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AUS vs IND 1st T20 2025 Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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AUS vs IND 1st T20 2025 Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report

A T20I bilateral series can often be to test a few new combinations. However, this series has the makings of a cracker. Australia and India have been terrific in this format in recent times, and both teams will be looking to nail their preparation for next year’s World Cup.

Mitch Marsh’s team have won 16 of 18 T20Is since India knocked them out of the 2024 T20 World Cup. This includes series sweeps over West Indies (5-0), Pakistan (3-0), Scotland (3-0) and New Zealand (2-0). Fast scoring in the powerplay has been central to their style, with a batting strike rate of 169.97 compared to 136.52 among all full-member nations.

However, this will be a big test of where Australia are at. India are the premier team in T20I cricket, winning an incredible 35 of 38 matches since the start of 2024. This includes unbeaten T20 World Cup and Asia Cup campaigns. Abhishek Sharma is the number one ranked T20I batsman, and he will be looking to trump the hosts in the powerplay.

AUS vs IND 1st T20 2025 Possible Playing XIs

There are quite a few moving parts in Australia’s squad. Ben Dwarshuis, Glenn Maxwell, and Mahli Beardman will all be available later in the series. Adam Zampa is out due to paternity leave. Josh Hazlewood and Sean Abbott are available for first two and three matches respectively.

Also, according to ESPNcricinfo, Matt Short had surgery on the cut he picked up on his finger during the ODI series. He could miss this game, which opens the door for Josh Philippe to play.

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

Jasprit Bumrah was rested for the ODIs. He should line up in Canberra for the series opener. It is likely the visitors will go with one of Kuldeep Yadav or Varun Chakravarthy in these conditions.

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

Manuka Oval Canberra Pitch Report and Weather

The average first innings score is 155.8 at a run rate of 7.82 in the last 10 men’s T20s on this ground. Batting conditions have improved in the most recent matches, with three consecutive 180+ scores including the Australia-England women’s T20I in January.

Interestingly, spinners have fared quite well, boasting a lower average (21.17) and economy rate (7.33) compared to fast bowlers (23.46 and 8.05) in this period. For more information, check out our dedicated article.

However, a cold night is forecast in Canberra, with temperatures expected to drop below 10 degrees. It should be an uninterrupted match with no rain forecast in the evening.

Fantasy Cricket Tips for AUS vs IND 1st T20: Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Top wicket-keeper picks:

  • Josh Inglis is a good pick (fitness pending) given he will likely bat at three. In all T20s batting at three this year, Inglis has smashed 388 runs at an average of 35.3 and strike rate of 192.1.

Key batter picks:

  • Abhishek Sharma is having a year to remember. In 25 T20s in 2025, the left-hander has hammered 1,032 runs at an average of 41.3 and incredible strike rate of 202.
  • Left-arm seam can worry Abhishek (six dismissals in 74 balls this year), but Australia have no left-armer available for this match. The Hazlewood matchup will be key.
  • Mitchell Marsh is in outstanding form. He smashed scores of 85 (43) and 103* (52) in the recent series against New Zealand. In all T20s this year, Marsh has smashed 994 runs at an average of 43.2 and strike rate of 163.8.
  • Speaking of outstanding form, there’s Tim David. He has smashed 946 runs in all T20s this year at an average of 41.1 and strike rate of 173.9. When chasing, the average and strike rate increases to 45.5 and 182.2 respectively.
  • Shubman Gill has had an indifferent year in T20Is, scoring just 127 runs at an average of 21.2 and strike rate of 151.2. However, he has the class to bounce back.

Top all-rounder picks:

  • Axar Patel can be a good pick in Dream11. The all-rounder has an excellent T20 record against Australia, with 15 wickets in nine matches at an average of 13.86 and strike rate of 13.20.

Key bowler picks:

  • Jasprit Bumrah against Australia’s all-out attack promises to make for great viewing. Bumrah has the most wickets in AUS-IND T20Is (17) at an average of 23.76 and strike rate of 17.82.
  • Arshdeep Singh has enjoyed success against both Australian openers. He has dismissed Travis Head twice in 34 balls (51 runs) and Mitch Marsh thrice in 22 balls (39 runs).
  • Josh Hazlewood is vital for Australia. He has overall figures of 1/17 off 18 balls in T20s against Shubman Gill. However, he will be looking to improve on his T20I record vs India: 6 inns, 4 wickets, avg. 47.50, econ. 9.04.

Other Players to Consider for your Fantasy Cricket Teams

  • Sanju Samson is always a threat to opponents, but he was finding his feet in the middle order during the Asia Cup. He is worth a try in your Dream11 teams if India bat first.
  • Suryakumar Yadav has been in poor form in T20Is (100 runs, avg. 11.1, SR 105.3). However, he can fire as he enjoys batting in T20Is in Australia: 6 inns, 239 runs, avg. 59.8, SR 189.7, 3 fifties.
  • Australia’s all-out approach means there can be an opportunity for Mitch Owen to wind up. He played beautifully in the second ODI against India and is striking at 162 in T20Is this year.
  • Tilak Varma hit the second-most runs for India in the recent Asia Cup: 6 inns, 213 runs, avg. 71.00, SR 131.48.

Other Stats and Important Matchups

  • Head-to-head in T20Is: Matches 32, Australia 11, India 20, N/R 1.
  • Australia have not won a home T20I series against India since 2008.
  • Suryakumar Yadav has gone 14 T20Is without a fifty.
  • Arshdeep Singh to Mitch Marsh in the 2025 IPL: Six balls, no runs, two wickets.
  • Jasprit Bumrah vs. Travis Head in all T20s: 37 balls, 47 runs, one wicket.
  • Josh Hazlewood vs. Abhishek Sharma in all T20s: 17 balls, 31 runs, one wicket.
  • Axar has an excellent record against Marcus Stoinis in all T20s: 40 balls, 23 runs, four wickets.

AUS vs IND 1st 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:

Screenshot from Dream11 app. Possible XIs, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Canberra Pitch Report and Dream11 Prediction for the 1st AUS vs IND T20 in October 2025
AUS vs IND 1st T20 2025 Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

Screenshot from Dream11 app. Possible XIs, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Canberra Pitch Report and Dream11 Prediction for the 1st AUS vs IND T20 in October 2025
AUS vs IND 1st T20 2025 Dream11 Prediction

AUS vs IND 1st T20 2025 Match Prediction: Who will win?

India start as favourites. They can win this game whether they bat first or second. However, in cool conditions on a fresh pitch, the chasing team is likelier to come out on top.

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

Steve Smith record as Test captain: What is his average?

Charbel Coorey
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Steve Smith record as Test captain: What is his average?

Steve Smith will captain Australia in the first Test of the 2025/26 Ashes series, which begins on November 21 at Perth’s Optus Stadium. Smith will deputise for Pat Cummins, who is out of at least the first Test as he recovers from a lumbar bone stress injury.

While Cummins’ absence is a blow, the news is not all bad for Australia. Smith is a fine tactician who reads the game well. Also, his batting goes to a whole new level, with his numbers significantly superior when leading the team.

Steve Smith average as Test captain nearly 20 points more than when non-captain

Here is a breakdown of Steve Smith’s Test numbers when captain compared to non-captain.

As captainAs non-captain
40 matches, 69 innings79 matches, 143 innings
4,139 runs6,338 runs
Average: 68.98Average: 49.90
Fifties: 14Fifties: 29
Hundreds: 17Hundreds: 19

In January 2025, Steve Smith became the fourth Australian to reach 10,000 Test runs. 4,139 of those have come as captain at an extraordinary average of 68.98. In these 69 innings, he has crossed fifty 31 times, with 17 converted to hundreds.

As non-captain, Smith’s conversion rate is still a fine 39.58%. As captain, this shoots up to 54.83%. He enjoys the responsibility of the captaincy, and he often leads the way with the bat.

Australia will need Smith in the runs against a potent England attack on what are expected to be lively pitches. There is a sense of confidence he still has that in him, considering he bounced back to form with hundreds in consecutive matches in last year’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Smith then struck back-to-back hundreds in Sri Lanka as well, where he was captain.

“He’ll be the captain, and England fear him. That’s the key. He just marmalises England and has done for years,” said Kerry O’Keeffe in a recent interview for CricBlog.

“His record as captain is superior with the bat than it is as a player. There’s lots of pluses, even though the minus is Pat Cummins not being there. The fact that Smith is the likely captain adds more than Cummins’ loss to this team.”

Cummins is aiming to be fit for the second Test in Brisbane. If Australia take a 1-0 series lead in Perth, then they may look to push Cummins’ return date back a little depending on his progress. Smith is crucial to that scenario eventuating.

Australia T20I squad for India series: All the ins and outs

Charbel Coorey
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Australia T20I squad for India series: All the ins and outs

There are plenty of moving parts in Australia’s T20I squad for the five-match series against India. Players will leave halfway through the series while others will join at various points.

However, despite the ins and outs, Australia will field the core team that has been the driving force behind their good run in T20Is.

Australia T20I squad for India series: Josh Hazlewood, Glenn Maxwell and other changes

Here is a look at Australia’s squad, including when certain players will come in and out.

Mitchell Marsh (captain), Sean Abbott (games 1-3), Xavier Bartlett, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis (games 4-5), Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood (games 1-2), Mahli Beardman (games 3-5), Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell (games 3-5), Josh Philippe, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitchell Owen, Matt Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa (unavailable for start of series), Tanveer Sangha (replacing Adam Zampa for start of series).

Josh Hazlewood is available for only the first two T20Is before he gears up for the Ashes. Sean Abbott will leave the squad after the third T20I. Both are reportedly set to play for New South Wales in their round four Sheffield Shield match against Victoria starting November 10.

Also, Adam Zampa is unavailable for the start of the series as his wife is due to give birth to their second child. Fellow legspinner Tanveer Sangha has been drafted to the squad, as confirmed by ESPNcricinfo.

In terms of the inclusions, Glenn Maxwell is set to return from game three onwards, as reported by cricket.com.au. The all-rounder fractured his wrist during the recent T20I tour of New Zealand.

Ben Dwarshuis, who has impressed for Australia this year, will return for game four. The left-arm seamer suffered a calf strain in New Zealand earlier this month. As a result, he missed the ODIs against India and won’t be available for the first three T20Is.

In a surprise, Australia have selected young gun Mahli Beardman for games 3-5. The 20-year-old has enjoyed a strong start to the One Day Cup season for Western Australia, and can notch speeds of 140km/h and above.

The five-match T20I series kicks off on Wednesday October 29 at Manuka Oval, Canberra. Both nations are in excellent form in 20-over cricket, with Australia winning 16 of their past 18 completed matches since the 2024 T20 World Cup. India, who won that title in the Caribbean, also recently won the Asia Cup.

Pat Cummins officially ruled out of first Ashes Test, Steve Smith to captain

Charbel Coorey
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Pat Cummins officially ruled out of first Ashes Test, Steve Smith to captain

After weeks of speculation, Pat Cummins has officially been ruled out of the first Ashes Test which begins on November 21 at Perth’s Optus Stadium. The captain is yet to resume bowling after suffering a lumbar bone stress injury during the West Indies series.

Earlier this month, reports suggested it was “effectively impossible” for Cummins to play the opening Test. It has turned out to be the case with the fast bowler now aiming to feature a little later in the series.

Pat Cummins out of first Ashes Test at Perth, hopes to be ready for Brisbane

Cricket Australia (CA) announced that Cummins is back running. However, he “expects to return to bowling shortly”, which means the turnaround is too tight to be ready for the first Test of the blockbuster series.

According to CODE Sports, Cummins has been “flogging himself in the gym and running track” with the aim of returning in the second Test in Brisbane or third Test in Adelaide.

Scott Boland will be Cummins’ replacement on the bowling front. Certain England pundits including Michael Atherton have expressed confidence regarding Boland’s inclusion, but the fast bowler’s incredible home record of 49 wickets at 12.63 makes him a threatening proposition for Ben Stokes’ team.

Also, Steve Smith will captain. Smith has led Australia 40 times in Test matches, and it brings out the best in his batting. He has notched up 4,139 runs at an average of 68.98 as skipper.

Smith’s captaincy is something Kerry O’Keeffe is a huge fan of. In an interview with CricBlog, O’Keeffe said his tactical understanding of the game will hold Australia in good stead.

“The fact that Smith is the likely captain adds more than Cummins’ loss to this team,” O’Keeffe said.

“He’s ahead of the game. Pat relied on him. He was the mind I’m sure he went to if he was compromised. Smith’s always ahead of the game. We lose nothing with him as captain. In fact, we may even be better.”

Manuka Oval Canberra weather forecast for AUS vs IND 1st T20: Will it rain?

Charbel Coorey
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Manuka Oval Canberra weather forecast for AUS vs IND 1st T20: Will it rain?

After a hardly-fought ODI series, attention moves to the five-match T20I series between Australia and India. Manuka Oval in Canberra will host the opening encounter, which promises to be an exciting contest between two in-form teams in this format.

The Canberra weather is in the spotlight. Cool weather is forecast this week ahead of Wednesday’s match, which has the potential for pace-friendly conditions.

AUS vs IND 1st T20I: Canberra weather forecast for opening match of series

The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts a maximum of 16 degrees and a possible shower on Wednesday. However, the chance of rain is low, with a 25% probability of at least 1mm.

A look at the weather forecast at Manuka Oval Canberra for the 1st AUS vs IND T20: Will rain spoil this match?
Canberra weather forecast for Wednesday October 29: AUS vs IND 1st T20I (BOM)

Conditions will be quite cool under lights with temperatures expected to drop to around eight degrees according to AccuWeather. This platform forecasts for “occasional morning rain and drizzle, then times of clouds and sun in the afternoon with a shower in spots” on Wednesday.

Up to 1.8mm of rain is predicted to fall during the day, but no rain is expected during the match hours.

Canberra weather forecast for Wednesday October 29 day: AUS vs IND 1st T20I (AccuWeather)
Canberra weather forecast for Wednesday October 29 day: AUS vs IND 1st T20I (AccuWeather)

Spinners have fared well in the last 10 T20s at Manuka Oval. They have better numbers compared to pace bowlers. However, this early-season match on a fresh pitch, plus the cold weather, can benefit the fast bowlers.

Australia have won 16 of their past 18 T20Is since losing to India in the 2024 T20 World Cup. India themselves have been in terrific form as well in this format, winning the recent Asia Cup in the UAE.

ALSO READ: Australia possible 11 for 1st T20I against India in Canberra

Manuka Oval Canberra T20 recent stats, records, highest scores & pace vs. spin stats comparison

Charbel Coorey
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Manuka Oval Canberra T20 recent stats, records, highest scores & pace vs. spin stats comparison

Canberra will play host to the first T20I of the five-match series between Australia and India. The two teams met on this ground in 2020, with India (161/7) beating Australia (150/7) by 11 runs.

Manuka Oval T20 records: Chasing holds a very tight edge

Here is a look at the last 10 results in all men’s T20s on this ground (internationals and BBL). There is a relatively even mix of results, with chasing teams winning six times dating back to December 2021.

Manuka Oval Canberra T20 Results – Last 10 completed matches

  • December 2024: Sydney Thunder (182/8) beat Melbourne Stars (164/8) by 18 runs.
  • December 2024: Sydney Thunder (183/8) beat Adelaide Strikers (182/8) by two wickets.
  • January 2024: Adelaide Strikers (141/1) beat Sydney Thunder (140) by nine wickets.
  • December 2023: Brisbane Heat (151/7) beat Sydney Thunder (131) by 20 runs.
  • January 2023: Sydney Thunder (144/2) beat Melbourne Renegades (142/9) by eight wickets.
  • December 2022: Sydney Thunder (123/9) beat Melbourne Stars (122/8) by one wicket.
  • October 2022: England (178/7) beat Australia (170/6) by eight runs.
  • February 2022: Australia (124/4) beat Sri Lanka (121/6) by six wickets.
  • December 2021: Sydney Thunder (200/7) beat Perth Scorchers (166/8) by 34 runs.
  • December 2021: Sydney Thunder (141/3) beat Brisbane Heat (140/8) by seven wickets.

Moderate first innings scores

The average first innings score in the last 10 T20s on this ground is 155.8 at a run rate of 7.82. Conditions have improved for batting in recent times, with scores of 180+ in the last two BBL matches. Also, Australia scored 185/5 in a women’s T20I against England in January 2025. They won that game by six runs.

Pace vs. spin records in the last 10 T20s: Spinners fare well on big ground

Spinners have fared better than pace bowlers in recent years. Bigger ground dimensions and a usually-slower pitch aids the spinners. Right-arm legspinners in particular have done well, taking 26 wickets in the last 10 T20s at an average of 20.30 and economy of 7.71.

However, a cold night is forecast in Canberra for the Australia-India T20I. This early-season game can bring about movement for the pace bowlers, especially given there is some rain forecast in the leadup to the match as well.

Pace vs. spin comparison in last 10 T20s at Manuka Oval Canberra:

PaceSpin
85 wickets53 wickets
Average: 23.46Average: 21.17
Economy: 8.05Economy: 7.33
Four-wicket hauls: 0Four-wicket hauls: 1
Five-wicket hauls: 0Five-wicket hauls: 0

All statistics in this article have been checked and verified via ESPNcricinfo and Cricmetric.

Twitter Reactions to incredible Harry Brook 135 (101) in England ODI loss vs New Zealand

Charbel Coorey
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Twitter Reactions to incredible Harry Brook 135 (101) in England ODI loss vs New Zealand

England were blown away early in the first ODI against New Zealand. Four players in the Ashes squad were dismissed cheaply with Zakary Foulkes enjoying a dream start to his ODI career.

Jamie Smith was bowled first ball by the ever-consistent Matt Henry. The inward movement immediately raised questions as to whether this England lineup can hold their own against the moving ball. However, Foulkes had Ben Duckett nicking behind before ripping through the defenses of Joe Root and Jacob Bethell in remarkable fashion. It was truly an exhibition in new-ball bowling.

Jos Buttler and Sam Curran didn’t last long either as the visitors fell to 56/6. However, Harry Brook took off. His love affair with New Zealand continued, taking Foulkes and Henry on as if they were reserve grade bowlers. His pickup shots over midwicket and square leg a sight to behold in Mount Maunganui.

Brook finished with 11 sixes, with nine coming all over the legside. He also struck nine fours, with four coming on the offside as well. It was a fabulous performance when you consider the conditions, the trouble England were in, and how he gave them a respectable score.

Harry Brook 135 (101) leaves fans in awe during 1st NZ vs ENG ODI in Mount Maunganui

England were bowled out for 223 in 35.2 overs. Harry Brook, with his 135, contributed 60.53% of the total – an England record. He took them from 143/8 and 166/9 to a 200+ score.

England needed a good start with the ball, and that is what transpired as Brydon Carse and Luke Wood reduced New Zealand to 24/3 in the fifth over. The game was still on when Carse picked up his third wicket by dismissing Tom Latham to leave the Black Caps tottering at 66/4.

However, Harry Brook’s team needed another potent wicket-taker as New Zealand took control. Daryl Mitchell (78* off 91) balls showed his worth again in ODIs. Michael Bracewell (51 off 51 balls) and Mitchell Santner (27 off 25 balls) also played vital knocks. However, the day will mostly be remembered by Harry Brook’s outstanding 135.

“Exceptional hundred from Brook. Treated the dangerous duo of Henry and Foulkes as though he was playing them in his backyard. That too with the ball moving around and wickets falling like nine pins,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter).

“Harry Brook in 2-3 years time will be an all time legend of the game,” wrote another. Here are some of the reactions to an outstanding innings.

New Zealand prevailed by four wickets with a hefty 80 balls to spare. The second ODI will be played at the same venue on Wednesday.

Australia possible 11 for 1st T20 vs India at Manuka Oval Canberra

Charbel Coorey
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Australia possible 11 for 1st T20 vs India at Manuka Oval Canberra

After winning the ODI series 2-1 against India, Australia’s focus now shifts to the T20Is against the same opposition. The five-match series kicks off at Manuka Oval in Canberra on Wednesday, October 29.

Australia have been in excellent form in T20Is. Since missing the semi-finals of the 2024 T20 World Cup, the Aussies have won 16 of 18 completed matches. Power-hitting right down the batting lineup has been a key factor to their success, and the hosts are sure to go in with a powerful unit once again despite one eye on next month’s Ashes series.

Before we look at the predicted XI for the series opener, here is a reminder of Australia’s squad. There are a few moving parts, with Josh Hazlewood and Sean Abbott only available for the first two and three matches respectively. Ben Dwarshuis, Mahli Beardman and Glenn Maxwell are available later in the series.

Mitchell Marsh (captain), Sean Abbott (games 1-3), Xavier Bartlett, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis (games 4-5), Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood (games 1-2), Mahli Beardman (games 3-5), Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell (games 3-5), Josh Philippe, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitchell Owen, Matt Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa (unavailable for start of series), Tanveer Sangha (replacing Adam Zampa for start of series).

Australia possible 11 for 1st T20 against India: Powerful top 7 once again

1. Travis Head, 2. Mitchell Marsh (c), 3. Josh Inglis (wk), 4. Tim David, 5. Josh Philippe, 6. Marcus Stoinis, 7. Mitch Owen, 8. Sean Abbott, 9. Nathan Ellis, 10. Matt Kuhnemann, 11. Josh Hazlewood

Adam Zampa is unavailable for the entire series as he and his wife are expecting their second child. Tanveer Sangha has been drafted into the squad, as reported by ESPNcricinfo.

Also, Matt Short is expected to miss the start of the series due to surgery on a cut he sustained on his finger during the ODI series, also reported by ESPNcricinfo.

Expect Australia to stick with a similar formula to their last T20I against New Zealand. Travis Head, the in-form Mitchell Marsh and Matt Short form the top three, with Josh Inglis expected to return from a calf injury at number four. If Inglis doesn’t play, Josh Philippe is the reserve wicket-keeping option.

Tim David, Marcus Stoinis and Mitch Owen round out a strong top seven.

Short in the XI allows Australia to consider three specialist pace bowlers in addition to Stoinis and Owen. Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis and Josh Hazlewood are often the first-choice options, and Australia could go with this combination first up.

Glenn Maxwell (games 3-5), Ben Dwarshuis (games 4-5) and Mahli Beardman (games 3-5) will join the squad later in the series. Beardman’s selection is testament to how highly the Australian selectors rate him, with the 20-year-old able to bowl speeds of 140km/h and above.

42 balls, 7/18: Alana King with another stunning performance in 2025 Women’s World Cup

Charbel Coorey
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42 balls, 7/18: Alana King with another stunning performance in 2025 Women’s World Cup

South Africa tried to take on Alana King in their World Cup clash against mighty Australia in a plan that backfired spectacularly.

Australia’s magnificent legspinner took the South Africans apart in an inspired spell. King took 7/18 in seven overs after a remarkable start where she took four wickets for no runs in the first 15 deliveries. In the process, King joined Ellyse Perry and Shelley Nitschke as players with seven-wicket hauls in ODIs.

It took her two deliveries to make an impact, dismissing Sune Luus. King found turn and bounce, and Luus, who had only been previously dismissed twice by legspin in ODIs in the last three years, miscued her slog-sweep to mid-on.

Later in her first over, King removed Marizanne Kapp, who attempted to drive a wide, flighted delivery, only to be caught behind square on the offside. King nearly dismissed Kapp in the previous delivery, with a leading edge just clearing the legspinner.

King then dismissed Annerie Dercksen and Chloe Tyron in consecutive deliveries to have unbelievable figures of 2-2-0-4. Nadine de Klerk and Sinalo Jafta did the unthinkable and hit boundaries off King’s bowling, but the champion bowler ended up dismissing them both with more incredible flight, dip and turn.

Fans full of praise for the brilliant Alana King

King’s 7/18 are the best-ever figures in a World Cup match and the best-ever figures by an Australian in ODIs.

Ian Bishop, who is a huge fan of King, was full of praise for the legspinner once again. “I just love watching Alana King play this game. A champion bowler and queen of legspin bowling,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

“We have played a few games here. Knew there was going to be a little bit of spin, holding up a bit,” said King in the post-innings interview.

“To be honest, I’ve not change too much. I have got great coaches and teammates. I’ve just tried to be more consistent with my stock ball, and it has given me the rewards in the last 12 months. It’s a great team to be a part of. Amazing culture in our group, great self-belief.”

Australia rolled South Africa for 97 with Megan Schutt (1/21), Kim Garth (1/21) and Ash Gardner (1/19) the other wicket-takers in Indore. South Africa were 32/0 and 42/1 at one point before King took over.

AUS vs IND 3rd ODI Reactions: Rohit Sharma 33rd hundred and Virat Kohli 75th fifty in their 19th century partnership

Charbel Coorey
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AUS vs IND 3rd ODI Reactions: Rohit Sharma 33rd hundred and Virat Kohli 75th fifty in their 19th century partnership

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli notched up their 19th century partnership in ODIs as India avoided a clean sweep with a thumping nine-wicket win over Australia at the SCG.

Lots has been made of whether Rohit and Virat still have what it takes to deliver at this level. This was particularly the case for the latter after consecutive ducks in the first two ODIs. However, the two combined for a classy partnership to give India fans hope that both still have plenty to offer.

Rohit started the chase superbly. A brilliant flick off a Mitchell Starc inswinger in the first over showed he was switched on. Then, an array of lofted shots headlined the powerplay, displaying the kind of intent that has served Rohit so well in this format over the past two years. From there, he continued on his merry way as he brought up his 33rd hundred.

For Virat, getting off the mark first ball was relief to both he and his ardent fans. However, Kohli too was determined from the outset, sharp in his movements and strokeplay to get off to a quick start.

Like Rohit, Kohli settled in and rarely looked troubled apart from a couple of close moments (LBW shout and dropped catch in the deep) in his 30s. He went on to pick up his 75th ODI fifty to go with his barely-believable 51 hundreds. This innings has given his loving supporters hope he has plenty more to offer as he hit the winning boundary with a classy shot to third man.

AUS vs IND 3rd ODI Reactions: Rohit, Virat seal victory after bowlers deliver the goods

Earlier, India’s bowlers were too good, limiting Australia to just 236. The total looked well under-par given the average first innings score at the SCG in the past decade.

The Indian spinners kept things tight, with Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar taking combined figures of 4/112 off 26 overs. Also, Harshit Rana delivered the kind of performance the team management believe he can, ripping through the Australian middle order to open the game up.

“Kohli and Rohit rolling back the good old days,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter). “First hundred partnership between Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in 5 years and 9 months,” wrote another.

Here are some of the reactions to a big Indian victory at the SCG.

Australia finished the ODI series with a 2-1 victory. Attention now turns to the five-match T20I series which begins on Wednesday at Manuka Oval, Canberra.

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