Match Details
Date: 20 September 2022
Time: 07:00 PM IST
Venue: Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali
Ball-by-ball commentary: SportsTiger App
Preview
After bowing out of Asia Cup 2022, Rohit Sharma-led India are readying themselves to host Australia for a three-match T20I series, the first of which takes place on Wednesday (20 September). The two teams have reached the venue city and have started their preparations for the first match. While host India welcome back their two pacers, Jasprit Bumrah and Harshal Patel, Australia will be without Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, and Mitchell Marsh. It is going to be an interesting game considering the fact that both teams are seeing this as a preparatory series for the T20 World Cup.
Pitch Report
The IS Bindra Stadium pitch is known for its sluggish nature. The ball stops a bit whether it’s the pacers bowling or the spinners. However, the smaller boundaries work in favour of batsmen. Taking into account the kind of batters both teams possess, it is expected to be a high-scoring game.
Team Analysis
India
Rohit Sharma-led India will be bolstered with the return of Jasprit Bumrah and Harshal Patel. Virat Kohli getting back among runs will also be a booster for the Men in Blue. However, it will be a litmus test for KL Rahul before the T20 World Cup in Australia. The opening batter did struggle in the Asia Cup but he seemed to have found his touch against Afghanistan. These three games against Australia will help Rahul redeem his old self. Meanwhile, the spin duo of Yuzvendra Chahal and R Ashwin will look to leave an impact and make it tough for the Australian batters. Rishabh Pant will also have an opportunity to prove his selection right.
SportsTiger Playing XI of India
Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Dinesh Karthik, R Ashwin, Harshal Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal
Australia
Australia will be without many of their premium players like David Warner and Mitchell Starc. Nevertheless, they have few quality batters in Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Tim David, and Matthew Wade. Josh Inglis has also come out as an interesting prospect and will be key in the middle order for the Men in Yellow. In bowling, Australia have got Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa, Ashton Agar, Kane Richardson and Nathan Ellis. Cummins and Zampa are likely to spearhead the fast and spin bowling departments respectively.
SportsTiger Playing XI of Australia
Aaron Finch, Matthew Wade (wk), Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Tim David, Josh Inglis, Daniel Sams, Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa
Match Prediction
Conclusion
India are playing at their home and have almost a complete squad available. Meanwhile, Australia are playing without their regular. Therefore, the Men in Blue will be the favourite to win Wednesday’s game.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the author’s point of view. They neither reflect the opinion of SportsTiger nor advise anyone to make any prediction based on this. SportsTiger does not assume any responsibility and liability for the same.