Australia
181/7(20 Overs)
Right then, India will certainly be the happier of the two sides and even though, at one stage, 220 looked like a possibility, they will take this total with both hands. As for Australia, they have an uphill task on a wicket that seemingly got tougher to bat as the ball got old and lost its hardness. Going hard in the Powerplay will put the Aussies in good stead for the rest of the chase. Back in a bit for what should be an interesting chase.
Suryakumar YadavÂis in for a chat.ÂHe says that Rohit batted really well and it was like a dream to watch him. Adds that they had a chat before the game on how to play on this wicket and the skipper showed them the way. Mentions that it is a good score and the wicket is a good one as well. He hopes that there is something in it for the bowlers as well and they are able to defend it.
On the other hand, Australia started just as they would have liked with Josh Hazlewood striking early. Despite getting that early and big scalp of Kohli, Australia were not able to build on it as Rohit Sharma put them to the sword. By getting rid of Rohit first and then Suryakumar Yadav, they enjoyed a quiet 3-over period, conceding just 16 runs in that phase. However, they could not finish strongly with the ball, conceding 34 runs in the last 3 overs.
Not quite the perfect finish to the innings for India, but theyÂwill be happy to have posted 205 on the board, the highest team score against AustraliaÂin Men's T20 World Cups.ÂAfter being put into bat, India were rocked early with the departure of Virat Kohli. Unfazed by the loss of his opening partner, Rohit Sharma unleashed an onslaught and ensured a strong Powerplay for India. The Indian skipper notched his fifty off just 19 balls and while Rishabh Pant failed to kick on, Rohit continued
Pat Cummins to Hardik Pandya, Only a single to end the innings then! Pat CumminsÂbangs this into the pitch again, gives no pace at all, Hardik PandyaÂtries to pull but gets a top edge that falls wide of short fine leg. They cross. IndiaÂfinishes on 205/5!
Pat Cummins to Ravindra Jadeja, ! Into the crowd!
Pat Cummins to Ravindra Jadeja, 1 run.
Pat Cummins to Hardik Pandya, Full again and on middle, angling in, Hardik PandyaÂdrills it towards long on for a run.
Pat Cummins to Hardik Pandya, Swing and a miss!
Pat Cummins to Ravindra Jadeja, Back of a length and outside off, slower as well, Ravindra JadejaÂdrags it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.Â
Marcus Stoinis to Ravindra Jadeja, A low full toss, on off, Ravindra JadejaÂdrives it through covers for a run. Good end to the over from Marcus StoinisÂafter getting hit for two sixes.
Marcus Stoinis to Ravindra Jadeja, Clever bowling! Marcus StoinisÂsees the batter back away and bowls a yorker, on off, Ravindra JadejaÂfails to lay a bat on that.Â
Ravindra JadejaÂis the new man in.
Marcus Stoinis to Shivam Dube, ! TAKEN! Marcus StoinisÂgets his second wicket now!
Marcus Stoinis to Hardik Pandya, Pitches it up, on middle, Hardik PandyaÂmisses out this time as he tries to hit it a bit too hard, gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball rolls towards point. They cross.
Marcus Stoinis to Hardik Pandya, Six!
Marcus Stoinis to Hardik Pandya, ! BOOM! This is the over IndiaÂwill look to target!
Pat Cummins to Hardik Pandya, ! A welcome boundary for India!
Pat Cummins to Hardik Pandya, Overpitched and on off, Hardik PandyaÂdrives it towards long off for one.Â
Pat Cummins to Shivam Dube, Short of a length and around off, takes pace off, Shivam DubeÂpulls it towards deep mid-wicket for one.
Pat Cummins to Hardik Pandya, Fuller one and on on middle, Hardik PandyaÂdrills it down to long on for a run.
Pat Cummins to Shivam Dube, 1 run.
Pat Cummins to Shivam Dube, A low full toss around off, Shivam DubeÂdrills it away wide of long off for a brace.
Adam Zampa to Shivam Dube, Shouts of 'catch it' again but it lands safely! A bit of air on that delivery, full and on leg, Shivam DubeÂmistimes his slog again but it goes on the bounce to deep mid-wicket for one more.
Adam Zampa to Hardik Pandya, Pushes it through, on a nagging length, on middle and leg, Hardik PandyaÂclips it through square leg for a single.
Adam Zampa to Shivam Dube, 1 run.
Adam Zampa to Shivam Dube, No run.
Adam Zampa to Hardik Pandya, ! You do not see this often from the Aussies!
Adam Zampa to Shivam Dube, Fires one in full and on leg, Shivam DubeÂclears his front leg away but only manages to swipe it towards deep square leg for a single.
Josh Hazlewood to Shivam Dube, An extraordinary spell from Josh HazlewoodÂcomes to an end!
Josh Hazlewood to Hardik Pandya, Pitched up and around middle, Hardik PandyaÂflicks it off the inside half of the bat towards deep square leg for one.
Josh Hazlewood to Hardik Pandya, Josh HazlewoodÂnails the yorker this time, on off, Hardik PandyaÂjams it out to the off side for a single.
Josh Hazlewood to Shivam Dube, Good-length delivery, on middle and leg, Shivam Dube looks to work it away but gets a soft leading edgeÂin front of short cover. They cross.
Josh Hazlewood to Hardik Pandya, Swing and a miss! Back of a length and on middle, angling in, keeps a bit low, Hardik PandyaÂtries to heave across the line but misses as the ball just goes over the stumps.
Josh Hazlewood to Hardik Pandya, Oh..extra bounce! Josh HazlewoodÂhits the hard length, on off, nips back in with some extra bounce, Hardik PandyaÂgets hurried and only manages to stab it to short third. He sets off for the run but is sent back and rightly so.
Mitchell Starc to Hardik Pandya, Slips in a full delivery again, on off, Hardik PandyaÂdrives it wide of cover for just a single.
Mitchell Starc to Shivam Dube, Slanting in, on a yorker length, on middle and leg, Shivam DubeÂworks it in front of square on the leg side and gets to the other end.
Mitchell Starc to Hardik Pandya, 1 run.
Mitchell Starc to Suryakumar Yadav, ! c Matthew Wade b Mitchell Starc.
Who will walk out now?
Mitchell Starc to Suryakumar Yadav, No run.
Mitchell Starc to Suryakumar Yadav, ! In the gap! Angling in, on a back of a length, outside off, Suryakumar YadavÂwaits on the back foot and steers it with an open bat face between short third and backward point for a boundary.
Marcus Stoinis to Shivam Dube, Executes the yorker this time, on off and middle, Shivam DubeÂjams it out back to the bowler.
Marcus Stoinis to Suryakumar Yadav, Fires it in now and it is fuller as well, on middle, Suryakumar YadavÂlooks to go back over the bowler's head but gets an inside edge that rolls down to fine leg for a single.
Marcus Stoinis to Suryakumar Yadav, ! Suryakumar YadavÂgoes big now! 150 comes up for India. Stoinis rolls his fingers over the ball and bowls it on a short of a length, it sits up nicely for Suryakumar YadavÂwho swings cleanly and deposits it over the long on fence for a six.
Marcus Stoinis to Shivam Dube, Serves it at the stumps, on a good length, Shivam DubeÂworks it in front of square on the leg side for a single.
Marcus Stoinis to Shivam Dube, ! Absolutely crunched! Stoinis tries to get a yorker in but does not get it full enough, on off, Shivam DubeÂwinds up and thumps it along the carpet to the left of mid off for a boundary.
Marcus Stoinis to Suryakumar Yadav, Stoinis takes pace off and bowls it on a good length, on middle, Suryakumar YadavÂhacks it off the inner half of the bat to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Adam Zampa to Shivam Dube, Good finish to what was turning out to be a quiet over from Zampa. 11 runs off it. Zampa delivers it short and on middle, Shivam DubeÂhangs back and drops it with soft hands in the vacant mid-wicket region for a couple of runs.
Adam Zampa to Shivam Dube, ! Massive hit!
Adam Zampa to Shivam Dube, Another quicker delivery, on a nagging length, on middle, Shivam DubeÂcan only defend it out on the leg side.
Adam Zampa to Suryakumar Yadav, Pushes it through, short and slanting in, at the pads, Suryakumar YadavÂgoes on the back foot and works it through mid-wicket for one.
Adam Zampa to Shivam Dube, Loops it up, nice and full, on middle, Shivam DubeÂmakes room and knocks it down to long off for one more run.
Adam Zampa to Suryakumar Yadav, Lands it on a nagging length, on off, Suryakumar YadavÂpresses forward and eases it down to long off for a single.
Mitchell Starc to Shivam Dube, Goes very full and on off, Shivam DubeÂdigs it out towards cover. End of a successful over for Mitchell StarcÂand Australia.
Mitchell Starc to Shivam Dube, Honing in at the stumps, on a back of a length, Shivam DubeÂnudges it from the crease to mid-wicket.
Mitchell Starc to Shivam Dube, No run.
Mitchell Starc to Shivam Dube, ! Nicely done and Shivam DubeÂis up and running! Starc greets Dube with a bumper from over the wicket but the line is outside off, Shivam DubeÂis expecting a bounce first up and hangs back in the crease. Plays the upper cut and beats the dive of Adam ZampaÂat deep third for a boundary.
Shivam DubeÂcomes out to the middle now.
Mitchell Starc to Rohit Sharma, ! CASTLED! Mitchell StarcÂstrikes gold on his return to the attack! AustraliaÂwill be very relieved to see the back of the Indian skipper.
Mitchell Starc to Rohit Sharma, Comes back into the attack and slants it in, on a good length, on off, Rohit SharmaÂwatchfully pats it to cover.
Pat Cummins to Suryakumar Yadav, ! Good shot!
Pat Cummins to Suryakumar Yadav, ! Audacious shot! Cummins lands it on a short of a good length, outside off, Suryakumar YadavÂwalks across his stumps and brings his wrists into play. Fetches it and whips it past square leg for a boundary.
Pat Cummins to Suryakumar Yadav, No run.
Pat Cummins to Suryakumar Yadav, Play and a miss! Cummins pitches it up again, width on offer on off, Suryakumar YadavÂshapes up to go over cover but misses out.
Pat Cummins to Rohit Sharma, Angling in, closer to the off-stump line, on a back of a length, Rohit SharmaÂhangs back and steers it down to deep third for a single.
Drinks break! We are only halfway through and IndiaÂfindÂthemselves in a great position to go beyond the 200-run mark. Rohit SharmaÂis batting like a dream and he is not far away from his hundred as well. The Men in Blue will hope that their skipper continues like this and with some support from the others, they bat AustraliaÂout of the game. The Aussies desperately need the wicket of Rohit SharmaÂso that they can put a bit of pressure on the middle order and restrict the run flow.
Pat Cummins to Rohit Sharma, Misfield!
Marcus Stoinis to Rohit Sharma, Pulls his length back slightly, on off, Rohit SharmaÂtries to cut but ends up bunting it towards cover-point for one more.
Marcus Stoinis to Suryakumar Yadav, On a length and on leg, Suryakumar YadavÂnudges it towards deep mid-wicket for one.
Marcus Stoinis to Rohit Sharma, 1 run.
Marcus Stoinis to Rohit Sharma, ! Easy pickings!
Marcus Stoinis to Rohit Sharma, Wide!
Marcus Stoinis to Rohit Sharma, No run.
Marcus Stoinis to Rohit Sharma, ! Just over! Marcus StoinisÂtakes pace off and lands this short around leg, Rohit SharmaÂlooks to hook but does not get all of it, miscues it aerially towards short fine leg, Mitchell StarcÂstretches his hand but the ball just goes over it and to the fence for a boundary.
Adam Zampa to Rohit Sharma, Darts this one full and on leg, Rohit SharmaÂuses his feet and whips it toward deep mid-wicket for just one more.
Adam Zampa to Suryakumar Yadav, Quicker, full and on middle, Suryakumar YadavÂworks it through mid-wicket for one.
Adam Zampa to Suryakumar Yadav, ! SKY gets going now! Adam ZampaÂbowls this flatter, full and just outside off, Suryakumar YadavÂopens the face of the bat slightly and squeezes it past point for a boundary. 100 up for India. This is also the fastest team hundred in a T20 World Cup game.
Adam Zampa to Rohit Sharma, 1 run.
Adam Zampa to Suryakumar Yadav, 1 run.
Adam Zampa to Rohit Sharma, Adam ZampaÂfires in a yorker now, on off, Rohit SharmaÂdigs it out towards long off for a single.
Suryakumar YadavÂcomes in at number 4.
Marcus Stoinis to Rishabh Pant, ! c Josh Hazlewood b Marcus Stoinis.
Marcus Stoinis to Rohit Sharma, Banged into the pitch, on off, slower this time, Rohit SharmaÂpulls it towards deep square leg for a single.
Marcus Stoinis to Rohit Sharma, Six!
Marcus Stoinis to Rohit Sharma, ! Oh..wow! That sounded so sweet! Marcus StoinisÂgoes short again and on middle, Rohit SharmaÂhangs back in his crease this time, hammers it from the middle of the bat over the deep square leg fence for a biggie.
Marcus Stoinis to Rohit Sharma, ! There is no stopping the Indian skipper at the moment! Marcus StoinisÂlands this back of a length and around middle, Rohit SharmaÂdances down the track and heaves it away towards the deep square leg fence for a boundary.
Marcus Stoinis to Rohit Sharma, Marcus StoinisÂbegins with a fuller delivery, on off, Rohit SharmaÂstays in his crease and blocks it out.
Adam Zampa to Rohit Sharma, Flatter, full and angling into leg, Rohit SharmaÂuses his feet and flicks it through square leg for one more. 16 runs off the over!
Adam Zampa to Rohit Sharma, ! Up, up and away! Rohit Sharma's turn now! A loopy delivery, full and on off, Rohit SharmaÂgoes down on one knee, fetches it and nails his slog-sweep way over the deep mid-wicket fence for another biggie.
Adam Zampa to Rishabh Pant, Gives this one some more air, full and around off, Rishabh PantÂdrills it towards sweeper covers for one.
Adam Zampa to Rohit Sharma, 1 run.
Adam Zampa to Rishabh Pant, Floated, short and on off, Rishabh PantÂstays back and cuts it through point for a single.
Adam Zampa to Rishabh Pant, ! BANG! Rishabh PantÂgreets Adam ZampaÂwith a maximum! Tossed up and around middle, Rishabh PantÂskips down the track, gets to the pitch of the ball and smokes it over the long on fence for a biggie.
Josh Hazlewood to Rishabh Pant, Good stop! Hard length and just around off, Rishabh PantÂopens the face of his bat and steers it wide of short third where the fielder makes a fine diving stop. They cross.
Josh Hazlewood to Rohit Sharma, Pitches it up and around middle, Rohit SharmaÂsteps across and has a swipe across the line, gets an inside edge through square leg for a run.
Josh Hazlewood to Rishabh Pant, ! Nicely played! Josh HazlewoodÂtries to surprise the batter with another bumper, on middle, this one sits up nicely for the batter as Rishabh PantÂgets on top of it and smacks it over mid-wicket for a boundary.
Josh Hazlewood to Rishabh Pant, Short of a length and and on off this time, Rishabh PantÂpulls it towards deep square leg for a single.
Josh Hazlewood to Rishabh Pant, Uppish but safe! Touch fuller, on middle, Rishabh PantÂgoes for the reverse sweep but gets into an awkward position and miscues it in the air. Luckily for him it lands safely well in front of backward point.
Pat Cummins to Rohit Sharma, 1 run.
Josh Hazlewood to Rohit Sharma, Good-length delivery, on middle, shaping in, Rohit SharmaÂlooks to flick it away but misses as the ball goes off his pads towards point. A leg bye is taken.
Pat Cummins to Rohit Sharma, ! Everything going Rohit Sharma's way! Cummins goes into the wicket and bowls it on a tight line, on middle, Rohit SharmaÂpremeditates as he uses the feet to go down the ground. Gets an outside edge that flies past short third for yet another boundary.
Pat Cummins to Rohit Sharma, Much better by Cummins! Serves it with a wobble seam, on a good length, in the channel on off, Rohit SharmaÂhas a feel for the delivery and gets beaten on the outside edge as the ball holds its line and zips past the bat.
Pat Cummins to Rohit Sharma, ! Thrashed away! A juicy half-volley, wide on off, Rohit SharmaÂreaches out and throws his hands at it to drill it past backward point for a boundary.
Pat Cummins to Rohit Sharma, Slanting in, on a hard length, on middle and leg, Rohit SharmaÂhops back to work it across the line but gets beaten on the inside edge and wears it high on the thigh pad.
UPDATE - Good news folks! The sun has come out in St. Lucia and the covers are coming off too. The umpires are out there in the middle and are checking the outfield. We shouldÂget going sooner rather than later here. We can see the players come out to the middle now. Rohit SharmaÂand Rishabh PantÂto resume the batting for India. Pat CumminsÂwill complete his over after the short delay.
UPDATE - Oh..no! The rain has picked up its pace and the covers are coming on now. Rohit SharmaÂwill be disappointed, as he would have liked to continue his momentum but this halt gives AustraliaÂsome time to come up with different tactics as they are under the pump here. We hope that it is just a passing shower.
Pat Cummins to Rohit Sharma, ! Welcome to the attack, Mr Pat Cummins, says Rohit Sharma! 200th SIX for Rohit in T20Is. Cummins charges in from over the wicket and takes pace off straight away, on a length, outside off, Rohit SharmaÂis proactive again as he gets down and fetches it from outside off. Swats it with ease and deposits it onto the roof towards the deep mid-wicket region for half a dozen.
Josh Hazlewood to Rishabh Pant, End of another tidy over from Josh Hazlewood! Bowls it on a short of a good length, on off and middle, Rishabh PantÂgets right behind the line of the ball and defends it out solidly.
Josh Hazlewood to Rohit Sharma, Keeps it nice and tight, on the off-stump line, on a back of a length, Rohit SharmaÂarches back slightly and pushes it wide of point for a single.
Josh Hazlewood to Rohit Sharma, So nearly dragged it on!
Josh Hazlewood to Rishabh Pant, Hits the hard length, on middle, Rishabh PantÂnudges it towards mid-wicket where Mitchell MarshÂslides over the ball and allows a single.
Josh Hazlewood to Rishabh Pant, No run.
Josh Hazlewood to Rishabh Pant, Delivers it on a good length, on off and middle, Rishabh PantÂgets on the front foot and plays it back to the bowler with a straight bat.
Mitchell Starc to Rohit Sharma, TOP EDGE AND !
Mitchell Starc to Rohit Sharma, Good delivery! Gets the yorker in, wide on off, Rohit SharmaÂfails to squeeze it out on the off side.
Mitchell Starc to Rohit Sharma, Wide!
Mitchell Starc to Rohit Sharma, ! Best of the lot! Rohit SharmaÂlooks in the mood here and the Indian fans in the stands are loving it.
Mitchell Starc to Rohit Sharma, ! More runs! Mitchell StarcÂputÂunder a lot of pressure here by Rohit Sharma.
Mitchell Starc to Rohit Sharma, ! And again! Back-to-back sixes for Rohit Sharma!
Mitchell Starc to Rohit Sharma, ! Timed to perfection! Rohit SharmaÂwith the first six of the game. Starc hurls it full, on off, Rohit SharmaÂpicks up the length and line early and holds his shape. Angles the bat face perfectly to carve it over cover and clears the fence for a maximum. Rohit did not try to overhit there and just relied on timing.
Josh Hazlewood to Rishabh Pant, On a length and around off, Rishabh PantÂstrides out and pushes it to short covers. Just one run and huge wicket from that over then!
Josh Hazlewood to Rishabh Pant, Angling away, on a full length, around off, Rishabh PantÂleans on it and times the drive towards mid off.
Josh Hazlewood to Virat Kohli, ! IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! Expertly held by Tim David. Josh HazlewoodÂwith the early strike for Australia.
Who will walk out now?
Josh Hazlewood to Virat Kohli, At 133.9 kph, short of a length, on the off-stump line, Virat KohliÂpresents a high elbow and punches it straight to cover-point on the bounce.
Josh Hazlewood to Virat Kohli, Angling into the right-hander, on a good length, on off, the bat turns in Virat Kohli's hands as he tucks this one off the inner half of the bat to mid-wicket.
Josh Hazlewood to Rohit Sharma, Hazlewood starts from over the wicket and lands it on a hard length, over off, Rohit SharmaÂstays back and taps the ball on its head to glide it down to deep third for a single.
Who will bowl from the other end?
Mitchell Starc to Virat Kohli, No run.
Mitchell Starc to Virat Kohli, Good shot for no run! Pitches it right up to the batter, outside off, Virat KohliÂleans on it and drives it crisply but picks out the man at cover.
Has that carried? The fielder at first slip thinks so. The two umpires come together for a discussion and send it upstairs. The replay clearly shows that it is a bumb-ball.
Mitchell Starc to Rohit Sharma, Four!
Mitchell Starc to Rohit Sharma, Starc pulls the length back and keeps it in the channel on off, Rohit SharmaÂwaits on it and runs it down to deep third with an open bat face for a single.
Mitchell Starc to Rohit Sharma, Rohit Sharma survives an early scare! Indian fans breathe a huge sigh of relief. Starc slips in a low full toss, angling away, near the tramline on off, Rohit SharmaÂreaches out to play it towards the off side but gets a bottom edge on it. It goes back onto the turf and then goes straight to first slip.
Mitchell Starc to Rohit Sharma, Steams in from over the wicket does Mitchell StarcÂand goes full in search of swing but ends up serving a juicy full toss, around off, Rohit SharmaÂgets taken by surprise and drives it square towards backward point. Missed out there did the Indian skipper!
Done with the pre-match formalities! Despite the early start, the fans have come in numbers in St. Lucia and the atmosphere is great inside the stadium. The Australian players spread out and take their respective field positions. Rohit SharmaÂand Virat KohliÂare the two openers for India. As expected, Mitchell StarcÂhas the new ball in his hand and is raring to go. Let's play...
We are moments away from the clash between the heavyweights, but before that, the players make their way out to the middle and line up for their respective national anthems. It will be India's national anthemÂfirst followed by the national anthem of Australia.
PITCH REPORT - Harsha Bhogle is pitchside. He says that there is a nice breeze blowing across the ground and wind will be a factor of consideration for the two teams. Tells that the dimensions of the square boundaries are 66 metres and 69 metres with a 78-metre straight hit. Aaron Finch joins him and he opines that Australia have made the correct decision of bowling first. Adds that there is a little bit of moisture on the surface and both pacers and spinners will enjoy that. Feels that with the
Rohit Sharma, the skipper of IndiaÂsays they would have bowled first as well. Adds that the wicket looks a bit sticky and having batted first in the last couple of games, they wanted to chase. Tells that the pitch looks good but the overhead conditions matterÂtoo. Mentions that they have adapted well in this tournament and every game is a must-win and nothing changes for them. Informs that they are unchanged.
The captain of Australia, Mitchell MarshÂsays that this looks like a belter of a wicket. Adds that there is a bit of breeze around and the surface looks lovely. Tells that this is a big challenge and that the boys are up and about for it. Shares that they have found themselves in this position earlier as well and they are looking forward to this game. Feels that the pressure is always there in must-win games but they have an experienced group of players and the mood has been great.ÂInforms tha
India (Unchanged Playing XI) - Rohit Sharma (C), Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (WK), Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah.
TOSS - All in readiness for the flip of the coin. It falls in favour of Mitchell Marsh.ÂââââAustraliaÂhave elected to BOWL first.
Australia (Playing XI) - Travis Head, David Warner, Mitchell Marsh (C), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Matthew Wade (WK), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc (In place of Ashton Agar), Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.Â
Right then, India will certainly be the happier of the two sides and even though, at one stage, 220 looked like a possibility, they will take this total with both hands. As for Australia, they have an uphill task on a wicket that seemingly got tougher to bat as the ball got old and lost its hardness. Going hard in the Powerplay will put the Aussies in good stead for the rest of the chase. Back in a bit for what should be an interesting chase.
Suryakumar YadavÂis in for a chat.ÂHe says that Rohit batted really well and it was like a dream to watch him. Adds that they had a chat before the game on how to play on this wicket and the skipper showed them the way. Mentions that it is a good score and the wicket is a good one as well. He hopes that there is something in it for the bowlers as well and they are able to defend it.
On the other hand, Australia started just as they would have liked with Josh Hazlewood striking early. Despite getting that early and big scalp of Kohli, Australia were not able to build on it as Rohit Sharma put them to the sword. By getting rid of Rohit first and then Suryakumar Yadav, they enjoyed a quiet 3-over period, conceding just 16 runs in that phase. However, they could not finish strongly with the ball, conceding 34 runs in the last 3 overs.
Not quite the perfect finish to the innings for India, but theyÂwill be happy to have posted 205 on the board, the highest team score against AustraliaÂin Men's T20 World Cups.ÂAfter being put into bat, India were rocked early with the departure of Virat Kohli. Unfazed by the loss of his opening partner, Rohit Sharma unleashed an onslaught and ensured a strong Powerplay for India. The Indian skipper notched his fifty off just 19 balls and while Rishabh Pant failed to kick on, Rohit continued
Pat Cummins to Hardik Pandya, Only a single to end the innings then! Pat CumminsÂbangs this into the pitch again, gives no pace at all, Hardik PandyaÂtries to pull but gets a top edge that falls wide of short fine leg. They cross. IndiaÂfinishes on 205/5!
Pat Cummins to Ravindra Jadeja, ! Into the crowd!
Pat Cummins to Ravindra Jadeja, 1 run.
Pat Cummins to Hardik Pandya, Full again and on middle, angling in, Hardik PandyaÂdrills it towards long on for a run.
Pat Cummins to Hardik Pandya, Swing and a miss!
Pat Cummins to Ravindra Jadeja, Back of a length and outside off, slower as well, Ravindra JadejaÂdrags it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.Â
Marcus Stoinis to Ravindra Jadeja, A low full toss, on off, Ravindra JadejaÂdrives it through covers for a run. Good end to the over from Marcus StoinisÂafter getting hit for two sixes.
Marcus Stoinis to Ravindra Jadeja, Clever bowling! Marcus StoinisÂsees the batter back away and bowls a yorker, on off, Ravindra JadejaÂfails to lay a bat on that.Â
Ravindra JadejaÂis the new man in.
Marcus Stoinis to Shivam Dube, ! TAKEN! Marcus StoinisÂgets his second wicket now!
Marcus Stoinis to Hardik Pandya, Pitches it up, on middle, Hardik PandyaÂmisses out this time as he tries to hit it a bit too hard, gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball rolls towards point. They cross.
Marcus Stoinis to Hardik Pandya, Six!
Marcus Stoinis to Hardik Pandya, ! BOOM! This is the over IndiaÂwill look to target!
Pat Cummins to Hardik Pandya, ! A welcome boundary for India!
Pat Cummins to Hardik Pandya, Overpitched and on off, Hardik PandyaÂdrives it towards long off for one.Â
Pat Cummins to Shivam Dube, Short of a length and around off, takes pace off, Shivam DubeÂpulls it towards deep mid-wicket for one.
Pat Cummins to Hardik Pandya, Fuller one and on on middle, Hardik PandyaÂdrills it down to long on for a run.
Pat Cummins to Shivam Dube, 1 run.
Pat Cummins to Shivam Dube, A low full toss around off, Shivam DubeÂdrills it away wide of long off for a brace.
Adam Zampa to Shivam Dube, Shouts of 'catch it' again but it lands safely! A bit of air on that delivery, full and on leg, Shivam DubeÂmistimes his slog again but it goes on the bounce to deep mid-wicket for one more.
Adam Zampa to Hardik Pandya, Pushes it through, on a nagging length, on middle and leg, Hardik PandyaÂclips it through square leg for a single.
Adam Zampa to Shivam Dube, 1 run.
Adam Zampa to Shivam Dube, No run.
Adam Zampa to Hardik Pandya, ! You do not see this often from the Aussies!
Adam Zampa to Shivam Dube, Fires one in full and on leg, Shivam DubeÂclears his front leg away but only manages to swipe it towards deep square leg for a single.
Josh Hazlewood to Shivam Dube, An extraordinary spell from Josh HazlewoodÂcomes to an end!
Josh Hazlewood to Hardik Pandya, Pitched up and around middle, Hardik PandyaÂflicks it off the inside half of the bat towards deep square leg for one.
Josh Hazlewood to Hardik Pandya, Josh HazlewoodÂnails the yorker this time, on off, Hardik PandyaÂjams it out to the off side for a single.
Josh Hazlewood to Shivam Dube, Good-length delivery, on middle and leg, Shivam Dube looks to work it away but gets a soft leading edgeÂin front of short cover. They cross.
Josh Hazlewood to Hardik Pandya, Swing and a miss! Back of a length and on middle, angling in, keeps a bit low, Hardik PandyaÂtries to heave across the line but misses as the ball just goes over the stumps.
Josh Hazlewood to Hardik Pandya, Oh..extra bounce! Josh HazlewoodÂhits the hard length, on off, nips back in with some extra bounce, Hardik PandyaÂgets hurried and only manages to stab it to short third. He sets off for the run but is sent back and rightly so.
Mitchell Starc to Hardik Pandya, Slips in a full delivery again, on off, Hardik PandyaÂdrives it wide of cover for just a single.
Mitchell Starc to Shivam Dube, Slanting in, on a yorker length, on middle and leg, Shivam DubeÂworks it in front of square on the leg side and gets to the other end.
Mitchell Starc to Hardik Pandya, 1 run.
Mitchell Starc to Suryakumar Yadav, ! c Matthew Wade b Mitchell Starc.
Who will walk out now?
Mitchell Starc to Suryakumar Yadav, No run.
Mitchell Starc to Suryakumar Yadav, ! In the gap! Angling in, on a back of a length, outside off, Suryakumar YadavÂwaits on the back foot and steers it with an open bat face between short third and backward point for a boundary.
Marcus Stoinis to Shivam Dube, Executes the yorker this time, on off and middle, Shivam DubeÂjams it out back to the bowler.
Marcus Stoinis to Suryakumar Yadav, Fires it in now and it is fuller as well, on middle, Suryakumar YadavÂlooks to go back over the bowler's head but gets an inside edge that rolls down to fine leg for a single.
Marcus Stoinis to Suryakumar Yadav, ! Suryakumar YadavÂgoes big now! 150 comes up for India. Stoinis rolls his fingers over the ball and bowls it on a short of a length, it sits up nicely for Suryakumar YadavÂwho swings cleanly and deposits it over the long on fence for a six.
Marcus Stoinis to Shivam Dube, Serves it at the stumps, on a good length, Shivam DubeÂworks it in front of square on the leg side for a single.
Marcus Stoinis to Shivam Dube, ! Absolutely crunched! Stoinis tries to get a yorker in but does not get it full enough, on off, Shivam DubeÂwinds up and thumps it along the carpet to the left of mid off for a boundary.
Marcus Stoinis to Suryakumar Yadav, Stoinis takes pace off and bowls it on a good length, on middle, Suryakumar YadavÂhacks it off the inner half of the bat to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Adam Zampa to Shivam Dube, Good finish to what was turning out to be a quiet over from Zampa. 11 runs off it. Zampa delivers it short and on middle, Shivam DubeÂhangs back and drops it with soft hands in the vacant mid-wicket region for a couple of runs.
Adam Zampa to Shivam Dube, ! Massive hit!
Adam Zampa to Shivam Dube, Another quicker delivery, on a nagging length, on middle, Shivam DubeÂcan only defend it out on the leg side.
Adam Zampa to Suryakumar Yadav, Pushes it through, short and slanting in, at the pads, Suryakumar YadavÂgoes on the back foot and works it through mid-wicket for one.
Adam Zampa to Shivam Dube, Loops it up, nice and full, on middle, Shivam DubeÂmakes room and knocks it down to long off for one more run.
Adam Zampa to Suryakumar Yadav, Lands it on a nagging length, on off, Suryakumar YadavÂpresses forward and eases it down to long off for a single.
Mitchell Starc to Shivam Dube, Goes very full and on off, Shivam DubeÂdigs it out towards cover. End of a successful over for Mitchell StarcÂand Australia.
Mitchell Starc to Shivam Dube, Honing in at the stumps, on a back of a length, Shivam DubeÂnudges it from the crease to mid-wicket.
Mitchell Starc to Shivam Dube, No run.
Mitchell Starc to Shivam Dube, ! Nicely done and Shivam DubeÂis up and running! Starc greets Dube with a bumper from over the wicket but the line is outside off, Shivam DubeÂis expecting a bounce first up and hangs back in the crease. Plays the upper cut and beats the dive of Adam ZampaÂat deep third for a boundary.
Shivam DubeÂcomes out to the middle now.
Mitchell Starc to Rohit Sharma, ! CASTLED! Mitchell StarcÂstrikes gold on his return to the attack! AustraliaÂwill be very relieved to see the back of the Indian skipper.
Mitchell Starc to Rohit Sharma, Comes back into the attack and slants it in, on a good length, on off, Rohit SharmaÂwatchfully pats it to cover.
Pat Cummins to Suryakumar Yadav, ! Good shot!
Pat Cummins to Suryakumar Yadav, ! Audacious shot! Cummins lands it on a short of a good length, outside off, Suryakumar YadavÂwalks across his stumps and brings his wrists into play. Fetches it and whips it past square leg for a boundary.
Pat Cummins to Suryakumar Yadav, No run.
Pat Cummins to Suryakumar Yadav, Play and a miss! Cummins pitches it up again, width on offer on off, Suryakumar YadavÂshapes up to go over cover but misses out.
Pat Cummins to Rohit Sharma, Angling in, closer to the off-stump line, on a back of a length, Rohit SharmaÂhangs back and steers it down to deep third for a single.
Drinks break! We are only halfway through and IndiaÂfindÂthemselves in a great position to go beyond the 200-run mark. Rohit SharmaÂis batting like a dream and he is not far away from his hundred as well. The Men in Blue will hope that their skipper continues like this and with some support from the others, they bat AustraliaÂout of the game. The Aussies desperately need the wicket of Rohit SharmaÂso that they can put a bit of pressure on the middle order and restrict the run flow.
Pat Cummins to Rohit Sharma, Misfield!
Marcus Stoinis to Rohit Sharma, Pulls his length back slightly, on off, Rohit SharmaÂtries to cut but ends up bunting it towards cover-point for one more.
Marcus Stoinis to Suryakumar Yadav, On a length and on leg, Suryakumar YadavÂnudges it towards deep mid-wicket for one.
Marcus Stoinis to Rohit Sharma, 1 run.
Marcus Stoinis to Rohit Sharma, ! Easy pickings!
Marcus Stoinis to Rohit Sharma, Wide!
Marcus Stoinis to Rohit Sharma, No run.
Marcus Stoinis to Rohit Sharma, ! Just over! Marcus StoinisÂtakes pace off and lands this short around leg, Rohit SharmaÂlooks to hook but does not get all of it, miscues it aerially towards short fine leg, Mitchell StarcÂstretches his hand but the ball just goes over it and to the fence for a boundary.
Adam Zampa to Rohit Sharma, Darts this one full and on leg, Rohit SharmaÂuses his feet and whips it toward deep mid-wicket for just one more.
Adam Zampa to Suryakumar Yadav, Quicker, full and on middle, Suryakumar YadavÂworks it through mid-wicket for one.
Adam Zampa to Suryakumar Yadav, ! SKY gets going now! Adam ZampaÂbowls this flatter, full and just outside off, Suryakumar YadavÂopens the face of the bat slightly and squeezes it past point for a boundary. 100 up for India. This is also the fastest team hundred in a T20 World Cup game.
Adam Zampa to Rohit Sharma, 1 run.
Adam Zampa to Suryakumar Yadav, 1 run.
Adam Zampa to Rohit Sharma, Adam ZampaÂfires in a yorker now, on off, Rohit SharmaÂdigs it out towards long off for a single.
Suryakumar YadavÂcomes in at number 4.
Marcus Stoinis to Rishabh Pant, ! c Josh Hazlewood b Marcus Stoinis.
Marcus Stoinis to Rohit Sharma, Banged into the pitch, on off, slower this time, Rohit SharmaÂpulls it towards deep square leg for a single.
Marcus Stoinis to Rohit Sharma, Six!
Marcus Stoinis to Rohit Sharma, ! Oh..wow! That sounded so sweet! Marcus StoinisÂgoes short again and on middle, Rohit SharmaÂhangs back in his crease this time, hammers it from the middle of the bat over the deep square leg fence for a biggie.
Marcus Stoinis to Rohit Sharma, ! There is no stopping the Indian skipper at the moment! Marcus StoinisÂlands this back of a length and around middle, Rohit SharmaÂdances down the track and heaves it away towards the deep square leg fence for a boundary.
Marcus Stoinis to Rohit Sharma, Marcus StoinisÂbegins with a fuller delivery, on off, Rohit SharmaÂstays in his crease and blocks it out.
Adam Zampa to Rohit Sharma, Flatter, full and angling into leg, Rohit SharmaÂuses his feet and flicks it through square leg for one more. 16 runs off the over!
Adam Zampa to Rohit Sharma, ! Up, up and away! Rohit Sharma's turn now! A loopy delivery, full and on off, Rohit SharmaÂgoes down on one knee, fetches it and nails his slog-sweep way over the deep mid-wicket fence for another biggie.
Adam Zampa to Rishabh Pant, Gives this one some more air, full and around off, Rishabh PantÂdrills it towards sweeper covers for one.
Adam Zampa to Rohit Sharma, 1 run.
Adam Zampa to Rishabh Pant, Floated, short and on off, Rishabh PantÂstays back and cuts it through point for a single.
Adam Zampa to Rishabh Pant, ! BANG! Rishabh PantÂgreets Adam ZampaÂwith a maximum! Tossed up and around middle, Rishabh PantÂskips down the track, gets to the pitch of the ball and smokes it over the long on fence for a biggie.
Josh Hazlewood to Rishabh Pant, Good stop! Hard length and just around off, Rishabh PantÂopens the face of his bat and steers it wide of short third where the fielder makes a fine diving stop. They cross.
Josh Hazlewood to Rohit Sharma, Pitches it up and around middle, Rohit SharmaÂsteps across and has a swipe across the line, gets an inside edge through square leg for a run.
Josh Hazlewood to Rishabh Pant, ! Nicely played! Josh HazlewoodÂtries to surprise the batter with another bumper, on middle, this one sits up nicely for the batter as Rishabh PantÂgets on top of it and smacks it over mid-wicket for a boundary.
Josh Hazlewood to Rishabh Pant, Short of a length and and on off this time, Rishabh PantÂpulls it towards deep square leg for a single.
Josh Hazlewood to Rishabh Pant, Uppish but safe! Touch fuller, on middle, Rishabh PantÂgoes for the reverse sweep but gets into an awkward position and miscues it in the air. Luckily for him it lands safely well in front of backward point.
Pat Cummins to Rohit Sharma, 1 run.
Josh Hazlewood to Rohit Sharma, Good-length delivery, on middle, shaping in, Rohit SharmaÂlooks to flick it away but misses as the ball goes off his pads towards point. A leg bye is taken.
Pat Cummins to Rohit Sharma, ! Everything going Rohit Sharma's way! Cummins goes into the wicket and bowls it on a tight line, on middle, Rohit SharmaÂpremeditates as he uses the feet to go down the ground. Gets an outside edge that flies past short third for yet another boundary.
Pat Cummins to Rohit Sharma, Much better by Cummins! Serves it with a wobble seam, on a good length, in the channel on off, Rohit SharmaÂhas a feel for the delivery and gets beaten on the outside edge as the ball holds its line and zips past the bat.
Pat Cummins to Rohit Sharma, ! Thrashed away! A juicy half-volley, wide on off, Rohit SharmaÂreaches out and throws his hands at it to drill it past backward point for a boundary.
Pat Cummins to Rohit Sharma, Slanting in, on a hard length, on middle and leg, Rohit SharmaÂhops back to work it across the line but gets beaten on the inside edge and wears it high on the thigh pad.
UPDATE - Good news folks! The sun has come out in St. Lucia and the covers are coming off too. The umpires are out there in the middle and are checking the outfield. We shouldÂget going sooner rather than later here. We can see the players come out to the middle now. Rohit SharmaÂand Rishabh PantÂto resume the batting for India. Pat CumminsÂwill complete his over after the short delay.
UPDATE - Oh..no! The rain has picked up its pace and the covers are coming on now. Rohit SharmaÂwill be disappointed, as he would have liked to continue his momentum but this halt gives AustraliaÂsome time to come up with different tactics as they are under the pump here. We hope that it is just a passing shower.
Pat Cummins to Rohit Sharma, ! Welcome to the attack, Mr Pat Cummins, says Rohit Sharma! 200th SIX for Rohit in T20Is. Cummins charges in from over the wicket and takes pace off straight away, on a length, outside off, Rohit SharmaÂis proactive again as he gets down and fetches it from outside off. Swats it with ease and deposits it onto the roof towards the deep mid-wicket region for half a dozen.
Josh Hazlewood to Rishabh Pant, End of another tidy over from Josh Hazlewood! Bowls it on a short of a good length, on off and middle, Rishabh PantÂgets right behind the line of the ball and defends it out solidly.
Josh Hazlewood to Rohit Sharma, Keeps it nice and tight, on the off-stump line, on a back of a length, Rohit SharmaÂarches back slightly and pushes it wide of point for a single.
Josh Hazlewood to Rohit Sharma, So nearly dragged it on!
Josh Hazlewood to Rishabh Pant, Hits the hard length, on middle, Rishabh PantÂnudges it towards mid-wicket where Mitchell MarshÂslides over the ball and allows a single.
Josh Hazlewood to Rishabh Pant, No run.
Josh Hazlewood to Rishabh Pant, Delivers it on a good length, on off and middle, Rishabh PantÂgets on the front foot and plays it back to the bowler with a straight bat.
Mitchell Starc to Rohit Sharma, TOP EDGE AND !
Mitchell Starc to Rohit Sharma, Good delivery! Gets the yorker in, wide on off, Rohit SharmaÂfails to squeeze it out on the off side.
Mitchell Starc to Rohit Sharma, Wide!
Mitchell Starc to Rohit Sharma, ! Best of the lot! Rohit SharmaÂlooks in the mood here and the Indian fans in the stands are loving it.
Mitchell Starc to Rohit Sharma, ! More runs! Mitchell StarcÂputÂunder a lot of pressure here by Rohit Sharma.
Mitchell Starc to Rohit Sharma, ! And again! Back-to-back sixes for Rohit Sharma!
Mitchell Starc to Rohit Sharma, ! Timed to perfection! Rohit SharmaÂwith the first six of the game. Starc hurls it full, on off, Rohit SharmaÂpicks up the length and line early and holds his shape. Angles the bat face perfectly to carve it over cover and clears the fence for a maximum. Rohit did not try to overhit there and just relied on timing.
Josh Hazlewood to Rishabh Pant, On a length and around off, Rishabh PantÂstrides out and pushes it to short covers. Just one run and huge wicket from that over then!
Josh Hazlewood to Rishabh Pant, Angling away, on a full length, around off, Rishabh PantÂleans on it and times the drive towards mid off.
Josh Hazlewood to Virat Kohli, ! IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! Expertly held by Tim David. Josh HazlewoodÂwith the early strike for Australia.
Who will walk out now?
Josh Hazlewood to Virat Kohli, At 133.9 kph, short of a length, on the off-stump line, Virat KohliÂpresents a high elbow and punches it straight to cover-point on the bounce.
Josh Hazlewood to Virat Kohli, Angling into the right-hander, on a good length, on off, the bat turns in Virat Kohli's hands as he tucks this one off the inner half of the bat to mid-wicket.
Josh Hazlewood to Rohit Sharma, Hazlewood starts from over the wicket and lands it on a hard length, over off, Rohit SharmaÂstays back and taps the ball on its head to glide it down to deep third for a single.
Who will bowl from the other end?
Mitchell Starc to Virat Kohli, No run.
Mitchell Starc to Virat Kohli, Good shot for no run! Pitches it right up to the batter, outside off, Virat KohliÂleans on it and drives it crisply but picks out the man at cover.
Has that carried? The fielder at first slip thinks so. The two umpires come together for a discussion and send it upstairs. The replay clearly shows that it is a bumb-ball.
Mitchell Starc to Rohit Sharma, Four!
Mitchell Starc to Rohit Sharma, Starc pulls the length back and keeps it in the channel on off, Rohit SharmaÂwaits on it and runs it down to deep third with an open bat face for a single.
Mitchell Starc to Rohit Sharma, Rohit Sharma survives an early scare! Indian fans breathe a huge sigh of relief. Starc slips in a low full toss, angling away, near the tramline on off, Rohit SharmaÂreaches out to play it towards the off side but gets a bottom edge on it. It goes back onto the turf and then goes straight to first slip.
Mitchell Starc to Rohit Sharma, Steams in from over the wicket does Mitchell StarcÂand goes full in search of swing but ends up serving a juicy full toss, around off, Rohit SharmaÂgets taken by surprise and drives it square towards backward point. Missed out there did the Indian skipper!
Done with the pre-match formalities! Despite the early start, the fans have come in numbers in St. Lucia and the atmosphere is great inside the stadium. The Australian players spread out and take their respective field positions. Rohit SharmaÂand Virat KohliÂare the two openers for India. As expected, Mitchell StarcÂhas the new ball in his hand and is raring to go. Let's play...
We are moments away from the clash between the heavyweights, but before that, the players make their way out to the middle and line up for their respective national anthems. It will be India's national anthemÂfirst followed by the national anthem of Australia.
PITCH REPORT - Harsha Bhogle is pitchside. He says that there is a nice breeze blowing across the ground and wind will be a factor of consideration for the two teams. Tells that the dimensions of the square boundaries are 66 metres and 69 metres with a 78-metre straight hit. Aaron Finch joins him and he opines that Australia have made the correct decision of bowling first. Adds that there is a little bit of moisture on the surface and both pacers and spinners will enjoy that. Feels that with the
Rohit Sharma, the skipper of IndiaÂsays they would have bowled first as well. Adds that the wicket looks a bit sticky and having batted first in the last couple of games, they wanted to chase. Tells that the pitch looks good but the overhead conditions matterÂtoo. Mentions that they have adapted well in this tournament and every game is a must-win and nothing changes for them. Informs that they are unchanged.
The captain of Australia, Mitchell MarshÂsays that this looks like a belter of a wicket. Adds that there is a bit of breeze around and the surface looks lovely. Tells that this is a big challenge and that the boys are up and about for it. Shares that they have found themselves in this position earlier as well and they are looking forward to this game. Feels that the pressure is always there in must-win games but they have an experienced group of players and the mood has been great.ÂInforms tha
India (Unchanged Playing XI) - Rohit Sharma (C), Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (WK), Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah.
TOSS - All in readiness for the flip of the coin. It falls in favour of Mitchell Marsh.ÂââââAustraliaÂhave elected to BOWL first.
Australia (Playing XI) - Travis Head, David Warner, Mitchell Marsh (C), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Matthew Wade (WK), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc (In place of Ashton Agar), Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.Â
