Australia vs India, 2020: 1st T20I, Canberra - Match Prediction

It was a run-fest in the ODIs with over 300 runs in five out of six innings as Australia clinched the series 2-1. The T20I series commences on Friday at the same venue as the third ODI- Manuka Oval in Canberra.

India will come into the series with momentum on their side from their victory in the third ODI. On the other hand, the hosts will be without the services of David Warner, who is injured, and pacer, Pat Cummins, who has been rested ahead of the Test series. The T20I series promises exciting contests as both the teams look forward to building their perfect combination. So much so, the T20 World Cup is less than a year away from the kick-off.

After a couple of humbling losses, Virat Kohli’s team made a strong comeback with bat and ball in the third one-dayer. When the game seemed to slip away, Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja with the bat, and then Jasprit Bumrah with the ball brought back the side in the contest.

KL is expected to be back at the top for the T20Is and partnering him will be either Shikhar Dhawan or Mayank Agarwal- both of whom piled on huge runs in the IPL. Washington Sundar, after he displays immaculate control in the powerplay for RCB, will slot in the team.

Yuzvendra Chahal and Mohammed Shami are ready to come back in the side having been rested for the third ODI. Deepak Chahar is expected to take the new ball as T Natarajan will also be contending for a spot in the team after his impressive display in the IPL and the third ODI.

The Indian team in T20s looks a much more balanced side than the ODI, and Jadeja’s heroics with the bat could result in him batting at number six.

While Australia will miss Warner and Cummins, they have plenty of options to fill the places. D Arcy Short is added to the squad as Warner’s replacement. Matthew Wade opened in a T20I in England and has scored huge runs in the Big Bash League at the top, or they could continue with Marnus Labuschagne.

With no confirmation on the return of Marcus Stoinis, Moises Henriques should continue in the eleven along with all-rounders Glenn Maxwell and Ashton Agar. It could be a toss-up between Sean Abbott and Andrew Tye for the third seamer’s place along with Mitchell Starc, who will return after being rested, and Josh Hazlewood.

Australia. vs India, 2020: 1st T20I, Canberra – Match Prediction

The impact of not having two stalwarts – Warner and Cummins – in the eleven proved fatal for Aaron Finch’s side as visible in the third ODI. On the other hand, the Indian team got just the push they needed to capitalize for the rest of the tour. The prediction is for India to continue with the momentum they gained from the last ODI.

Also Read: Kane Williamson Comes Up With Heartwarming Gesture For Kemar Roach After His Father’s Death, Photo Goes Viral