India vs Australia Predictions: India Will Be Desperate to Tie the Series Against an Inspired Aussie Side

•  India lead the head-to-head record against Australia in T20 cricket with 13 wins to 10.
•  India were defeated in the first game but they’ll be boosted by the return of Jasprit Bumrah.
•  Australia’s bowling attack remains vulnerable and could be an issue while defending the target.

India vs Australia Odds

India vs Australia Prediction and Pick

India and Australia have competed against each other on 24 occasions in T20 cricket, with India leading the scoreline. India have won 13 of these clashes while Australia have won 10.

Expect India to win the second T20I on Friday and level the series (-250)

India: Rohit Sharma (c), KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Axar Patel, Harshal Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal

Australia: Aaron Finch (c), Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis, Tim David, Matthew Wade (wk), Pat Cummins, Adam Zampa, Kane Richardson/Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood

India Will Be Desperate to Tie the Series Against an Inspired Aussie Side as Jasprit Bumrah Returns

The world champions Australia stunned the hosts in the first of three T20Is at Mohali on Tuesday. India will be looking to bounce back quickly and level the series when they meet Australia at VCA Stadium in Nagpur on Friday.

The first T20I witnessed a sixes galore as both the teams fought tooth and nail, with Australia coming out on top by four wickets. Criticised for his scoring rate, KL Rahul showed a much improved intent and smashed 55 off 35 whereas Suryakumar Yadav played some glorious shots in his knock of 25-ball 46. Hardik Pandya then stole the show with a combination of power and smarts. He hammered 71* off just 30 to propel the total to 208/6.

In response, captain Aaron Finch announced his intentions clear with a lofted six over wide long-off. Cameron Green, opening the batting for the first time in his T20 career, belted Indian bowlers around the park. Green scored 61 off 30 before Axar Patel and Umesh Yadav brought India back in the game. The visitors lost three wickets for 14 runs in two overs. 55 needed off the last four overs, Matthew Wade played a blinder, hitting 45* off 21 to take the side over the finish line. For India, Axar was a standout bowler, picking 3 for just 17 in four overs.

Team News

India’s death overs bowling remains a huge area of concern without Jasprit Bumrah but the attack leader is set to be back for this fixture. Umesh Yadav is likely to miss out as Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Harshal Patel are part of the first choice attack. Pressure has started to mount on the lead spinner Yuzvendra Chahal as well. India left out Rishabh Pant in the last game with Dinesh Karthik being preferred ahead, with Axar the bowling all-rounder. Karthik has to start delivering consistently soon.

Australia opted to open the innings with Cam Green in the absence of David Warner and boy did he make it count. Josh Inglis batted in the middle order alongside Tim David who made his international debut for Australia. The visitors were forced to make a last minute change with Kane Richardson suffering an injury. While Nathan Ellis was impressive in the last game, Richardson could replace him if fully fit. Going with a batting heavy approach meant all-rounders Ashton Agar or Daniel Sams could not get in.

Key Players

Hardik Pandya: The all-rounder is arguably the most important asset in the Indian limited overs side. Hardik has had a remarkable year in T20I cricket, having scored 402 runs at an average of 36 while striking at 154. The right arm pacer has also bagged 12 wickets this year at an economy of 8.69. Hardik has played five innings versus Australia, scoring 174 runs at 58 average and 169 strike rate.

Cameron Green: The 23yr old promising player from Australia came out all guns blazing in his first game as an opening batter. Green hammered 61 off just 30 to take the team off to a flying start. He’s coming off some excellent performances in the ODI format. With the intent he showed in the first game, Green can make a similar impact in the second T20I.

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