Australia and India return to action for the second T20I of the five-match series at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday, October 31. The opening game in Canberra was washed out after rain halted India’s innings at 97/1 in 9.4 overs.
Suryakumar Yadav looked in good touch with an unbeaten 29, while Shubman Gill provided a quick-fire 37 off 20 balls. Despite the no-result, India will take confidence from their aggressive start and Australia will aim to win the match drawing confidence from the ODI series win.
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Australia vs India: Who Will Win?
This one promises to be tight, but India hold a slight edge heading into the series opener. Their recent T20 record, explosive top order, and varied bowling attack give them the upper hand. Australia, though strong at home, might feel the absence of key players like Maxwell early on.
Head-to-head record: Australia vs India in T20Is
Australia and India have faced each other 33 times in T20 internationals. India lead the rivalry with 20 wins, while Australia have won 11 matches.
- Total matches: 33
- Australia wins: 20
- India wins: 11
- Tied/No result: 2
Australia vs India Form Guide & Predictions
India have been dominant since their T20 World Cup triumph, showcasing consistency across formats and winning four of their last five T20Is. Australia, meanwhile, have been impressive in recent months, registering three wins in their last four completed matches.
Australia – Last 5 Matches (T20I)
- No result vs India (Canberra)
- Australia won by 3 wickets vs New Zealand (Mount Maunganui)
- No result vs New Zealand (Mount Maunganui)
- Australia won by 6 wickets vs New Zealand (Mount Maunganui)
- Australia won by 2 wickets vs South Africa (Cairns)
Australia – Last 5 Matches (T20I)
- No result vs Australia (Canberra)
- India won by 5 wickets vs Pakistan (Dubai)
- India tied vs Sri Lanka (Dubai)
- India won by 41 runs vs Bangladesh (Dubai)
- India won by 6 wickets vs Pakistan (Dubai)
AllSportsPeople Prediction for AUS vs. IND
- If Australia bat first: 175–195 runs
- If India bat first: 165–185 runs
Expected Result: India are slight favourites to win by 4–6 wickets or 15–25 runs given their recent T20 run.
Australia vs India: Expected playing XIs and team news
Australia Team News
Despite the rain interrupted start, Marsh’s side will be eager to make an impact in Melbourne. Glenn Maxwell makes his comeback from a wrist injury but will only be available from the third T20I onward. Josh Hazlewood will be their man in the attack for the first two matches, while Pat Cummins has been rested and Mitchell Starc has retired from T20Is.
The lineup features proven match-winners such as Travis Head, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, and Adam Zampa, supported by young talents Mahli Beardman and Xavier Bartlett. Australia have no major injury or suspension concerns ahead of the series opener.
Australia (predicted playing XI): Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (c), Josh Inglis (wk), Matthew Short, Tim David, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Owen, Nathan Ellis, Xavier Bartlett, Josh Hazlewood, Tanveer Sangha
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India Team News
India will be led by Suryakumar Yadav, with Shubman Gill serving as vice captain for the second match in Melbourne. The squad remains largely similar to the Asia Cup 2025-winning side, with Hardik Pandya ruled out due to injury and Nitish Kumar Reddy also carrying fitness concerns.
Abhishek Sharma, the ICC Player of the Month for September 2025, is expected to open alongside Gill after a stellar run of form. Washington Sundar and Rinku Singh strengthen the middle order, while the bowling unit looks potent with Jasprit Bumrah leading the pace attack and Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, and Arshdeep Singh providing spin and pace variety.
India (predicted playing 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
Players to Watch – Australia vs India 2nd T20I
Abhishek Sharma (India): India’s opener is leading the team’s T20I run charts in 2025 with 593 runs at an average of 49.41 and a strike rate of 208.8. His ability to dominate the powerplay and clear boundaries with ease makes him a genuine match-winner.
Mitchell Marsh (Australia): The Australian skipper has scored 367 runs in 11 T20Is at an average of 40.8 and a strike rate of 164.6. Fresh off a maiden T20I hundred, Marsh’s aggressive intent and leadership will be vital.
Varun Chakravarthy (India): India’s mystery spinner has taken 21 wickets in 11 matches at an average of 13.4. His control and variations have troubled top batters consistently.
AUS vs. IND betting odds & tips: Who has the edge?
According to Dafabet, India head into the second T20I as slight favourites with odds of 1.85, while Australia are close behind at 1.95.
Odds* (click here to bet) | |
Australia | 1.95 |
India | 1.85 |
*odds are correct at the time of publish
TSN’s Top 3 Predictions:
India to Win the Second Match: India’s balance across departments and recent T20 dominance give them a slight advantage.
Abhishek Sharma to Top-Score for India: The left-hander has been in sensational touch and expected to lead India’s scoring chart in the opening game.
Josh Hazlewood to Pick 2+ Wickets: The Australian seamer’s consistency and ability to strike early make him a key threat.
AUS vs. IND live scorecard: 2nd T20I
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Where to watch AUS vs. IND 2nd T20I in India
- Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground
- Date & Time (IST): Friday, October 31, 1:45 p.m (IST)
- Live Telecast & Streaming Details: Star sports network
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