After a 2-1 win for Australia in the ODI series, attention now shifts to Canberra for the start of a five match T20 showdown between two modern white ball giants, Australia and India, on Wednesday night. The rivalry is fierce, the stakes are high, and both sides boast the firepower to make this one of the standout series of the summer. Check out our full preview and betting tips for the opener below.
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Australia vs India 1st T20 Preview & Betting Tips
Canberra, Wednesday 29th October, 7.15pm AEDT
Australia
Squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Tim Davis, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe, Matthew Short, Sean Abbott, Marcus Stoinis, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Matthew Kuhnemann, Tanveer Sangha
This new generation of Australian white ball players has now spent enough time together to form one of the most cohesive and dangerous T20 units in world cricket. Their No.2 world ranking reflects a team that not only hits hard but plays smart. The batting order is stacked with muscle and intent, with Matt Short, Mitch Owen, Tim David, Mitch Marsh and Marcus Stoinis all capable of clearing the rope with ease. Add in Travis Head, currently the sixth ranked T20 batsman in the world, and the Aussies boast a top order that can blow games open inside the first ten overs.
The bowling group remains strong, though they’ll be without a key piece early in the series. Adam Zampa will miss the opening matches for personal reasons, with young leg spinner Tanveer Sangha called into the squad as his replacement. Sangha’s selection is an exciting one as he’s a genuine wicket taker who brings youthful energy and variation, but losing Zampa’s experience and consistency is no small blow. With Josh Hazlewood leading the attack alongside Nathan Ellis, Sean Abbott and Xavier Bartlett, the Aussies will rely heavily on pace and power to get the job done in Canberra.
India
Squad: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill, Sanju Samson, Jitesh Sharma, Rinku Singh, Abhishek Sharma, Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar PatelTilak Varma, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy
The No.1 ranked T20 side in the world and reigning T20 World Cup champions, India have turned the format into their playground. While they’ve undergone a transition phase similar to Australia’s, the results haven’t dipped in the slightest. A new wave of IPL hardened talent has stepped up seamlessly, with Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Abhishek Sharma and Varun Chakravarthy headlining a side bursting with flair and confidence. They’ve won their last nine T20s and 35 of their last 38 dating back to the start of 2024, a record that underlines just how complete this outfit is.
India’s depth is frightening. Suryakumar Yadav continues to redefine what’s possible in T20 batting, while the return of Jasprit Bumrah for this series gives their bowling attack a lethal edge. Supported by spinners who thrive on Australian wickets offering a hint of grip, India will fancy their chances of striking first blood and silencing the home crowd early.
Match Prediction
The ODI series always felt like it leaned in Australia’s favour, and a 2-1 result reflected that. But the T20 landscape feels different. India’s squad looks purpose built for this format as they’re balanced, bold and brimming with match winners who only need one good night to turn a game. Bumrah’s inclusion adds serious bite to their pace attack, while Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership and calm at the top make them a far more settled T20 unit than they were six months ago.
Australia remain a powerhouse, but the absence of Adam Zampa, a proven match winner in this format, further tilts the scales toward India. Canberra’s surface should play true, rewarding timing and inventive stroke play, which suits India’s batting depth perfectly. Expect another high scoring thriller, but the tip is for India to draw first blood and take a 1-0 series lead.
India to Win
$1.85 (1.5 Units)
