The series-deciding 5th T20I between Australia and India at The Gabba, Brisbane, has once again been interrupted by rain after a brief pause in the downpour. At 7:40 PM local time (3:10 PM IST), a Mexican wave broke out among the crowd as fans tried to lift the atmosphere, even as the rain returned moments after it had stopped.
Earlier, at 6:46 PM local (2:16 PM IST), the big screen flashed a “severe weather” warning, declaring it “unsafe to remain in open areas” due to lightning in the vicinity. Play was halted immediately, and the players were escorted off the field as a precaution under Gabba’s lightning safety protocol.
As of the latest update, the rain has resumed after a short break, with the ground staff once again rushing to cover the pitch. A restart will depend on how quickly conditions improve, as match officials continue to monitor the weather and radar closely.
Before the interruption, India were 52/0 in 4.5 overs, with Shubman Gill batting on 29 off 16 balls (6 fours) and Abhishek Sharma unbeaten on 23 off 13 balls (1 four, 1 six).
The umpires are expected to make a decision on resumption or possible overs reduction once conditions stabilise and there is no further lightning risk.