Last Updated on 6 months ago by Charbel Coorey

Australia took a 1-0 lead in the five-match T20I series courtesy of a comprehensive victory at the MCG. Set up by the fast bowlers – in particular Josh Hazlewood – Australia were too good for an Indian lineup that struggled to cope with the bounce.

Only Abhishek Sharma stood up for India, and he faced just 37 balls by the time he was dismissed in the 19th over. The visitors need partnerships this time around – the kind that Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav put on in Canberra before rain had the final say.

For Australia, they will be without Josh Hazlewood (see below), so it’s an opportunity for others to step up. Also, Glenn Maxwell is a chance of returning, and he will provide additional power to this already-strong batting lineup.

Victory for Australia will mean they cannot lose this five-match series. India must win to keep their hopes of a series victory alive. A cracking match is in store at the picturesque Bellerive Oval.

AUS vs IND 3rd T20 Possible Playing XIs

There will be a few changes for Australia. Josh Hazlewood is not available for this match as he will now prepare for the Ashes. However, Glenn Maxwell is back and available for selection after fracturing his forearm in the recent New Zealand tour. However, he has to pass a fitness test, as he confirmed on ABC radio commentary during the second T20I.

For details on Australia’s squad changes during this T20I series, check out our dedicated article.

Australia: 1. Mitchell Marsh (c), 2. Travis Head, 3. Josh Inglis (wk), 4. Tim David, 5. Mitch Owen, 6. Glenn Maxwell/Matt Short, 7. Marcus Stoinis, 8. Sean Abbott, 9. Xavier Bartlett, 10. Nathan Ellis, 11. Matt Kuhnemann

India shifted their batting order in the MCG T20I. It didn’t go to plan as they were bowled out for just 125. Here, they could look to play Tilak Varma in his preferred number three position.

India: 1. Abhishek Sharma, 2. Shubman Gill, 3. Tilak Varma, 4. Suryakumar Yadav (c), 5. Sanju Samson (wk), 6. Axar Patel, 7. Shivam Dube/Rinku Singh, 8. Harshit Rana, 9. Varun Chakravarthy, 10. Kuldeep Yadav/Arshdeep Singh, 11. Jasprit Bumrah

Bellerive Oval Hobart Pitch Report and Weather

The average first innings score in the last 10 men’s T20s at Bellerive Oval is 166.7 at a run rate of 8.41. Chasing teams have fared well, scoring at a faster rate of 9.30 overall and winning seven of these matches.

Pace bowlers have taken 61 wickets at an average of 30.86 and economy of 8.80 in this period. Spinners average 34.36 per wicket and concede a lower 7.85 per over.

A warm day is forecast with only a small chance of showers in the evening. For more information on the Hobart weather, read our dedicated article.

Fantasy Cricket Tips for AUS vs IND 3rd T20: Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Top wicket-keeper picks:

• Both wicket-keepers batted at three in the MCG T20I, but Josh Inglis is a greater chance of batting there in this game. Inglis spent some time in the middle on his return to the crease at the MCG.
• Batting at three this year, Inglis has scored 408 runs in all T20s at an average of 34 and strike rate of 183.8.

Key batter picks:

• Abhishek Sharma played a lone hand in the MCG defeat. His 37-ball 68 was full of the typical Abhishek class. In all T20s this year, the left-hander has belted 1,119 runs (avg. 41.4) at a remarkable strike rate of 199.1.
• Abhishek looks an excellent Dream11 captaincy choice in this game. Australia won’t be playing a left-arm seamer (Sharma has been dismissed six times in 74 balls against this bowling type this year). Also, Hazlewood is not available.
• Mitchell Marsh continued his magnificent 2025 in the MCG T20I. His 26-ball 46 included two fours and four sixes, and he looked comfortable against both pace and spin. The Australian captain has 1,040 runs in all T20s this year (avg. 44.3, SR 164.3).
• Shubman Gill is having a quiet year in T20Is, with 169 runs at an average of 24.1 (SR 148.2). On a good batting pitch and Hazlewood-less attack, this is a good opportunity for Gill to score.

Top all-rounder picks:

• Axar Patel didn’t bowl at the MCG, but he is worth a pick here as he bats in the top six. Also, pick Axar if India play with one other spinner (Varun or Kuldeep). Overall, he has 15 wickets in nine matches at an average of 13.86 and strike rate of 13.20 against Australia.
• If picked, can Glenn Maxwell fire right away? He is capable. The all-rounder played a gem in his last T20I (against South Africa) and has the second-most runs in AUS-IND T20Is: 574, avg. 31.88, SR 152.25. Also, Maxwell can contribute with the ball and fields in the hotspot positions, which can translate to fantasy cricket points.

Key bowler picks:

• Jasprit Bumrah looked in fine touch in the second T20I at the MCG. He now has 19 wickets against Australia in T20Is at an average of 22.63 and strike rate of 17.21. Bumrah also has a very dominant record against Glenn Maxwell (see below).
• Nathan Ellis has the second-most wickets in T20s on this ground (42). He averages 21.48 with a strike rate of 16.79. However, Ellis is typically a defensive bowler, so keep this in mind for fantasy cricket.

Other Players to Consider for your Fantasy Cricket Teams

• Travis Head has three 20+ scores in India’s tour of Australia. Can he go on with a start here? Good batting conditions are expected and Head can cash in.
• Suryakumar Yadav, who has had a poor year in T20Is to date, can also benefit from a Hazlewood-less attack. SKY enjoys batting in Australia, with 279 runs at an average of 55.80 and strike rate of 181.16.
• Tim David bats at number four and has plenty of experience on this ground. In 26 innings, he has scored 577 runs at an average of 44.38 and strike rate of 170.71.
• Tilak Varma scored the second-most runs for India in the 2025 Asia Cup: 6 inns, 213 runs, avg. 71.00, SR 131.48. Logic says he should bat in the top three or four, but time will tell.
• Varun Chakravarthy bowled nicely at the MCG. He’s had the better of Travis Head this year (CT semi-final and 2nd T20I). Spinners are usually more economical in Hobart and Chakravarthy is capable of taking wickets.
• Xavier Bartlett continues to take wickets for Australia. He is worth considering for your fantasy teams as he has 33 wickets in all T20s this year at a strike rate of 15.84.

Other Stats and Important Matchups

• Head-to-head in T20Is: Matches 34, Australia 12, India 20, N/R 2.
• Australia are aiming for their first home T20I series win against India since 2008.
• Mitch Owen has an outstanding record at this ground: 8 inns, 352 runs, avg. 50.29, SR 200.
• Jasprit Bumrah vs Glenn Maxwell in all T20s: 65 balls, 75 runs, seven wickets.
• Marcus Stoinis vs Sanju Samson in all T20s: 21 balls, 27 runs, two wickets.
• Axar Patel vs Marcus Stoinis in all T20s: 40 balls, 23 runs, four wickets.

AUS vs IND 3rd T20 2025 Dream11 Prediction

Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams. 

Option 1:

Option 2:

AUS vs IND 3rd T20 2025 Match Prediction: Who will win?

The chasing team is likelier to win. However, I’m expecting India to bounce back given there will be some changes to Australia’s team.

Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes for Dream11 free contests in line with the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. The stats and writer’s views are in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.

All statistics and matchups in this article have been verified by ESPNcricinfo and Cricmetric.