India defeated Australia in a warm up fixture ahead of the T20 World Cup 2022 by 6 runs on October 17. The match was closely fought, with batters from both sides smashing bowlers all around.

Australia looked to be cruising well towards the target, but two inspiring death overs by Harshal Patel and Mohammed Shami ensured a memorable win on Monday. 

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Bowlers:

Bowling was India’s main concern going into the tournament, more so after Jasprit Bumrah’s injury that left India without their star bowler. On Monday, the Indian bowlers didn’t have a great outing initially, with all players having an economy rate greater than six.

Bhuvaneshwar Kumar was easily India’s best bowler with a figure of 2/20 but pacers Harshal Patel and Arshdeep Singh leaked many runs. In spin, Yuzvendra Chahal had a good outing, in spite of what the numbers suggest, trapping Australian batters with his variations and slower balls.

Mohammed Shami, however, was the star of the day with his 20th contribution that took India across the finishing line. He claimed four wickets in the final over, registering a figure of 4/2. His pinpoint Yorkers and brilliant presence of mind was one of India’s biggest positive from the match.

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Batters:

Going into the tournament, India have more or less sorted their batting lineup. In the warmup match too, the Indian top order didn’t disappoint as it helped India set a target of 187 for the Australians.

The openers helped India get of to a great start, thanks to KL Rahul 27-ball half-century. Rahul was in sublime form, hitting Australian bowlers all around the stadium. Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, however, did not look in great shape. Virat Kohli, too hit some great shots in his short stay, but holed out a catch to Mitchell Marsh.

What would be a sign of worry for Kohli, is the nature in which he got out, a short ball off Mitchell Starc. The ex-India skipper would like to work on this particular weakness, as this is not the first time he has been dismissed in the manner. Dinesh Kartik was sent in, instead of Rishabh Pant, who departed after playing a short cameo.

Meanwhile, world No.2 T20I batter Suryakumar Yadav continued his red hot form, help India finish the innings with a 33-ball half-century. While Rahul and Yadav would be the biggest positives from India’s batting performance, other players with the exception of Pandya looked in good touch.

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Allrounders: 

India’s premier all-rounder, Hardik Pandya had a bad day while batting, as he didn’t look comfortable at all in his short stay at the crease. He also had an off day with the ball, conceding 29 runs in three overs.

Axar Patel came out to bat and scored only six runs off as many balls in crucial death overs. However, he didn’t bowl a single over.

Another spin all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin also played well in limited capacity, hitting a six in his two ball stay and finishing his four-over spell with an economy of 7.00.