Rain washes out final T20I at Gabba; India clinch series 2-1, extend unbeaten T20 streak in Australia
Fifth and final T20I – abandoned; India won the series 2-1 due to rain and lightning.
Aadrika Tayal 
New Delhi (India) November 8: Rain and lightning washed out the fifth and final T20 of series between India and Australia, at the Gabba in Brisbane on Saturday. The Aussies had won the toss and chosen to ball first.
Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill Give India a Blazing Start
Openers Abhishek Sharma (31) and Shubman Gill (24) made a terrific start for India as the duo put up 52 runs before being dismissed in 4.5 overs. And on a chase which always had the potential to get away from Australia, Abhishek stayed all guns blazing with 23* off 13 balls and Gill was there at 29* off 16.
Australia dropped Abhishek twice, and he set the world record for fewest deliveries faced to reach 1,000 T20I runs. Gill also displayed what he was capable of, crashing four boundaries in an over. The five-match rubber remains India captain Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir’s fifth consecutive bilateral T20I series win.
Suryakumar Yadav Praises Team’s Grit and Balance Across Departments
Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav said, “Wanted the game to be completed at Canberra but that's not in our control. The way everyone chipped in and the way we came back from 0-1 down, credit to all the boys. Was a good series with bat, ball and in the field as well. Both fast bowlers and spinners know their job very well. Bumrah-Arshdeep is a lethal combination. And then Axar, Varun coming in doing what they do best. And Washi coming in handy in the last game. They've played a lot of T20 cricket now, they bring a lot to the table and are backing themselves. Good headache to have - lots of players have been doing really well. Playing three strong teams - Australia, SA and NZ - going to be a great buildup for the World Cup.
Mitchell Marsh Reflects on Positives and Looks Ahead to the World Cup Year
Australia captain Mitchell Marsh said, “Can't remember the last time we played and had so many rain interruptions. All in all a great series. India obviously won the games when it mattered, congratulations to them. There's a lot of learnings and positives to take forward. The adaptability and flexibility in our group and the squad we're trying to build in a World Cup year has been amazing. Guys have come in, done really well, played their roles, that's all we can ask for. Always moving parts in international cricket, especially with an Ashes coming up, but overall great attitude. Our squad, at full strength, is a pretty settled team. The Big Bash is there for the guys to enjoy and hopefully the Scorchers win.”
India Maintain Unbeaten T20I Series Record on Australian Soil
Australia won the first and then India came roaring back to clinch the next two of three possible contests in a fiery encounter. The decider here was finely poised but rain ended that. India also maintain their unbeaten streak in T20I series in Australia.
