New Delhi: India are gearing up to face Australia in the opening T20I clash of the five-match series at Manuka Oval in Canberra on Wednesday October 29. Suryakumar Yadav-led team will aim to start the series with a victory and make up for their 1-2 defeat in the ODI series. The T20I series is crucial for both India and Australia as the top two teams in the ICC T20I rankings clash in a contest that will serve as key preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup scheduled for February-March. Under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav India have lost only three games following India victor in the T20 World Cup 2024. They will enter the series with confidence after cruising to an effortless title win at the Asia Cup where the Men in Blue went unbeaten throughout the tournament. Australia is also under good rhythm in the shortest format of the game under skipper Mitchell Marsh. They have suffered defeat in only two of their last 20 T20Is and have embraced an aggressive power-hitting approach from the very start. India and Australia last played against each other in this format in the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2024 where the India emerged victorious. India vs Australia 1st T20I Live score and Updates