Hardik Pandya played today the way MS Dhoni used to in the past: Justin Langer | Justin Langer full of praise for Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya has been outstanding in the ongoing Australia-India series. After his brilliant 90 in the first ODI, he combined with Ravindra Jadeja for a match-winning partnership. In the second T20I, he gave glimpses of MS Dhoni’s style of winning the chasing games in the past. MS Dhoni had announced his retirement in 2020 but his charismatic performances from the past linger in the thoughts of cricket fans.
In the last chase by the Indian team, things looked tricky when Pandya came in to bat but his 42 out off 22 balls helped to win the series by six wickets. Talking about his performance in a virtual press conference, coach Justin Langer said that Pandya played dangerously just MS Dhoni used to play in the past.
Hardik Pandya smashes two big sixes off Daniel Sams to help India win the second T20I by 6️⃣ wickets ?
“It was an incredible spectacle of a game. We know how dangerous Pandya is. In the past we had MS Dhoni and the way he played today,” Langer said at the virtual post-match press conference. “He has played really well all summer so, obviously, it was a great innings in the end there”, he said.
Langer also pointed out that the Indian team is playing with a lot of T20 players in their ranks which gave the team an edge. He also went ahead and praised captain Kohli’s 40 runs in just 24 balls. “Some of Virat (Kohli’s) shots, I have said for years he (Kohli) is the best player I have probably ever seen. Some of the shots he played tonight were extraordinary and (they got) good opening partnership and got over the line,” the former Australia opening batsman said.
In the post-match presentation, Hardik also confessed how he is trying to win the matches and act as a perfect finisher. “During the lockdown, I wanted to focus on finishing games where it matters the most. It doesn’t matter whether I score or don’t score more runs,” Pandya said at the post-match press conference.
““I have been in these situations many times and I learned from my mistakes in the past. My game is always around the confidence which I carry, it has that fine line where I back myself and not become overconfident. I always remember all those times when we chased big totals and it helps”, he added.
Written by Anjali Jha. Follow Anjali on Twitter today.
‘I am not Dhoni’, Australia captain Matthew Wade on stump mic | Matthew Wade jokes about not being as quick as MS Dhoni behind the stumps
MS Dhoni might have left international cricket, but his absence still impacts the cricketing world. When India was playing against Australia in the second T20I, Australian captain Matthew Wade tried to recreate the charms from behind the stumps with a quick stumping, but couldn’t manage to pull it off. Recalling the former captain stumping skills in the ninth over of India’s innings Wade said ‘I am not Dhoni, not quick enough like Dhoni’.
Wade was heard from the stump mic after a narrow stumping miss and Shikhar Dhawan who was on the striker’s end was seen acknowledging the fact with a nod. During India’s chase of 195 runs when Mitchell Swepson was bowling, he delivered a wide ball which was short and outside the off-stump. Dhawan tried to cut it and missed and Wade smartly waited for him to lift his foot so that he could dismiss Dhawan.
When cricketers become legends..
After the stumping act…Wade says “Not #Dhoni…not quick enough like #Dhoni”
Dhawan smiled when Wade made the Dhoni remark as the batsman quickly rooted his foot back. “Not Dhoni, not quick enough like Dhoni!” Wade was caught saying on the stump-mic to which Dhawan responded saying, “Yeah”.
India won the T20I series with six wicket-victory at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday.
Written by Anjali Jha. Follow Anjali on Twitter today.
ENG tour of SA on a knife-edge after 2nd ODI postponed | ENG tour of SA looks in big doubt due to rise in COVID-19 cases
The second one-day international between England and South Africa has been postponed due to the Covid-19 scare. Cricket South Africa and England Cricket Board have issued a joint statement stating that the second 50-over match will not be played due to positive cases in the South African squad. The names of the players have not been disclosed but the whole group has been isolated for further safety.
“The decision has been taken by Cricket South Africa (CSA) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) whilst they await the outcome of the independent ratification of the two unconfirmed positive COVID-19 tests from the England camp and the continued health and wellbeing of both playing groups”, said ECB in their joint statement.
The 2nd Betway One-Day International between South Africa and England, which is due to take place at Newlands, Cape Town, will now not take place on Monday 7 December.#SAvENG#BetwayODIpic.twitter.com/951enAXkHT
Both the teams are aiming to have full schedules as planned before, even after the first ODI match was shifted to Sunday after a case was found on Friday just two hours before the game was about to start. CSA says no breach of bio-bubble has been noted and England’s players and the coaching staff have also been isolated in their rooms.
The decision has been taken by Cricket South Africa (CSA) and @ECB_cricket whilst they await the outcome of the independent ratification of the two unconfirmed positive COVID-19 tests from the England camp and the continued health and wellbeing of both playing groups.#SAvENG
“Once the findings of this review have been received, CSA and ECB will then discuss how best to proceed concerning the remaining two matches of this ODI Series”, said ECB.
Even if the tests come out negative, concerns about further spread can be taken into consideration especially when all the players were under a bio-secure bubble. If any of the England players test positive they will have to stay in SA for the next 10 days which means they will miss their charter plane home on Thursday.
England has won the T20I series against South Africa. Most of England’s squad are expected to join the Big Bash League as well and any kind of isolation can delay their arrival in Australia. Moreover, Australia holds a 14 days quarantine rule before joining any cricket match which would rule them out of the tournament.
Written by Anjali Jha. Follow Anjali on Twitter today.
AUS vs IND 2nd T20I Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | AUS vs IND 2nd T20I Dream11 Prediction Today | Australia vs India 2nd T20I Key Players | SCG Pitch Report
It was quite the match in the first T20I, wasn’t it? Controversy, momentum swings and drama headlined a match full of talking points, as India took a 1-0 series lead.
Now, the question for the Indians will be whether they can replicate their Canberra form at Sydney, where they were poor in the opening two ODIs. Confidence will be high, however, on two fronts. The first is that India have won both their T20Is against Australia at the SCG. Secondly, there is a good chance that Australia will be without skipper Aaron Finch due to injury, in addition to Mitchell Starc’s absence, which will well and truly test Australia’s depth.
So, how will Australia respond to their injury worries and the first up defeat? D’Arcy Short’s inability to nail the T20 International format continued in the opening T20I, which puts the onus on him should Finch be ruled out. Also, onus will be on Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell to provide the impetus during the middle and death overs; two periods which the Aussies struggled in at Canberra.
With the batting under pressure, the bowlers will have to keep a talented Indian side in check. Australia’s death bowling was costly in both the third ODI and first T20I in Canberra, in contrast to India’s which has been quite strong given the inclusion of the talented T Natarajan. So, which side will hold their nerve better in a must-win game for the Aussies?
AUS vs IND 2nd T20I Preview Dream11: Can KL Rahul up his strike rate?
Key Players to Watch/Key Stats
In two T20Is on this ground, Virat Kohli has struck two fifties (61* and 51). His issues against legspin resurfaced in the opening T20I, so it will be interesting to see how he responds.
If Aaron Finch is ruled out, Australia would be well served in playing Matthew Wade as opener. Wade has struck 943 runs in his last two BBL seasons at an average of 44.90 and SR 155.10.
The spotlight will be on KL Rahul, despite striking a half-century last game. Can he up his strike rate? He’s had a superb year in T20Is to date (8 inns, 374 runs, 4 50s, avg. 53.42), but India will be looking for him to take his strike rate to another level after his IPL campaign (SR 129.34).
Steve Smith will be crucial for Australia. He slammed two 62-ball centuries on this ground in the ODIs, so can he transfer that form into the T20Is?
Glenn Maxwell will also be crucial. He smashed 167 runs (including two fifties) at a strike rate of 194.18 in ODIs. So, can he transfer this form into the T20s against a team whom he has a good T20I record against? (13 inns, 355 runs, avg. 32.27, SR 144.89).
Sanju Samson looked dangerous for his 23 (15) in the first T20I before getting out. Can he make a start this time and then go on with it?
Hardik Pandya also had a superb ODI series (India’s leading run-scorer with two 90+ scores). Watch out for the hard-hitting right-hander as India will look to finish with a flourish in the absence of Ravindra Jadeja.
The addition of Yuzvendra Chahal at Canberra was a stroke of luck for India. He was magnificent (3/25), and will be looking to produce the goods at a ground he struggled at in the ODIs (1/89 and 0/74).
Adam Zampa (1/20) was terrific in the opening T20I. He has taken 14 wickets in his last 12 T20Is.
What a great impact T Natarajan has made in his two international matches so far. On T20I debut, the yorker specialist took 3/30, holding his nerve beautifully throughout the innings. His partnership with Jasprit Bumrah could be key for India – Bumrah has the most wickets in AUS-IND T20Is with 15 in 11 matches.
Stats and Facts
Head-to-head: Matches 21, Australia 8, India 12, N/R 1.
India have won their last nine completed T20Is. Also, India have won six of their past seven completed T20Is against Australia in Australia.
Washington Sundar produced a magnificent spell of 0/16 in the first T20I. He will be key once again.
Moises Henriques performed well in the opening T20I (3/22 and 30).
Shikhar Dhawan recently struck two centuries in the IPL. He will want to improve his career record vs Australia (11 inns, 267 runs, avg. 26.70, SR 139.06). Can he build on it?
Andrew Tye could replace Mitchell Starc. Tye has five wickets in three T20Is at the SCG.
Possible Playing 11
Australia have injury worries. After injuries to David Warner and Ashton Agar, it looks like Aaron Finch will miss out with a glute/hip injury sustained in the opening T20I. Also, Mitchell Starc is out for the remainder of the T20I series due to personal reasons.
So, Australia have decisions to make. One option is to move Matthew Wade to opener, with either Alex Carey or Marnus Labuschagne slotting into the middle order. It must be remembered that Labuschagne scored a hundred in an intra T20 warm up match in England earlier this year, so he is capable.
Australia: 1. D’Arcy Short/Aaron Finch, 2. Matthew Wade, 3. Steve Smith, 4. Glenn Maxwell, 5. Marnus Labuschagne/Alex Carey, 6. Moises Henriques, 7. Sean Abbott, 8. AJ Tye, 9. Mitchell Swepson/Nathan Lyon, 10. Adam Zampa, 11. Josh Hazlewood
Manish Pandey looked uncomfortable at number five, scoring 2 (8) in the first T20I. Also, there is a chance that Jasprit Bumrah will return after he was rested in the first T20I. Ravindra Jadeja is out with injury and concussion.
Flat pitches were on offer in the two ODIs on this ground. Another good batting pitch can be expected, and the SCG is a traditionally slower surface. So, cutters into the track can be an important tactic to vary it up. Swing might be minimal as a mild, dry night is forecast.
The chasing team has won six of seven completed T20Is at the SCG. In the no result last year, Australia were well on track to win chasing against Pakistan.
Dream11 Prediction
Option 1:
AUS vs IND 2nd T20I Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
AUS vs IND 2nd T20I Dream11 Prediction
Match Prediction
Australia’s injury worries, and India’s excellent T20I record in recent times, makes India the favourites in this one. It will take a special performance from Australia’s key players to win this one, as one feels that India have more players that can take the game by the scruff of the neck.
India 1st T20I Talking points: concussion sub & more | Discussing 5 key talking points from an event-filled AUS vs IND 1st T20I
What an event-filled evening. KL Rahul’s half-century, T Natarajan’s impressive T20I debut, Ravindra Jadeja’s cameo at the fag-end of the Indian innings, Chahal’s match-winning spell of 3/25 and the debate around the concussion substitute highlighted India’s win in the first T20I against Australia in the capital city of Canberra. The men in blue will now head back to Sydney with a 1-0 series lead.
As often is the case after the toss, Virat Kohli lost the flip of the coin and the selections were a hot topic of discussion. Indians were asked to bat first and they put up a respectable total of 161 on the board. The Indian spinners applied brakes to the Aussie batsmen after they got off to a quick start and made sure India defended the total.
Here are some of the talking points from India’s first T20I against Australia.
Rahul’s knock. Need of the hour or should he bat with more intent?
AUS vs IND 1st T20I Talking Points: Can KL Rahul up his scoring rate?
Unlike how a successful T20 batting line-up should approach the powerplay, India’s approach has been conservative and it is evident in the approach of the openers that T20s are just considered as a shorter version of the ODI format. When KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan walked out to bat, a lot was expected from the duo, which topped the run-getters chart in the recently concluded Indian Premier League.
But, it wasn’t the case. Despite having a long batting line-up, the Indians could manage only 42 runs as they played in a cautious manner.
The focus was on KL Rahul who continued from where he left off in the IPL. The strike rate of 127 was just two shy of his IPL strike rate as he refrained from taking risks but completed his half-century even as wickets continued to fall at the other end.
If the KXIP captain had tried to accelerate during the course of his innings, he might have lost his wicket well before the 14th over and the team would have been in deeper trouble. But with depth in the batting line-up like today’s, maybe he could have taken a few more chances than he eventually did.
Kohli dismissed by a leg-spinner, again!
AUS vs IND 1st T20I Talking Points: Virat Kohli got out to a poor delivery
Since the start of 2019, Virat Kohli has been dismissed nine times by leg-spinners in IPL and the shortest form of international cricket. Teams have figured out this trend and tend to bowl more overs of wrist spin to the Indian skipper.
Australian opted for the same plan and bowled Swepson in the 5th over of the game. But post the dismissal it wasn’t the usual good length delivery which Kohli didn’t read correctly. Swepson bowled a half-tracker well outside off and Virat failed to pull it in front of the wicket, instead it took the leading edge of his bat and the catch was taken by the bowler himself.
Quite evidently, Virat Kohli was himself astonished after the dismissal as his poor performance against leggies continued.
Impressive Samson, unimpressive Pandey
Manish Pandey continued to bat at 5, the position where he batted in the T20Is against New Zealand while Sanju Samson batted at 4. Samson played a characteristic 15-ball 23 but steadied India’s sinking ship although he would have desired a longer stay at the crease; However, the Rajasthan Royals’ batsman might have sealed his place in the side with today’s knock. Samson batted at a run-rate of 9.2 RPO in the innings which concluded at a RR of 8.1, even after the team scored at 11.5 RPO in the last two overs.
However, pressure mounted on Manish Pandey who had an ordinary IPL season and was effectively selected ahead of an in-form Suryakumar Yadav in the T20I squad. He walked into bat in the 12th over and could last for only eight balls, scoring just two runs in the process.
It will be interesting to see whether the management gives Pandey a longer rope or opts to replace him with Shreyas Iyer or an extra bowler. This is as Hardik Pandya has showed composure to bat at 5, abolishing the myth of him being ‘slogger’, in IPL 2020, as well as in the ODI series where the MI batsman was the leading run-scorer.
Shami’s expensive spell. Should India include Saini or Bumrah?
At the halfway stage in the game, it felt as if India were short by 15-20 runs to what might have felt like an ideal score but the tight bowling made sure they defended the target.
Even as India bowled phenomenally, Mohammad Shami’s spell in which he conceded 46 in his four overs without getting a wicket was not pleasing. Other than Shami, every bowler bowled at an economy rate of less than 7.5 RPO. His 4-over spell was divided in all the three phases of the game but he couldn’t be economical in any one of them, conceding more than 10 RPO in every over.
India rested Jasprit Bumrah and Navdeep Saini in an attempt to manage the workload ahead of the all-important Border-Gavaskar Trophy which begins on December 17. Mohammad Shami might well be rested with one of Bumrah and Saini getting an opportunity in the following two games.
The concussion confusion!
AUS vs IND 1st T20I Talking Points: Justin Langer was not happy
Though various factors played a deciding role in the eventual result of the first T20I, none was as crucial as the concussion substitute. Yuzvendra Chahal, and the player he substituted, Ravindra Jadeja, were both outstanding.
As India named their XI, Chahal was dropped as India preferred to have depth in their batting. Also, the 30-year-old’s mediocre ODI series might have played a part in his exclusion.
When Jadeja walked into bat, India were struggling at 92-5 in the 14th over having lost half-centurion KL Rahul and were uncertain to get to the 150 mark. Jadeja scored 44 runs in 23 balls and in the process he had hit 5 boundaries and a maximum.
But in the course of his innings, Jadeja was hit on the helmet on the 3rd ball of the 19th over. After that delivery and a short break in which the physio also had a look at his hamstring, he scored 24 runs. During the innings break, India substituted Jadeja with Chahal as the match referee approved it as a like-for-like concussion replacement.
Chahal bowled a spell picking three crucial wickets and dismantled the Aussie chase in the middle overs. Justin Langer was seen arguing with match referee David Boon during the innings break and he argued for a while, given that there was a chance that Jadeja was subbed out because of a hamstring injury, but given as a concussion.
Maybe he was more annoyed after the decision as it had a decisive impact on the match.
Twitter reactions to brilliant 251 by Kane Williamson | Twitter reactions to Kane Williamson’s classy and brilliant 251
In Test cricket’s long-awaited return after a plethora of white-ball cricket, New Zealand lost the toss and were sent in to bat on a green monster. It made for quite the stir on social media, given that it was difficult to distinguish between the pitch and outfield.
But, what was to come was even more special.
Kane Williamson struck 251, his highest ever Test score to date, surpassing the 242* he racked up against Sri Lanka in 2015. In arguably his finest career knock to date, and not only due to this being his highest score, Williamson showed incredible technique, patience and class to produce such an innings on a pitch against an attack comprising of three of the most potent Test bowlers over the past few years in Jason Holder, Kemar Roach and Shannon Gabriel.
On countless occasions, the ball would zip off the seam in either direction, or rise up off a length, but Williamson would counter that brilliantly by playing the ball late, and with soft hands. Williamson coupled discipline with pure aesthetics, bringing out delicious cover drives off front and back foot, as well as some terrific pull shots when the bowlers tried to unsettle him.
Fans and crickerers on Twitter were in awe of Williamson, and showed their appreciation for one of New Zealand’s greatest ever batsmen.
If you are cricket follower, that too of any country .. you just can't hate this guy! The Respect keeps on increasing for him #KaneWilliamsonpic.twitter.com/X6K55wBKxB
Kraigg Brathwaite and John Campbell fought hard to get West Indies to 49/0 in reply to New Zealand’s huge 519/7. One thing is for sure – it will take something special in the remainder of this Test to surpass Kane Williamson’s sheer brilliance.
AUS vs IND T20Is: 5 batsmen to watch out for | 5 batsmen to watch out for in the Australia vs India T20I series
The ODI series between Australia and India came to an end on the Wednesday with Australia emerging as the winners by a margin of 2-1. The home team was absolutely dominant in the first two games, whereas the visitors managed to get a hard-fought victory in the last ODI at Manuka Oval.
Now, it’s time for some T20 cricket as both sides will lock horns once again in the first T20I; to be played at the same venue as that of the final ODI. So, ahead of what promises to be a cracking contest, I am going to mention five batsmen to watch out for in this series. Here we go.
AUS vs IND T20Is: 5 batsmen to watch out for – Will Dhawan have a good series?
Although Dhawan doesn’t have spectacular numbers in T20Is, his average and SR are significantly better versus Australia in Australia. He averages 38 and has scored at a rapid SR of 168.14 in Australia contrary to his overall average and SR of 28.36 and 128.27 respectively. This shows that he feels more comfortable to bat there.
Added to that, his recent performance in the IPL was also really good. He scored 618 runs at a tremendous average of 44.14 and a more-than-decent SR of almost 145. Preliminarily tagged as an ODI batsman, Dhawan has shown his adaptability in the shortest format of the game and therefore I have some serious hopes from him to do well in this series.
4. Steve Smith
AUS vs IND T20Is: 5 batsmen to watch out for – Steve Smith was superb in the ODIs
Already considered as a legend in Test cricket, Steve Smith has surely been underwhelming in his T20I career so far. But, if I consider his last nine T20I innings, he has scored 281 runs at an average of almost 47 and a SR of 147.12, which are much higher than his career average and SR.
I was so impressed by the way he paced his innings and scored two back-to-back hundreds in 62 balls in the ODIs. He was really busy in the middle and the Indian bowlers found it really difficult to dismiss him early. His T20I numbers are also impressive in Australia. Therefore, I feel if Smith doesn’t do anything foolish, he can frustrate the Indian bowlers in the T20I series, too.
AUS vs IND T20Is: 5 batsmen to watch out for – Virat Kohli, key as always
The love story between Virat Kohli and Australia is second to none. He loves that particular opposition and the venue as well. He has an incredible average of 79.25 and a SR of 145.41 in T20Is against the Aussies in their own den. He did decently in the recently concluded ODI series by scoring 173 runs at an impressive average of 57.67 and a good SR of 93.01. In the absence of Rohit Sharma, Virat holds the key for the Indian batting line up to be successful. I expect him to take responsibility as he always does and play some match-defining innings in this series.
AUS vs IND T20Is: 5 batsmen to watch out for – Hardik Pandya is in terrific form
I don’t consider Hardik Pandya as just another random hitter as his T20I stats suggest. He has immense ability and showcased his batting prowess in the ODI series by turning out to be the highest scorer for India with 210 runs with two 90+ scores. He was also terrific for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL and scored 281 runs at an average of 35.13 and had a brilliant SR of almost 179.
Moreover, he has improved his game against the hard length and smashed bowlers like Archer, Rabada, Nortje etc effortlessly. So, if he gets around 5-6 overs; which ideally he should get in a T20I, he can surely be the difference between two sides with his game-changing impactful knocks.
1. Glenn Maxwell
AUS vs IND T20Is: 5 batsmen to watch out for – Glenn Maxwell was superb vs India in 2019.
Glenn Maxwell loves Indian bowling, doesn’t he? He did hit a magnificent century versus India at Bangalore in 2019. He played blistering knocks in all the three ODIs recently. He averages over 35 and his SR is over 145 against India.
What specialty he brings is his unorthodox and brutal hitting skills. He has the ability to hit the same ball straight down the ground and reverse sweep it over the thirdman or backward point as well. In the absence of Warner, the role of Maxwell obviously gets magnified as an experienced player in the side. Based on his current form, I really believe he is going to be a headache for the visitors.
This is my list of five batsmen to watch out for in the upcoming T20I series between these two giant teams. Any others come to mind? Have your say!
Written by Debashish Sarangi. Follow Debashish on Twitter today.
SA vs ENG 1st ODI 2020 Preview Possible 11 Pitch Report | SA vs ENG 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | South Africa vs England 1st ODI Key Players | Boland Park Paarl Pitch Report
After a COVID-19 scare which saw the first ODI called off on Friday, the action will take place at Boland Park in Paarl, in what promises to be an interesting contest.
Change of format, change of fortunes for South Africa? The Proteas, with just one series win in five attempts across formats this year, are after that winning feeling; a feeling which eluded them in the recent T20I series against England.
The source of hope for the Proteas is two fold. Firstly, they beat England convincingly in the first ODI earlier this year, with Quinton de Kock starring with a century in a seven-wicket victory. Secondly, they have won four of five completed ODIs in 2020, with their last assignment being an excellent 3-0 series victory over a full-strength Australia side. So, with South Africa’s team balance in focus, especially in the absence of Faf du Plessis and Kagiso Rabada, it will be interesting to see which team combination the Proteas go with, and whether these players can build on the promising showings from earlier in the year.
However, no matter the team combination, it will be a tough ask to overcome England. England’s incredible rise over the past five years is underpinned by incredible batting depth, which was on show in the T20Is. The likes of Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow, Eoin Morgan and Jason Roy were in the syllabus, but world number one T20I batsman Dawid Malan showed up in the exam. In a great testament to England’s depth, Malan is unlikely to feature in their ODI side, with the small matter of Joe Root, who is set to play his 150th ODI with an average of over 50, to slot in at number three.
However, England will be keen for an improved showing with the ball compared to the T20Is. In the earlier ODI series against Australia, England often found success in the powerplay and middle overs, which is a template to follow here against a South African side that needs its top order to perform. So, who will step up in the absence of Jofra Archer, who is rested? Can Chris Woakes continue his fantastic run of consistent form in recent years, backed by the sheer pace and wily spin of Mark Wood and Adil Rashid respectively?
Key Players to Watch/Key Stats
Quinton de Kock has an outstanding record in ODIs against England. In fact, only Jacques Kallis, Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers and Graeme Smith have more runs for South Africa against England than de Kock’s 718, and none of them average anywhere near QdK’s 65.27.
In fact, de Kock hit an century against England earlier in 2020.
England welcome back Joe Root in the white-ball fold. The classy right-hander has an excellent record against South Africa (594 runs, avg. 49.50). Also, Root is just 36 runs away from 6,000 in ODIs.
Only one other England player has more than 6,000 runs, and that is Eoin Morgan. Morgan currently has the second-most runs for England against South Africa (behind Root), with 574 at an average of 35.87 and SR 93.18.
Do South Africa go with David Miller? If yes, they will be picking a player with a superb record against England. In fact, Miller has only been dismissed once in four innings vs England, with a total of 207 runs at a strike rate of 125.45.
Also, South Africa have the option of picking Heinrich Klaasen, who was outstanding in the ODIs against Australia earlier this year. Klaasen made scores of 123*, 51 and 68* in that series. His 123* came at Paarl, and has scored a fifty and century in two ODI knocks on this ground.
Sam Billings has been superb in ODI run chases in 2020: 67* (54), 46* (61) and 118 (110).
Jonny Bairstow performed brilliantly in the first T20I on this tour (86* off 48 balls). However, can Bairstow overcome what is a modest ODI record against South Africa so far? (5 inns, 142 runs, avg. 28.40, SR 84.52)
Rassie van der Dussen has never been dismissed in ODIs at Cape Town (3 inns, 116 runs). He hit an unbeaten 38* against England on this ground earlier this year. Also, van der Dussen smashed 74* (32) in the third T20I on this ground.
Jos Buttler has a strike rate of 129.16 in nine ODI knocks against the Proteas (248 runs, avg. 35.42). One to watch, as always, particularly at the backend of the innings with Kagiso Rabada out with an injury.
Adil Rashid will be key in the middle overs against a South African team that possesses inexperience. He has taken 12 wickets in seven ODIs so far this year, and will be out to improve on his bowling average of 40 in 11 ODIs vs South Africa.
Chris Woakes took six wickets in three ODIs against Australia recently. Also, he made scores of 10, 26 and 53* with the bat, highlighting his all-round ability. Also, Woakes has averaged under 30 with the ball in ODIs in each of the last four years (20.63 in 2017, 26.63 in 2018, 29.79 in 2019 and 27.71 in 2020). He has taken a total of 77 wickets in 49 matches in this period.
Lungi Ngidi has been in the wickets in ODIs and T20Is. In fact, his most recent ODI performances, against Australia, were superb: 3/30 and 6/58.
Stats and Facts
South Africa have won four of five completed ODIs in 2020. England have won just 50% of their completed ODIs this year (four from eight).
Chris Woakes is one wicket away from becoming the sixth England bowler to take 150 wickets in ODIs.
The head-to-head record between the sides is close, with South Africa leading 30-28.
South Africa restricted England to 258/8 on this ground earlier this year, and then chased it with ease courtesy of de Kock’s 107 and Temba Bavuma’s 98.
Jason Roy is struggling for form. In addition to his low scores in the T20Is, Roy could only manage 24, 0, 1, 3, 21 and 0 against Ireland and Australia in the ODIs during the England summer. Also, Roy has a poor record vs South Africa in ODIs: 11 inns, 216 runs, avg. 19.63.
South Africa has only lost one out of seven ODIs at Boland Park, Paarl (1-wicket loss to New Zealand in 2013).
Possible Playing 11
Some decisions for South Africa. Does Heinrich Klaasen play, or do they persist with David Miller? Also, who replaces Kagiso Rabada, and which spin attack do they go with? George Linde was super impressive in the T20Is, so he could get a run.
South Africa: 1. Quinton de Kock (c & wk), 2. Janneman Malan, 3. Jon-Jon Smuts, 4. Rassie van der Dussen, 5. Kyle Verreynne, 6. David Miller/Heinrich Klaasen, 7. Andile Phehlukwayo/George Linde, 8. Junior Dala/Keshav Maharaj, 9. Lungi Ngidi, 10. Anrich Nortje, 11. Tabraiz Shamsi
Jofra Archer, Ben Stokes and Sam Curran are all rested for England.
England: 1. Jason Roy, 2. Jonny Bairstow, 3. Joe Root, 4. Eoin Morgan (c), 5. Jos Buttler (wk), 6. Sam Billings, 7. Moeen Ali/Tom Curran, 8. Chris Woakes, 9. Adil Rashid, 10. Mark Wood, 11. Olly Stone
Boland Park Paarl Pitch Report and Weather
The surface at Paarl was on the slow side in the T20I back on November 29. Similar can be expected again.
Earlier this year, South Africa beat Australia convincingly by 74 runs after Henrich Klaasen’s 123* drove South Africa to 291/7. A score in that region could be tough to chase.
A warm and mostly sunny day is forecast, with a top of approximately 32 degrees.
Dream11 Prediction
Option 1:
SA vs ENG 1st ODI 2020 Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
Boaldn Park SA vs ENG 1st ODI 2020 Dream11 Prediction
Match Prediction
South Africa will fancy their chances given their performances in ODIs earlier this year. However, England look more settled even with key players rested, and one feels that will count for plenty. England to win.
AUS vs IND 1st T20I Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | AUS vs IND 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | Australia vs India 1st T20I Key Players | Manuka Oval Canberra Pitch Report
It’s safe to say that a year that started with teams looking to nail down their T20 plans has not gone to script. The T20 World Cup, scheduled for Australia, was the showpiece event of 2020. However, its postponement rounded off a year full of distractions, and now these two teams have to shift focus really quickly after the ODIs ended just 48 hours ago.
Teams now have more time to nail down their T20 plans. For Australia, the process was shaping up nicely, moving atop of the T20I rankings (up until two days ago) courtesy of dominant performances against Sri Lanka and Pakistan last year. Justin Langer and Aaron Finch have focused on picking stronger teams to set up for the T20 World Cup, and with the next edition now less than a year away in India, Australia will have an eye on their ideal team combination for T20Is going forward.
Also, Australia’s thrilling T20I series in England earlier this year serves as a possible advantage for the home team. However, for India, there has been no shortage of T20 cricket in their squad. In fact, many believed that so much time spent in the IPL resulted in a slow start in the ODI series, which India lost after struggling badly in the field in Sydney. However, they played well in the final ODI in Canberra, and will be looking to continue the kind of form they showed in New Zealand earlier this year, where they swept the series 5-0.
Steve Smith’s IPL form wasn’t too flash, but he poses a significant threat after a wonderful ODI series (two centuries), where he won man of the series.
In Australia’s only T20I at Manuka Oval to date, Smith produced a masterclass against Pakistan last year with 80* off 51 balls. Also, Smith’s surprise failure in the third ODI was the first time he failed to cross 50 in his five international matches at Manuka Oval.
India skipper Virat Kohli has the most runs in AUS-IND T20Is, with a remarkable record of 584 runs at an average and strike rate of 64.88 and 147.10. Key player.
Aaron Finch is next on the list, way behind with 405 runs (avg. 31.15, SR 137.28), such has been Kohli’s dominance. Finch is coming into this series in form, with three 50+ scores in the ODIs.
How good was Hardik Pandya in the ODIs? The hard-hitting batsman was India’s leading run-scorer, which included a superb 92* off 76 balls on this ground two days ago.
KL Rahul has had quite the year in T20s. He hit the most runs in India’s series in NZ earlier this year (5 inns, 224 runs, avg. 56.00, SR 144.51), and also won the IPL 2020 Orange Cap with 670 runs in 14 matches at an average of 55.83.
Watch out for Glenn Maxwell. The all-rounder, who had a poor IPL, is coming off a superb ODI series, where he smashed 167 runs (including two fifties) at a strike rate of 194.18. Also, Maxwell has the third-most runs in AUS-IND T20Is, with 353 in 12 innings at an average of 35.30 (SR 145.86). This is courtesy of an incredible series in India in 2019, where he smashed 56 and 113*.
Ravindra Jadeja has been in superb batting form. He struck 115 runs at an average of 57.50 in the ODIs, including 66* off 50 balls on this ground. Also, Jadeja was strong in the IPL, hitting 232 runs at an average and strike rate of 46.40 and 171.85.
Australia will be hoping that Ashton Agar is fit after picking up a calf niggle in the third ODI. If he plays, the left-arm spinner will be key, as he has enjoyed quite the rise in T20Is in the last year (20 wickets in his last 12 T20Is).
Jasprit Bumrah was outstanding in the recent IPL (27 wickets in 15 games), and looked to find his form in the third ODI on this ground. Overall, he has the most wickets in AUS-IND T20Is (15 in 11 matches).
Can Adam Zampa impact this game? The leg-spinner has been superb in ODIs over the past 12 months, but will be looking to boost his T20I form. He has still taken a respectable 13 wickets in his last 11 games.
T Natarajan enjoyed a successful ODI debut. Can the yorker specialist deliver the goods in the T20Is, if picked?
Josh Hazlewood dismissed Virat Kohli in all three ODIs.
AUS vs IND 1st T20I Preview Dream11: Will Steve Smith continue his great form from the ODIs?
Stats and Facts
Head-to-head: Matches 20, Australia 8, India 11, N/R 1.
Shikhar Dhawan recently struck two centuries in the IPL. His overall T20I record against Australia is steady (10 inns, 266 runs, avg. 29.55, SR 143.01). Can he build on it?
Australia has the highest batting average in T20Is since January 2019 (39.18). India is third with 33.13.
Only one T20I has been played at Manuka Oval to date. This was last year, where Pakistan scored 150. Australia, courtesy of Smith, chased it with ease.
India won all five T20Is against New Zealand earlier this year. Australia, courtesy of a terrible middle order collapse in the first T20I in England, lost that series 2-1.
India have won 13 of their last 19 T20Is since losing 2-0 to Australia in February 2019.
Possible Playing 11
Australia have injury concerns. Mitchell Starc missed the final ODI with a side/back niggle, but Aaron Finch was hopeful he would be fit for this match. Marcus Stoinis has a side problem, and Ashton Agar picked up a calf niggle in the third ODI two nights ago.
Australia: 1. Aaron Finch (c), 2. Matthew Wade, 3. Steve Smith, 4. Glenn Maxwell, 5. Moises Henriques/Cameron Green, 6. Alex Carey (wk), 7. Ashton Agar/Daniel Sams, 8. Sean Abbott, 9. AJ Tye/Mitchell Starc, 10. Adam Zampa, 11. Josh Hazlewood
India would be best served playing KL Rahul at opener. So, a spot will open up in the middle order, which could go to either Manish Pandey or Washington Sundar.
The average run rate in the BBL at Manuka Oval is a high 8.56. This is the highest run-rate on any ground that has hosted more than one game in the competition.
Interestingly, the pitch in the third ODI had some extra bounce in it. It remains to be seen how this pitch plays, but given a history of flat T20 pitches on this ground, one can expect a nice batting surfaces.
The forecast is for a fine evening, with some light winds that could mean no dew.
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Match Prediction
A cracking match in store. Australia’s injury worries could count for plenty in this game, as India look to possess a more well-balanced T20I team compared to their ODI XI. India have a good T20I record against Australia, and there is a good chance of that continuing today, particularly if their top order performs to their potential.
5 Memorable Australia vs India T20I Matches | Looking back at the 5 best Australia vs India T20 International matches
International cricket is back with a bang! We will be witnessing aggression up against aggression once again after an interval of ODI matches, as two of the most rival cricketing giants, viz. Australia and India will have a face off in the shortest format of the game.
While Australia will be looking to win the T20I series after the ODIs, India will be aiming to carry the momentum they got by winning the last ODI. There have been 20 T20Is played between these two sides, in which India have an upper hand by a margin of 11-8 so far; and one game ending with no result. In this article, I am going to highlight five most memorable T20Is among those 20 games. Here we go.
This was the very first match of a long tour for India in 2018/19, and therefore they were eager to start the tour with a victory. After being asked to bat first in this rain-affected match, Australia put a decent score of 158 runs from the allotted 17 overs and a challenging target of 174 was given to the visitors as per the D/L method.
Shikhar Dhawan was the best player from the Indian team as he scored 76 runs off 42 balls, while the likes of Rohit, Virat and Rahul disappointed. The game seemed to be turned into India’s favour when Dinesh Karthik went to bat at no 6, after India needed a tough 69 runs from 32 balls. He played a brilliant cameo and took the game deep along with Rishabh Pant. India needed 13 to win in the final over and surprisingly Aaron Finch handed the ball to Marcus Stoinis instead of Billy Stanlake. That tactic proved to be a masterstroke as Stoinis dismissed both Krunal Pandya and Karthik to restrict India to 169.
This was an absolute thriller of a game and the brilliance of Stoinis with the ball was well appreciated by the cricket fraternity.
India had already taken out this three-match series by winning the first two games at Adelaide and Melbourne. But there is always an eternal happiness associated with a clean sweep, isn’t there? India did just that by winning this last-over thriller at the SCG.
Australia posted a big total of 197 runs after electing to bat first, thanks to a blistering knock of 124 off 71 balls by Shane Watson. India started exceptionally well by scoring 74 runs for the loss of just one wicket in the first six overs. But, the Aussie bowlers created pressure in the middle overs and the chase seemed a bit tricky for the visitors when both the set batsmen, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, were dismissed. Then, the experienced campaigners Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina held their nerves and took the game to the last over, in which India needed 17 runs to win.
So, the game could have swung to either side. But, Yuvraj broke the shackles in the first two balls by hitting a four and a six off Andrew Tye, which shifted the game towards the Indian team. Then, Raina sealed the game for India by hitting a four in the last ball. After a demoralizing defeat by a margin of 1-4 in the ODI series, the Indian team bounced back by winning the T20I series by 3-0, which gave a memorable ending to the tour for the Indian fans.
It was the first game for both India and Australia in the Super Eight stage of the 2010 T20 World Cup. The spirit of the Indian team was very high after a thumping victory over a strong South African side. Similarly, the Aussies were also confident after two dominating victories over Pakistan and Bangladesh in the group stage.
This game didn’t turn out to be a really high scoring one; neither was it a thrilling game of cricket as the Aussies won it comfortably. Still, it is remembered by the fans of either side because of some stellar individual performances. David Warner, a new name in the world cricket back then, smashed 72 off just 42 balls with 2 fours and 7 huge sixes and thus played a pivotal role for Australia in posting a competitive total of 184 after being asked to bat first. The way he and his partner Shane Watson attacked the Indian spinners – especially Ravindra Jadeja, was something spectacular.
Then, we all witnessed two high class performances; one from Dirk Nannes and another from Rohit Sharma. The target of 185 was made unachievable by Dirk Nannes as he just ran through the Indian top order by dismissing Vijay, Gambhir and Yuvraj in his spell with the new ball. Rohit turned out to be the lone fighter for India as he hammered all the Aussie bowlers and remained unbeaten at 79 with 4 fours and 6 magnificent sixes. His effortless pulls, lofted shots over extra cover were just mere indications of the enormous potential he had and that knock is still considered as one of his finest batting performances in his T20I career.
2. Mohali, ICC World T20, 2016
5 Memorable Australia vs India T20I Matches: Kohli played a gem in Mohali
This was the last group stage encounter of the second group. Both the teams had won two games each and it was a virtual Quarter Final as New Zealand had already qualified for the Semi Finals by winning all four games in the league stage.
In this crucial encounter, Australia posted a modest total of 160 runs, courtesy of 43 runs from Aaron Finch and 31 from Glenn Maxwell. Although the target was not big, the pressure of a big match seemed to get to the Indian players as India were in spot of a bother having lost three wickets for just 49 runs in 7.4 overs.
But, there was a man called Virat Kohli out there. We all witnessed a King Kohli masterclass that evening. Nicknamed as the “chase master”, Virat played an outstanding innings of 82 runs off just 51 balls which included 9 gorgeous fours and 2 sixes. His gap-fetching ability and running between the wickets were remarkable that day. It is absolutely an art to score rapidly under pressure without losing your wicket and Virat proved to be a Picasso in it. India went on to chase the target with 5 balls to spare and thus qualified for the Semi Final.
It was the second Semi Final of the inaugural T20 World Cup and therefore was a must win game for both India and Australia. After opting to bat first on a wicket that was assisting seamers a bit, India started badly by losing both the openers Sehwag and Gambhir within 8 overs at a score of just 41. Then a memorable partnership between Robin Uthappa and Yuvraj Singh took place which played a vital role for India in posting a good total of 188. Yuvraj continued his love affair with the Aussies and played a game changing knock of 70 runs from just 30 balls which included 5 fours and 5 huge sixes. The skipper MS Dhoni also contributed well with the bat as he scored 36 from just 18 balls.
In reply, Australia were marching towards the target and needed just 55 runs from 33 balls with 8 wickets in hand at one stage. But, then came a twist in the game. A superb collective brilliance with the ball shifted the game completely towards the Indian team. Sreesanth dismissed Hayden with a cracking Yorker, Irfan pathan rattled the stumps of Andrew Symonds, Clarke was bowled by a peach of a delivery from Harbhajan and Hussey got caught at deep mid wicket by Yuvraj off Joginder Sharma. Australia couldn’t manage to make a comeback into the game and eventually lost the match by 15 runs. There was so much drama associated with this match and it is well remembered by many as the finest T20 International between these two sides.
So, this is my list of 5 most memorable t20Is ever played between India and Australia. Do any others come to mind? Have your say!
Written by Debashish Sarangi. Follow Debashish on Twitter today.
