NEW DELHI: After an eventful ODI leg, the action now shifts to the fast-paced T20 format as India and Australia lock horns in the first T20 International at the Manuka Oval on Wednesday. With the home side buoyed by their ODI triumph, this match marks a fresh beginning for India under Suryakumar Yadav, who will lead a young and exciting T20I squad.

5 key players to watch in IndiaAustralia T20I series

Key Players (India)

India enter this contest with a high confidence after Asia Cup 2025 triumph last month. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav will be eager to set the tone early in the series, given his poor form with the bat. The squad includes several dynamic players such as Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, and Tilak Varma, each capable of turning the game around in a matter of overs.

With several senior players rested, the focus will also be on emerging all-rounders Abhishek Sharma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Shivam Dube, who offer depth and flexibility to the playing XI. India’s bowling attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah, looks balanced, with Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, and Varun Chakaravarthy providing a variety of options suited to Australian conditions.

India Predicted Playing XI

Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav (Captain), Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Sanju Samson (Wicketkeeper), Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav.

Key Players (Australia)

On the other hand, Australia, under Mitchell Marsh’s leadership, will look to continue their winning momentum. The captain’s explosive form with the bat makes him one of the key threats for the Indian side.

Australia’s batting lineup features the Travis Head and Matthew Short, both capable of exploiting the field restrictions in the powerplay. Tim David’s finishing prowess and Marcus Stoinis’s versatility in the middle order add strength to the hosts’ batting depth.

Their bowling attack, spearheaded by Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Ellis, offers both experience and control.

Australia Predicted Playing XI

Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (Captain), Matthew Short, Tim David, Marcus Stoinis, Josh Inglis (Wicketkeeper), Mitchell Owen, Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Tanveer Sangha.

Australia vs India 1st T20I Match Overview: Date, Time, Venue

Date: Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Time: 1:45 PM IST (Toss at 1:15 PM IST)
Venue: Manuka Oval, Canberra

India vs Australia ODI Head-to-Head

Total Matches Played: 32, Australian Won: 11, India Won:
20, No Result/Tie: 01

Manuka Oval Pitch Report

The Manuka Oval pitch in Canberra is known to offer a fine balance between bat and ball, making it one of the more competitive T20 venues in Australia. The surface provides good pace and bounce early on, giving fast bowlers some assistance with the new ball. However, as the match progresses, the pitch tends to flatten out, allowing batsmen to play their shots freely. Spinners can also find grip during the later stages, especially under lights. A first-innings total around 170–180 is generally considered par at this venue.

Canberra Weather Report

The weather in Canberra for the first T20I is expected to be clear and pleasant, with temperatures hovering around 13°C in the evening. There is minimal chance of rain, ensuring perfect conditions for a full game of cricket under the lights. After the rain-affected start to the ODI leg, both teams and fans will welcome ideal playing conditions for this T20 clash.

Streaming Details

The 1st T20I of the 5-match series between Australia and India will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network and will also be available for streaming on the JioCinema/JioHotstar App.