If popular opinion were anything to go by, India started the World T20 as outright favorites. However, they were ambushed by a resolute New Zealand side on a raging turner in Nagpur. The heavy loss dented their confidence as well as net run-rate.
But, they rebounded with a thumping victory against Pakistan in Kolkata. When Bangladesh seemed like they were going to end India’s fortunes, MS Dhoni led his troops to a miraculous last-ball win which kept their hopes alive.
Australia entered into the tournament with huge question marks surrounding their ability to play with and against spin. After a narrow loss to New Zealand, they scraped across the line against Bangladesh before knocking out Pakistan from the tournament in Mohali.
With New Zealand already qualifying, it all comes down to the final match of the Group 2 between two powerhouses of cricket to decide who takes the second spot as the semi-final race is heating up. Pressure and nerves will test both teams in front of what is expected to be a packed house.
India vs Australia T20 2016 LIVE Streaming Details
Online Stream: www.starsports.com, Hotstar App
Date: 27 March 2016, Sunday
Today’s match Time: 19:30 IST, 14:00 GMT
Venue: Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali
India vs Australia LIVE TV Telecast
TV Channel: Star Sports 1, HD1 (English) and 3, HD3 (Hindi)
India vs Australia Ball by Ball Commentary
Follow live scores & ball by ball commentary at Sportskeeda.
Team News
India
Dhoni is a leader who believes wholeheartedly in his side and rarely makes changes. While he will be concerned about the form of the opening duo of Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan, it is highly unlikely that Ajinkya Rahane will get a game.
The bowling attack looks adequate with the spinners chipping in at vital moments. Jasprit Bumrah’s ability to land the yorkers relentlessly will be paramount to the team’s chances of restricting a power-packed Australian batting lineup.
Australia
Steve Smith was reasonably happy after his side’s performance against the Pakistanis at the same venue. The experience of knowing the conditions in Mohali will also stand them in good stead.
David Warner’s role in the middle-order is also a bit uncertain after the top-order looks slightly vulnerable. Aaron Finch’s comeback could be debated while the bowling unit will select itself.
Teams (Predicted XI)
India
Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni (C) (WK), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Ashish Nehra
Australia
Usman Khawaja, Aaron Finch, David Warner, Steve Smith (C), Shane Watson, Glenn Maxwell, Peter Nevill (WK), James Faulkner, Adam Zampa, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Josh Hazlewood
Recent Form
India: W-W-L-W-W
Australia: W-W-L-W-W
Key Stats
- India enjoy a 8-4 Win-Loss record against Australia in T20Is.
- However, in the ICC World T20, both teams are tied 2-2 in terms of head to head results.
- Ravichandran Ashwin needs only one wicket to become the first Indian bowler to pick up 50 scalps in T20Is.
- David Warner is the highest run-scorer for Australia in T20Is.
Follow IPL Auction 2025 Live Updates, News & Biddings at Sportskeeda. Get the fastest updates on Mega-Auction and cricket news