India vs Australia 2nd T20I: Preview and Predicted Playing XI
Australia gave India a timely reminder in a rain-affected encounter and pipped them by four runs (D/L method) in the first T20 International at the Gabba in Brisbane. Kohli's men will now look to bounce back when they take on the hosts in the second T20I at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne on Friday, November 23.
Both teams have played 16 T20 Internationals against each other with the Blues leading the head-to-head 10-6. In the case of the three matches played at Melbourne, the visitors have emerged victorious on two occasions.
In their previous meeting at this venue in January 2016, after electing to field first, the hosts were unable to put pressure on the tourists as they scored 184/3 in their quota of 20 overs and later managed just 157 to concede a 27-run defeat.
India
The MIB's went into this series on the back of 3-0 T20I series whitewash against West Indies. The visitors continued with same enthusiasm from where they left off in that series and were very much in the game till the 15th over with Dinesh Kartik and Rishabh Pant on the crease. But things changed drastically in 16th over as Pant misjudged a slower one from Andrew Tye, which certainly proved to be a turning point of the game.
Batting
Shikhar Dhawan struck a well constructed 72 runs in the first T20I against Australia. The opener has been in decent form since Asia Cup and will once again be their main weapon against the Aussies.
Dinesh Kartik once again was their star performer in the middle smashing 30 runs off 13 balls and DK has certainly made a reputation of fast-track innings in the shortest format and it will be interesting to see if he is promoted up the order in the next outing.
Except these two, India will also bank on the likes of skipper Virat Kohli, who didn't have a memorable comeback in the T20I outfit. He along with Rohit Sharma will be eager to make a mark in the second one.
Bowling
When it comes to bowling, Indians have become a force to reckon with. Though their performance against Australia in the first T20I might have raised some eyebrows, they are capable of thrashing any opponent on their day.
Krunal Pandya failed on both ends in the previous match and one might see him make way for Yuzvendra Chahal in the next game. Kuldeep Yadav was the pick of the lot with economical figures of 2/24 and he will once again be their go-to man against the opponents. While Khaleel Ahmed too picked up a wicket, he was too expensive in the end, giving away 42 runs in three overs and he will be expected to rectify his spell next time out.
Expected Playing XI
Virat Kohli (C), Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Dinesh Karthik, Kuldeep Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Khaleel Ahmed and Yuzvendra Chahal.
Australia
The victory at Gabba ended Australia's four-game T20I losing streak and they will be much-relieved after the end of last game. They know that the series is not over yet and there are still a lot of areas which they need to polish before going into the next T20I.
Batting
Glenn Maxwell was the pick of the lot with his quickfire 46 in just 24 balls against India. His middle-order partner Chris Lynn hit 37 runs from 20 runs. Both these batsmen along with Marcus Stoinis (33 runs from 19 balls) have become the core of their middle order in recent times and are once again expected to cause problems for Indian bowlers.
The team will also bank on the likes of D'Arcy Short and skipper Aaron Finch, who have not been in best of form in recent times to come out thrashing and score some runs at the top.
Bowling
Adam Zampa was the pick of the bowlers in the first game with economical figures of 2/22 in four overs. He was well supported by all-rounder Marcus Stoinis and Binny Stanlake, who took 2/27 and 1/27 in three overs respectively. These three will be expected to deliver in the upcoming fixture as well.
Expected Playing XI
Aaron Finch (C), Chris Lynn, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Ben McDermott, Alex Carey, Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa, Jason Behrendorff, Billy Stanlake and D'Arcy Short.