Shane Watson holds the record for the highest individual score in India vs Australia T20Is. Shane Watson scored an unbeaten 124 off just 71 balls during the third T20I of India’s tour of Australia in 2016 in Sydney. His magnificent innings was laced with 10 fours and six maximums. Watson’s scintillating hundred helped Australia post 197/5 in their 20 overs. However, India later successfully chased down the target with seven wickets in hand to seal the three-match series 3-0.

Best bowling figures

India’s Ravichandran Ashwin has the best bowling figures in this T20I fixture. During a Group 2 clash in the ICC World T20 2014 in Mirpur, Ashwin recorded figures of 4/11 to help India bowl out Australia for 86 in 16.2 overs while defending 159. The right-arm off-spinner bagged the wickets of Aaron Finch, David Warner, Glenn Maxwell and James Muirhead. Earlier, India posted 159/7 in their 20 overs.

Highest partnership

Ruturaj Gaikwad and Tilak Varma hold the record for the highest partnership in India vs Australia T20Is. During the third T20I of Australia’s tour of India in November 2023, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Tilak Varma forged an unbeaten 141-run stand for the fourth wicket to guide the hosts to 222/3 in their 20 overs in Guwahati. Ruturaj Gaikwad scored 123 not out, while Titak Varma remained unbeaten on 31. Despite the incredible partnership, Australia later chased down the target to secure a five-wicket win.

Photo credit: Alamy

With the series tied 1-1, the Indian cricket team will lock horns with Australia in the third and final T20 International at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad on Sunday, September 25. The match will start at 7:00 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).

IND vs AUS Dream11 prediction for 3rd T20I 2022

Led by their talismanic captain Rohit Sharma, India bounced back to beat Australia by six wickets in the second T20I in Nagpur and level the three-match series on Friday. Earlier, the Aaron Finch-led Australia defeated the hosts by four wickets in a high-scoring encounter in Mohali. 

Ahead of the series-deciding T20 match, India will be concerned over the form of their premier bowlers Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshal Patel and leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal leading up to the marquee ICC Men’s T20 World Cup to be held in Australia next month.

India dropped Bhuvneshwar Kumar in a shortened eight-overs a side game on Friday and are likely to bring him back in place of Rishabh Pant in the playing XI.

On the other hand, Australia have few injury concerns ahead of the final T20. The visitors are sweating over the fitness of in-form pacer Nathan Ellis. If declared fit, Ellis will replace Sean Abbott while Josh Inglis could also be brought back in place of Daniel Sams.

India have a superior head-to-head record against Australia in T20I cricket, winning 14 of the 25 matches that they have played so far. Australia have secured 10 victories while one match ended in no result.

Considering the dew factor, toss could play a crucial role in the series-deciding T20I in Hyderabad. The toss-winning captain is expected to chase on Sunday. The team winning the toss will have an edge going into the final match of the series.

IND vs AUS Dream11 team tips for 3rd T20I 2022

Top tip: Best batter

India captain Rohit Sharma will be the batter to watch out for in the series-deciding third T20I against Australia on Sunday. The 35-year-old opening batter smashed an unbeaten 46 runs off just 20 balls to guide India to a six-wicket win in the second T20I and level the series 1-1. Rohit Sharma has already accrued 90 fantasy points and will be a worthy fantasy pick for the final T20I at 9 credits.

Top tip: Best bowler

In the bowling department, Australia’s Adam Zampa will be a smart fantasy pick at just 8.5 credits. The New South Wales-born leg-spinner once again troubled the much-famed Indian batting line-up in the second T20I in Nagpur as he bagged the crucial wickets of KL Rahul, Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav. Zampa will play an important role in the series finale and will look to add to his fantasy tally of 111 points.

Top tip: Best all-rounder and wicket-keeper

As far as all-rounders are concerned, India’s Axar Patel will be the overwhelming choice. Roped in as a like-for-like replacement for injured Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel has been the leading wicket-taker in the three-match T20I series so far. The left-arm spinner has picked five wickets in two matches at an average of six. He can also contribute with the bat coming lower down the batting order. Having accumulated 190 fantasy points already, Axar Patel will be a great fantasy pick at just 6.5 credits.

For the wicket-keeper spot, Australia’s Matthew Wade will be the top fantasy recommendation over Dinesh Karthik of India. Besides fulfilling his wicket-keeping responsibilities, Wade has been in scintillating form in the ongoing series, scoring 88 runs in two matches at a staggering strike rate of 214.63. At just 6.5 credits, the in-form Australia wicket-keeper batter could be a game-changer in the final T20I of the series.

IND vs AUS 3rd T20I playing XI (probable)

India playing XI (probable): KL Rahul (vice-captain), Rohit Sharma (captain), Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Dinesh Karthik (wicket-keeper), Axar Patel, Harshal Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal

Australia playing XI (probable): Aaron Finch (captain), Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis, Tim David, Matthew Wade (wicket-keeper), Pat Cummins, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

SportsAdda will bring you India vs Australia 3rd T20I 2022 live scores.

Interested in cricket betting? Click here to check out the list of top sites.

Featured photo: Indranil MUKHERJEE / AFP

The T20 World Cup 2021 came to an exciting close on November 14, 2021 with Australia defeating New Zealand by eight wickets to claim their first-ever T20 World Cup. 

Mitchell Marsh was adjudged the Player of the Match in the T20 World Cup 2021 final after his unbeaten 77 under pressure helped the Australians win the final.

Australia’s previous best finish at the T20 World Cup was in 2010 when they lost the final to England by seven wickets.

The Aussies will now be defending their title at home next year with the eighth edition of the T20 World Cup slated to take place in Australia in 2022. 

Here we take a closer look at some of the interesting stats, records and top performers from the seventh edition of the T20 World Cup.

Who was the Player of the Tournament in T20 World Cup 2021?

David Warner was named the Player of the Tournament for his outstanding performance throughout, including the final against New Zealand. The Australian opener amassed 289 runs in seven matches at an average of 48.16 and a strike rate of 146.70, with three half-centuries to his credit. His best knock was an unbeaten 89 in a winning cause against West Indies in the Super 12 stage and the aggressive left-hander also struck the most number of boundaries (34) in the tournament. 

Who scored the most runs in T20 World Cup 2021?

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam maintained his red-hot form at the T20 World Cup 2021 by finishing the tournament as its leading run-scorer with 303 runs in six innings, including four half-centuries, three of which came in succession. He scored at an average of 60.60 and a strike rate of 126.25 and was influential in his side’s terrific run at the marquee event.

Who took the most wickets in T20 World Cup 2021?

Wanindu Hasaranga was a bright spark in an otherwise disappointing campaign for Sri Lanka and ended the tournament with 16 wickets at an average of 9.75 and a miserly economy rate of 5.20. His best bowling effort was that of 3/9 which came against Netherlands in the Super 12 qualifiers.

What was the highest team score at the T20 World Cup 2021?

The Virat Kohli-led Indian cricket team posted the highest score in the T20 World Cup 2021 against Afghanistan at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Put into bat first, the Men in Blue rode on their openers KL Rahul (69 off 48) and Rohit Sharma’s (47-ball 74) twin fifties to register a match-winning total of 210/2 on the board. In reply, Afghanistan managed 144/7 in their 20 overs as India secured a 66-run win in the Super 12 Group 2 encounter.

What was the lowest team score at the T20 World Cup 2021?

Netherlands were bundled out for 44 against Sri Lanka in a group stage game at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in T20 World Cup 2021. Electing to bowl first, the Sri Lankan bowlers picked wickets at regular intervals to bowl out the associate nation for a paltry score. Spinner Wanindu Hasaranga and fast bowler Lahiru Kumara were the destroyer-in-chiefs for the island nation, bagging three wickets each. Sri Lanka chased down the target in 7.2 overs with eight wickets in hand.

Who made the highest individual score at the T20 World Cup 2021?

England’s swashbuckling opening batter and wicket-keeper Jos Buttler made the highest individual score at the T20 World Cup 2021. The 31-year-old smashed an unbeaten 101 off just 67 balls against Sri Lanka in a Super 12 Group 1 encounter at Sharjah. Scoring at an impressive strike rate of 150.74, Buttler clobbered six maximums and six fours to notch the only century in the 2021 T20 World Cup.

Who had the best bowling figures at the T20 World Cup 2021?

Australia’s Adam Zampa recorded the best bowling figures against Bangladesh at the T20 World Cup in Dubai in 2021. The leg spinner picked five wickets for just 19 runs in his quota of four overs to skittle out Bangladesh for 73 in the Super 12s. Zampa finished as the second highest wicket-taker (13 scalps) in the marquee T20 tournament, only three wickets behind Wanindu Hasaranga.

Who hit the most sixes at the T20 World Cup 2021? 

England vice-captain Jos Buttler smashed the most sixes in the T20 World Cup 2021. The opening batter hammered 13 maximums in six matches, edging Pakistan wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Rizwan who had clobbered 12 sixes. 

Among the teams, semi-finalists Pakistan hit the most sixes in the ICC T20 tournament. The Men in Green hammered 40 sixes in six matches while champions Australia finished second on the list, hitting 37 maximums in seven matches.

Featured photo: T20 World Cup

Trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand (NZ) and Australia (AUS) will lock horns in a mouth-watering T20 World Cup 2021 final at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, November 14.

Both New Zealand and Australia qualified for the T20 World Cup 2021 semi-finals as the second-placed team in their respective groups before they knocked out their much-fancied opponents in England and Pakistan respectively to book their place in the final. The marquee ICC tournament will have a first-time winner as Australia and New Zealand are yet to lay their hands on the T20 World Cup trophy.

NZ vs AUS Dream11 prediction

Australia have a superior head-to-head record against New Zealand in T20Is, winning nine of the 14 matches that they have played so far. However, the Blackcaps secured an eight-run win over the Aussies in their only meeting in the T20 World Cup in Dharamsala in 2016. 

Australia had earlier beaten New Zealand in their last World Cup final meeting in the 50-over format in 2015 and will have a slight edge against the Kiwis due to their head-to-head records in ICC tournaments.

NZ vs AUS Dream11 team tips for ICC T20 World Cup 2021

Top tip: Best batter

Australia opening batter David Warner has been in great form in the ongoing edition of the T20 World Cup. The 35-year-old has amassed 236 runs in six matches at a strike rate of 148.42 while also maintaining an average of 47.20. Warner needs another 68 runs to leapfrog Pakistan captain Babar Azam as the leading run-scorer in T20 World Cup 2021 and he will look to play another match-winning innings for Australia to help them claim their maiden T20 World Cup title.

Top Tip: Best bowler

In the bowling department, Australia’s Adam Zampa has been one of the standout bowlers in the tournament. The leg-spinner has picked 12 wickets in six matches at an economy of 5.69. Given the nature of the pitch at Dubai International Stadium, Zampa is likely to play an important role for Australia in the T20 World Cup final.

Top Tip: Best all-rounder and wicket-keeper

As far as all-rounders are concerned, one must pick in-form James Neesham in your fantasy cricket team. The New Zealand all-rounder scored a blitzkrieg 11-ball 27 to help the Blackcaps beat favourites England in the semi-final. Neesham has also chipped in with crucial wickets for New Zealand throughout the tournament and will hold the key once again in the summit clash. 

For the wicket-keeper spot, Matthew Wade of Australia will be the overwhelming choice over New Zealand’s Tim Seifert. The southpaw scored an unbeaten 41 off 17 balls against Pakistan to take Australia to the T20 World Cup final. At 8.5 credits, Matthew Wade will be a handy budget pick. 

NZ vs AUS probable playing XI

NZ playing XI (probable): Martin Guptill, Daryl Mitchell, Kane Williamson (captain), Tim Seifert (wicket-keeper), Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Adam Milne, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult

AUS playing XI (probable): David Warner, Aaron Finch (captain), Mitchell March, Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade (wicket-keeper), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

SportsAdda will bring you New Zealand vs Australia live scores.

Play fantasy cricket with SportsAdda. Create your team, track your progress and win prizes. Start here.

Featured photo: ICC

Pakistan (PAK) take on Australia (AUS) in the second semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 at the Dubai International Stadium on Thursday, November 11.

PAK vs AUS Dream11 prediction

Under talismanic captain Babar Azam, Pakistan were the only team to remain unbeaten in the Super 12 stage of  ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021, winning all their five matches comprehensively. Having amassed 10 points, Pakistan finished at the top of the Super 12 Group 2 standings ahead of second-placed New Zealand. 

Australia, on the other hand, won four of their five matches in the Super 12 phase, losing only to arch-rivals England by eight wickets. The Aaron Finch-led side accumulated eight points from five matches, finishing second in Super 12 Group 1 standings behind England.

Pakistan are currently on a 16-match unbeaten streak in UAE and will start as favourites against Australia on Thursday.

PAK vs AUS Dream11 team tips for ICC T20 World Cup 2021

Top tip: Best batter

Pakistan captain Babar Azam has been in staggering form in the ongoing edition of the ICC T20 World Cup, amassing 264 runs in five matches at an impressive average of 66. The 27-year-old batter has already registered four fifties in the tournament so far and will look to continue his incredible form against Australia in Dubai.

Top Tip: Best bowler

Australia’s Adam Zampa has been one of the standout bowlers in ICC T20 World Cup 2021. The leg spinner has picked 11 wickets in five matches at an economy of just 5.73. Zampa could trouble the Pakistan batting line-up in the second semi-final on Thursday.

Top Tip: Best all-rounder and wicket-keeper

As far as all-rounders are concerned, one can pick Glenn Maxwell in your fantasy cricket team. While Maxwell has been short of runs in the ongoing T20 World Cup, the swashbuckling all-rounder is a match-winner and can change the complexion of the game with both bat and ball.

For the wicket-keeper spot, in-form Mohammad Rizwan of Pakistan will be the overwhelming choice over Australia’s Matthew Wade. Along with fulfilling his wicket-keeping responsibilities, Rizwan has been in scintillating form at the top of the batting order, aggregating 214 runs in five matches at an average of 71.33.

PAK vs AUS probable playing XI

PAK playing XI (probable): Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Babar Azam (captain), Fakhar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Asif Ali, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Hasan Ali, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi

AUS playing XI (probable): David Warner, Aaron Finch (captain), Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade (wicket-keeper), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

SportsAdda will bring you Pakistan vs Australia live scores.

Play fantasy cricket with SportsAdda. Create your team, track your progress and win prizes. Start here.

Featured photo: Pakistan Cricket Board

Team Delhi all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin announced in the wee hours of Monday that he will skip the remainder of the Indian T20 League 2021 campaign to support his family amidst the second wave of Covid-19 in the country.

This news comes shortly after Andrew Tye left the Rajasthan camp on Sunday, citing the "stress of bubble life" and concerns about borders closing in Australia.

Ashwin took to Twitter to make the announcement after Delhi edged past Hyderabad in the Super Over at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday.

"I would be taking a break from this year's IPL from tomorrow. My family and extended family are putting up a fight against #COVID19 and I want to support them during these tough times," the Indian cricket team all-rounder said.

I would be taking a break from this years IPL from tomorrow. My family and extended family are putting up a fight against #COVID19 and I want to support them during these tough times. I expect to return to play if things go in the right direction. Thank you @DelhiCapitals

�Stay home stay safe! Take your vaccine (@ashwinravi99) April 25, 2021

However, Ashwin also inferred that he would return to play once normalcy resumes.

Zampa, Richardson continue Aussie exodus from Indian T20 League 2021

Bangalore announced that Australian pair Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson will be unavailable for the rest of the campaign due to 'personal reasons'.

Zampa and Richardson follow Andrew Tye, who was the first Australian cricketer to exit the Indian T20 League 2021 and return back home from India.

Official Announcment:

Adam Zampa & Kane Richardson are returning to Australia for personal reasons and will be unavailable for the remainder of #IPL2021. Royal Challengers Bangalore management respects their decision and offers them complete support.#PlayBold #WeAreChallengers pic.twitter.com/NfzIOW5Pwl

�Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) April 26, 2021

In the wake of the possibility of more Aussie players following suit, Kolkata mentor David Hussey said everyone is a bit nervous at the moment.

"Everyone is sort of a bit nervous about whether they can get back into Australia. I dare say there will be a few other Australians a bit nervous about getting back into Australia," Hussey said to the Sydney Morning Herald.

However, the former Australian all-rounder showered praise on the bio-bubble in India saying it was similar to what they experienced in Australia during the summer.

“We’re stuck in bubbles. It’s probably not too dissimilar to what all Victorians experienced last year in lockdown really. You get tested every second day. So it’s quite full-on but I think every precaution`s been taken for everyone’s safety," Hussey said.

Featured photo: Twitter / Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bangalore

After suffering a disappointing 2-1 defeat in the three-match ODI series, the Indian cricket team will look to turn the tables on Friday, when they clash against Australia in the first T20I of the three-match series at the Manuka Oval in Canberra.

Virat Kohli’s men will look to continue their winning momentum after the visitors rode on a 150-run partnership between Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja to pull off a 13-run consolation win in the third ODI to avoid conceding a clean sweep by Australia at this very ground. 

The upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup next year will be an added incentive for players of both the teams to give their all. Before the much-anticipated Australia vs India T20 series begins on December 4, here’s the top five fantasy picks for the first T20I: 

KL Rahul

The BCCI had rewarded KL Rahul for his incredible form in the Indian T20 League by appointing him as Virat Kohli’s deputy in white-ball cricket for the Australia tour, as he replaced injured Rohit Sharma. The 28-year-old has been in sensational form since the World Cup last year. With 443 runs to his name in nine ODIs, the Karnataka batsman has ended 2020 as the highest run-scorer for India. The Punjab skipper also won the Orange Cap in the recently concluded Indian T20 League season, after he amassed a whopping 670 runs in 14 games at an average of 55.83 with five fifties and one century. Rahul will look to continue his glorious form in the upcoming T20Is against Australia and further cement his position as India's first-choice wicket-keeper in the shortest format of the game.

Glenn Maxwell

Australia’s flamboyant Glenn Maxwell has once again shown why every limited-overs team in the world would want to have him. Maxwell was at his destructive best in the recently concluded ODI series against India, tallying 167 runs at a strike rate of 194, with a couple of fifties to his name as well. His recent form has once again proved why he has been a sheer match-winner for the Kangaroos in limited overs. Interestingly, Maxwell had a shambolic IPL 2020 for Punjab, accumulating only 108 runs in 13 matches. The Aussies will hope that Maxwell can continue his thunderous form and help them claim the upcoming T20I series against India.

Hardik Pandya 

Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya produced two most scintillating ODI knocks of his career in the recently concluded series, showing why he is regarded as one of the biggest match-winners in white-ball cricket. This mature version of Pandya also silenced those who had questioned his place in the limited-overs set-up. The 27-year-old amassed 210 runs at an average of 105 against Australia in the series Down Under. Ahead of the T20I series against the Aussies, the Indian cricket team further received a massive boost as Pandya bowled in top-flight cricket for the first time since returning from a back surgery more than a year ago. Moreover, Pandya was also one of Mumbai’s prime players on their way to the title. With a staggering strike rate of 178.98, Pandya had tallied 281 runs at a decent average of 35.

Adam Zampa

Australia leg-spinner Adam Zampa was the wrecker-in-chief for the Kangaroos�bowling unit in their ODIs series win against India. The South Australia-based cricketer picked seven wickets in three matches at an average of 23. The 28-year-old also has a dominant grip over India captain Virat Kohli across all formats in white-ball cricket. Zampa has bamboozled Kohli a total of seven times in limited-overs and the leg-spinner has been a huge match-winner for Australia in the shortest format of the game. Zampa has claimed 36 T20I wickets in 33 matches at an average of 20.86.

Jasprit Bumrah

India pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah had finally managed to rediscover his bowling rhythm during the third ODI against Australia at the Manuka Oval in Canberra. The 28-year-old removed Glenn Maxwell with a deadly yorker to set up a thrilling win for India in the final ODI of the three-match series. ‘Boom Boom�Bumrah was one of the standout bowlers of the recently concluded Indian T20 League with the Mumbai pacer claiming 27 wickets in just 15 matches at an average of 14.96. 

Feature image courtesy: AFP / David Gray

The recently concluded ODI series between India and Australia gave us a fair idea of the pitches Down Under and what to expect in the upcoming encounters. While the turf at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) saw both the teams crossing the 300-run mark in the two ODIs, the good track at the Manuka Oval served a perfect thriller.

So, when these two sides cross swords in first of the three T20I games on December 4 at the Manuka Oval yet again, I expect the following players to play a key role in it:

KL Rahul

KL Rahul had a subpar tenure in the ODI series - scoring a solitary half-century - but his stocks in the shortest format are what makes him a dangerous entity. The Punjab captain is coming on the back of an explosive Indian T20 League campaign, and I, for one, believe that he would pose a greater threat than any other Indian batsman. Considered as a T20 specialist, his ability to bat across several positions might prove handy for his team.

Adam Zampa

There’s no doubt that Adam Zampa has been expensive in his recent T20 outings, but the fact remains that he is a sheer wicket-taking threat to the Indian Cricket team. Hence, Australia will look up to him for breaking deadlocks even if the spinner leak runs in the process. Zampa was impressive in Australia’s last match at Manuka Oval - third ODI against India - where he maintained a 4.5 economy rate in his 10 overs, scalping Shreyas Iyer’s wicket.

Thangarasu Natarajan

Two wickets on his ODI debut is bound to lift Thangarasu Natarajan’s confidence heading into the first T20I. The 29-year-old displayed an array of variations in the Indian T20 League, with his ability to pitch scorching yorkers on demand earning him a national call-up. With the conditions at Manuka Oval providing assistance to swing bowling, I believe Natarajan can rightly be India’s X-factor in the game.

Glenn Maxwell

While Glenn Maxwell was one of the best Australian players in the recently concluded ODI series, the T20 format will pose a whole new challenge for the all-rounder. His evident struggle in the Indian T20 League with Punjab welcomed rightful criticism and the all-rounder will certainly have a point to prove. Despite all those talking though, I believe home conditions will play its part and the 32-year-old will manage to put on a decent show.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / David Gray

After losing the three-match ODI series 2-1, the Indian cricket team will look to make amends in the T20Is series Down Under, when they lock horns with Australia in the first T20I match on Friday.

Australia vs India Match Details

Date: December 04, 2020

Time: 01:40 PM IST

Venue: Manuka Oval, Canberra

Pitch Report

The average first innings score at the Manuka Oval in the last five T20s is 171. Only once has a team successfully chased down the total. So, the captain winning the toss would prefer batting first at this venue.

Player availability

Australia opener David Warner has been ruled out of the T20I series due to a groin injury he suffered during the second ODI, while pace spearhead Pat Cummins has been rested as part of workload management. Mitchell Starc, Ashton Agar and Marcus Stoinis are also doubtful for the first T20I. 

On the other hand, India might miss out on the services of young pacer Navdeep Saini due to injury.

Australia vs India 1st T20I Predicted XI

Australia predicted XI: Matthew Wade, Aaron Finch, Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Alex Carey (wicket-keeper), Cameron Green, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Ashton Agar, Adam Zampa, Sean Abbott

India predicted XI: KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Deepak Chahar, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, T Natarajan

Australia vs India Fantasy XI:

Wicket-keeper: KL Rahul (Vice-captain)

KL Rahul had won the Orange Cap in the recently concluded Indian T20 League season, after he amassed a staggering 670 runs in 14 games at an average of 55.83 with five fifties and one century. He is also expected to replace Rohit Sharma in the playing 11 in the shortest format of the game.

Batsmen: Aaron Finch, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli (Captain), Steve Smith

Virat Kohli and Steve Smith are undoubtedly two of the greatest players of this generation. So, it’s basically a no-brainer to have them in any fantasy 11. On the other hand, Aaron Finch and Shikhar Dhawan have been in great touch in the recently concluded ODI series. The Australian captain was the highest run-getter in the recently-concluded ODI series, accumulating 249 runs at an average of 83.

All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Glenn Maxwell

Hardik Pandya and Glenn Maxwell were the standout performers in the recently concluded ODI series as well. While Pandya had amassed scores of 90, 28 and 92 not out in the three matches, Maxwell was at his destructive best with a couple of half-centuries to his name. These two are expected to continue their scintillating form in the upcoming T20 series Down Under.

Bowlers: Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Jasprit Bumrah

Adam Zampa and Josh Hazlewood were the main nemesis of the famed Indian batting line-up in the ODIs. The two claimed 13 wickets in total to help the Aussies clinch the ODI series 2-1. Additionally, Mitchell Starc, if fit, can be one of the biggest match-winners on his day.

For India, Jasprit Bumrah is hands down one of the best bowlers in T20s  as was evident in his recent Indian T20 League campaign, where he picked 27 wickets in just 15 matches at an average of 14.96.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / David Gray