AUS vs IND, 1st T20I: Weather report; Will rain spoil the party in Canberra?

The 1st T20I of the 2025 series between India and Australia is set for October 29 at Manuka Oval, Canberra. The match starts at 1.45 PM IST with temperatures hovering around 11 degrees Celsius.

Manuka Oval. Image | BCCI on X

The much-anticipated India vs Australia 1st T20I of the 2025 series is set to unfold at Canberra’s scenic Manuka Oval on October 29, 2025, under cool and partly cloudy conditions. The match, beginning at 7:15 PM local time (1:45 PM IST), carries high stakes as both teams look to seize momentum early in this five-match contest and assert dominance in the shortest format of cricket.

Where to watch the match?

Cricket fans in India can watch the Australia vs India, 1st T20I LIVE in Canberra on JioHotstar, accessible via OTTplay Premium.

Weather and pitch conditions

The weather forecast for the match day shows partly cloudy skies with temperatures hovering around 11 degrees Celsius, dipping to about 8 degrees by night.

There is a modest 25% chance of light precipitation during match hours, though no significant rainfall interruption is expected. Cloud cover is expected to stay high at approximately 86-89%, creating a cool and slightly overcast atmosphere ideal for cricket in the evening.

Earlier in the day, Canberra might experience some occasional rain and drizzle with a higher 60% chance of precipitation, but by game time, conditions should stabilise.

The Manuka Oval pitch is renowned for its consistent bounce and stroke-friendly surface, though the larger square boundaries require batters to be judicious with their shot selection.

This venue generally delivers a balanced contest between bat and ball, with previous T20Is averaging first-innings scores near 150 runs. Fast bowlers typically benefit from the early pace and bounce, while spinners can exploit subtle variations as the match progresses. The cool weather could enhance swing bowling, making the contest even more dynamic.

Read also: Australia vs India, 1st T20I: When and where to watch in India?

Match preview and team form

Australia come into this encounter on the back of a strong showing against New Zealand earlier in the month, winning key T20 matches and demonstrating depth in both batting and bowling.

Captain Mitchell Marsh leads a skilled squad that includes power hitters like Travis Head and Josh Inglis, along with experienced bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Adam Zampa.

However, squad changes due to injuries and strategic rotations mean players like Glenn Maxwell will join later in the series, and Matt Short’s fitness remains a concern after recent finger surgery.

India, fresh from an unbeaten Asia Cup triumph, will enter the series with a confident and youthful lineup.

Suryakumar Yadav captains a team bolstered by consistent performers like Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, who boasts an impressive strike rate over 200 this year, and seasoned bowlers including Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav.

Probable XIs

Australia: Mitchell Marsh (C), Travis Head, Tim David, Josh Inglis (WK), Matthew Wade, Josh Philippe, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood, Kane Richardson, Nathan Ellis.

India: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy.

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