5th T20I: India-Australia Match Suspended Due to Severe Weather at The Gabba

Brisbane – The fifth T20 International between India and Australia at The Gabba was brought to a halt following severe weather conditions accompanied by lightning. India had reached 52 without loss in 4.5 overs when heavy rain and lightning forced players to leave the field. Spectators in the lower stands were also evacuated to covered areas for safety.

A severe weather alert flashed on the stadium scoreboard read: “It is unsafe to remain in open areas. Please seek shelter under cover and follow instructions.” With radar reports indicating continuous rainfall for at least an hour, the delay is expected to be lengthy.

Before the interruption, opener Abhishek Sharma remained unbeaten on 23 and became the second-fastest Indian batter to reach 1,000 T20I runs, achieving the milestone in his 28th innings since debuting in July 2024. His partner Shubman Gill played fluently, striking six boundaries to reach 29 not out.

India, who were asked to bat first, had a shaky start as Abhishek was dropped twice during the powerplay—first by Glenn Maxwell off Ben Dwarshuis at long-off, and later by Dwarshuis himself on the boundary after a mistimed pull against Nathan Ellis. However, Abhishek made full use of those chances, finding the gaps with crisp strokes before the weather intervened.

Gill, at the other end, looked composed and confident, ensuring India maintained a strong scoring rate before play was stopped.

If the rain persists and the match is eventually abandoned, India will clinch the five-match series 2–1.

With inputs from IANS