Thunderstorms Halt India–Australia 5th T20I at Gabba as India Race to Strong Start

Brisbane, Nov 2025 : The fifth T20I between India and Australia at The Gabba was dramatically halted on Friday after severe thunderstorms, lightning strikes, and heavy rain swept across Brisbane. Match officials instructed players to leave the field in the fifth over, while spectators in the lower stands were evacuated to sheltered areas as a safety precaution.

A flashing warning on the stadium scoreboard read: “It is unsafe to remain in open areas. Please seek shelter under cover and follow instructions.” Weather radars displayed on broadcast screens also indicated a heavy rain band approaching, raising fears of an extended delay or even the possibility of the match being abandoned.

At the time of interruption, India were cruising at 52/0 in 4.5 overs, capitalising on an excellent start after being sent in to bat. Left-handed opener Abhishek Sharma survived two early chances but went on to play confidently, remaining unbeaten on 23. His innings also carried historical significance — he became the second-fastest Indian to reach 1,000 T20I runs, achieving the milestone in just 28 innings since his debut in July 2024.

Abhishek enjoyed strokes of luck in the powerplay: he was first dropped by Glenn Maxwell at long-off off Ben Dwarshuis, and moments later by Dwarshuis himself on the boundary after mistiming a pull against Nathan Ellis. He made full use of these reprieves, striking two crisp boundaries before rain arrived.

At the other end, Shubman Gill looked in sublime touch. The right-hander showcased his timing with a series of elegant strokes, collecting 29 not out with six beautiful boundaries that gave India strong early momentum.

With rain intensifying and lightning continuing around the venue, the match entered a prolonged delay. If the weather does not improve and the game is eventually washed out, India will take the five-match series 2–1, having secured early wins in the first and third T20Is.

For now, all eyes remain on the skies over Brisbane as the fate of the series finale hangs in the balance.