The 51st match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 promises to be a high-octane clash as India take on Australia at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet, St Lucia tonight at 8:00 PM IST.
Team India currently enjoys a comfortable position atop the group standings, boasting two convincing victories and a strong net run rate. They remain the sole undefeated team alongside South Africa in the tournament. However, Afghanistan’s vital victory over Australia on Sunday has thrown Group 1 wide open, injecting a dose of excitement into tonight’s match.
For Australia, this encounter becomes a do-or-die situation. Their first defeat of the campaign against Afghanistan necessitates a win to secure their place in the coveted semi-finals. Adding fuel to the fire, the Indian team will undoubtedly be looking to capitalize on the opportunity to avenge their heartbreaking loss to Australia in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 final and knock the Australians out of the World Cup.
Australia’s batting has been strong, led by their openers Travis Head and David Warner. Both have piled on the runs, scoring 179 and 172 respectively at an impressive near-35 average. However, Mitchell Marsh has yet to find his footing in this World Cup. In six innings, he’s managed just 88 runs at a low 17.60 average and a strike rate of 111.39. Countering this, Marcus Stoinis has continued his excellent form, playing the role of a finisher brilliantly for the Aussies. He has amassed 167 runs at a superb average of 56 and a blistering strike rate of 169.
Australia boasts a potent bowling attack spearheaded by Adam Zampa, the tournament’s joint-leading wicket-taker with 15 scalps. Pat Cummins, meanwhile, is on a tear, having claimed a remarkable two consecutive hat-tricks in his last two outings.
India’s bowling attack has thrived in these bowling-friendly conditions, spearheading their success in the tournament. The pace attack, in particular, has been exceptional. Arshdeep Singh has emerged as the leading wicket-taker for India with 12 scalps. Jasprit Bumrah has been firing on all cylinders, claiming 10 wickets at a phenomenal economy of 3.42 and an average of just 6.50. Bumrah’s accuracy has been a key factor, with the highest number of dot balls bowled (77) in the tournament.
After a string of low scores, openers Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli finally found their rhythm in the last match. With Rishabh Pant, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya batting superbly in middle-order positions, the team management is unlikely to tinker with the batting order. Axar Patel and Shivam Dube provide valuable depth as pinch hitters and all-rounders, giving the batting lineup flexibility.
Head-to-Head:
India and Australia boast a long-standing and exciting rivalry in T20 cricket. In their 31 meetings, India hold the upper hand with 19 wins, while Australia won 11. Interestingly, India have a slight edge in T20 World Cup encounters, leading the head-to-head record 3-2. However, their last clash in this tournament dates back to 2016, making tonight’s match a fresh chapter in their cricketing rivalry.
Where to watch:
TV: Star Sports
OTT: Disney+ Hotstar