India vs Australia 1st T20I 2025: Head-to-head, pitch, weather and predicted XIs

Cricket fans are in for a thrilling clash as India take on Australia in the first T20 International of the five-match series at the Manuka Oval in Canberra on Wednesday, 29 October 2025. This encounter marks the beginning of India’s preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, with skipper Suryakumar Yadav leading a young and fearless squad that has already impressed with its aggressive brand of cricket.

India vs Australia 1st T20I 2025: Suryakumar Yadav Looks to Regain Form

Suryakumar Yadav, known for his 360-degree stroke play, will look to rediscover his rhythm with the bat even as he continues to lead from the front. Under his captaincy, India have registered 23 wins in 29 T20Is, showcasing consistency and composure in pressure situations.

Despite his recent dip in form, Surya’s leadership has shaped India’s new T20 identity, fearless, attacking, and dynamic. Young players such as Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, and Shivam Dube have seamlessly adapted to this mindset, keeping the team’s momentum alive across formats.

India vs Australia T20I Series 2025: Full Schedule and Venues

With a packed schedule and several matches lined up before the World Cup, this series is crucial for India to test combinations, refine strategies, and build team depth.

India vs Australia 1st T20I 2025: Predicted XIs

Australia (Predicted XI):
Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (c), Josh Inglis (wk), Matt Short, Tim David, Mitchell Owen, Marcus Stoinis, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

India (Predicted XI):
Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy

Both sides boast explosive batting orders and potent bowling attacks, ensuring a high-intensity opening game.

India vs Australia 1st T20I 2025: Pitch Report, Manuka Oval, Canberra

The pitch at Manuka Oval generally plays on the slower side, offering grip for spinners but rewarding batters who spend time in the middle. The average first-innings score in T20s at this venue is around 150, while in international matches it slightly drops to 144.

In the only previous India vs Australia T20I at this ground (in 2020), India scored 161 runs and went on to win by 11 runs. Expect another competitive contest where a total of around 160–170 could be match-winning.

India vs Australia 1st T20I 2025: Weather Forecast for 29 October

The weather in Canberra is expected to remain cool and partly cloudy on match day. While there is a slight chance of light showers, they are likely to be brief and should not significantly affect play.

• Temperature: 15°C to 20°C
• Humidity: Moderate
• Conditions: Overcast but suitable for a full match

Fans can look forward to a pleasant evening of cricket under lights.

India vs Australia Head-to-Head Record in T20Is (As of October 2025)

• Total Matches: 32
• India Wins: 20
• Australia Wins: 11
• No Result: 1

Since their first T20I meeting in 2007, India have dominated the rivalry, winning 20 out of 32 matches. On Australian soil, the record remains impressive, India have won 7 of 12 encounters, losing only four. This consistency underlines India’s strong adaptability in overseas conditions.

Key Takeaways Ahead of India vs Australia 1st T20I 2025

• Suryakumar Yadav aims to bounce back with the bat while leading a confident Indian side.
• Australia, led by Mitchell Marsh, will look to challenge India’s dominance at home.
• The Manuka Oval pitch is likely to favour batters initially before slowing down.
• A close contest is expected, with both teams looking evenly matched in form and balance.

India vs Australia 1st T20I 2025

The India vs Australia 1st T20I 2025 is not just another bilateral fixture, it’s the beginning of India’s T20 World Cup campaign build-up. With fresh faces, tactical experimentation, and star power on both sides, the match at Canberra on 29 October promises to deliver an exciting blend of skill and strategy.

Cricket fans across the world will be eagerly watching as two modern powerhouses clash in the shortest format, setting the tone for what could be a blockbuster series.