World T20: Key Battles for India versus Australia Tie at Mohali

Kohli-Faulkner-collage
Virat Kohli will look to get the better of James Faulkner.

Internet Desk: It has always been a fascinating battle whenever India confronts Australia in any format in world cricket. Last time the two sides met each other was in a three match series Down Under where India whitewashed their fancied opponents. But the 50 over World champions would look to take a revenge of that humiliating series loss at home. India on the other hand will look to shrug off the lackluster performance so far in the tournament. Overall it has all the ingredients to make it an even contest at the PCA stadium in Mohali with quite a few smaller battles within.

Shikhar Dhawan vs Josh Hazlewood: Australia will be strengthened with the return of Josh Hazlewood who had an impressive spell of bowling against Pakistan at the same venue. He finished with 1 for 26 in four overs. Australia will look to rattle the Indian openers who have so far looked shaky. Dhawan particularly has not been in the greatest of form in recent times apart from the knock in the Asia Cup final against Bangladesh. The pace of Hazlewood could add to his woes as he may find it difficult to play with freedom, if cramped for room.

Virat Kohli vs James Faulkner: This will be the contest to watch out for as both of them will go into the match with some great form behind. Faulkner was excellent in the game against Pakistan, where he picked up his maiden fifer. The left arm all-rounder was on a hat-trick twice, but failed to get three in a row on both occasions. Kohli on the other hand played a gem of an innings at Eden Gardens to guide India to an emphatic 6 wicket win over Pakistan. The star Indian batsman  has had the upper hand over Faulkner in the recent past and has also been India’s best batsman so far in the tournament. Their “friendly banter” during India’s tour of Australia couple of months back too adds spice to their battle.

MS Dhoni vs Steve Smith: Both captains will have their thinking caps on. The Australian captain scored a brilliant 61 off 43 balls to lead his team to a victory over Pakistan. While Indian captain MS Dhoni showed exemplary presence of mind in the game against Bangladesh to guide his team to a one run victory. Dhoni will look to inspire his team against the formidable Aussies.

Shane Watson vs Ravichandran Ashwin: Australian all rounder Shane Watson will definitely like to make it count as this will be his last international tournament. Watson has announced his retirement from international cricket after the World T20.It was his superb pinch hitting innings of 44 runs from 21 balls that helped his side post an imposing total against Pakistan. MS Dhoni has preferred opening the bowling with Ravichandran Ashwin alaong with Ashish Nehra. And the off spinner has so far did not let his team down. India will once again rely on Ashwin to give vital breakthroughs.

Glenn Maxwell vs Jasprit Bumrah: Jasprit Bumrah will definitely erase the memories of dropping a catch against Bangladesh. He did make up with a brilliant 19th over he bowled against Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah while they were looking to go after every delivery. Bumrah in his short career has become a master of yorker. Maxwell, a hard-hitter, will perhaps come in at a time when Australia need to score big, if they are to put a big score on the board. With Bumrah’s accurate yorkers, it may become difficult from Maxwell to get under them and clear the fence. He may hole out in the deep or get bowled in his pursuit to score some quick runs. It should be an interesting contest between Mad Max and Bumrah.