AUS vs IND: Match Preview, Pitch Report and Dream11 Prediction for Match 51 of T20 World Cup 2024

As the tournament moves to the business end, Australia will take on India in a mouth-watering contest at St Lucia Stadium, which will be a do-or-die game for the Aussies. In all likelihood, India looks like the 1st team that will qualify for the playoffs as they have 45 45-odd run margin compared to Australia’s run rate and an 81-run rate margin with Afghanistan. The group has become wide open as Afghanistan unexpectedly defeated Australia and sealed 2 points. If Australia crumbles in this game vs India, they will most likely be out of the tournament, as Afghanistan is a vast favourites versus the Bangla Tigers.

Teams Preview

India

As mentioned earlier, India has been the team to beat this tournament, as they have steamrolled 90% of the teams that have come in front of them. Their batting has scored consecutively above 190, and their bowling has been top-class. With his number 3 role, Rishabh Pant has been excellent, and the Pacers have been top-notch in particular Bumrah. Hardik has been on song as an all-rounder, with Axar chipping in. Surya has got 2 great 50s. The only concern India is facing right now is their opener’s form; Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been off-colouring this WT20 as Rohit has been averaging just 25 and on the other hand, Virat Kohli has 13. Both have looked to be ultra-aggressive and Have lost their wickets. As always, Kuldeep will be the key here on Windies, along with Bumrah.

Australia

Australian WT20 2024 has been a smooth ride, but in the last game, they got a hammering in an upset, though it will be a bit harsh on Afghanistan if we call it an upset. Australia has a brilliant all-condition attack with Starc as a bowler who loves to swing the ball and bowl fuller lengths, hard length expert Hazelwood, cutter specialist Cummins, and one of the best white ball spinners, Adam Zampa. Head and Warner have been good in this tournament, and Marcus Stoinis has been the MVP for them by distance; his scramble seam bowling and hard-hitting vs. pace/spin have been a treat to watch. Captain Mitchell marsh and Wade have yet to fire. In this game, Maxwell can be a game-changer for them.

Pitch/Venue Conditions

Darren Sammy Stadium has been very high-scoring this time in Windies, as we have seen many 170+ totals scored regularly here. The side boundaries aren’t that big, and spinners can travel here if they make any mistakes. Cutters will be key.

Probable Playing XI

India – Rohit Sharma (C), Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh

Australia – Travis Head, David Warner, Mitchell Marsh(C), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Matthew Wade(wk), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

Key Players

Jasprit Bumrah: Jasprit Bumrah, whenever he plays, wherever he plays, in whatever situation he plays, becomes the most critical asset for any side in the world. Jasprit Bumrah, this WT20, has conceded 5 boundaries and has taken 10 wickets. As ridiculous as this can be, by a distance, the best in the world will look to carry forward his form.
Virat Kohli: Virat Kohli, the batter, has been in trouble in this WT20 as he is going through a poor run in this competition, but as always, we know he can fire out of nowhere in big games.
Kuldeep Yadav: In the last 12 months or so, Kuldeep Yadav has been one of the best wrist spinners in the world, and he has shown this throughout every format of the game, be it tests, ODIs, or T20s. His pace has improved post-comeback, his action has been slightly remodelled, and he has earned big success.
David Warner: The best T20 opener of the modern era post-Chris Gayle, David Warner can play his last game in international cricket if Australia loses, and he does not want it to end like this. Warner has scored over 160 runs in this WT20, averaging 35 and striking around 140+.
Glenn Maxwell: Maxwell can take on the Indian spinners with his sweeps and reverse sweeps, as they will look to bowl with point and third man up. Bumrah is the main threat, and he must look at and play cautiously. Maxwell can target the shorter square boundary here.