India started off the series on a winning note with a close two-wicket win against the Aussies at Vishkhapatnam. A Josh Inglis century wasn't enough as skipper Suryakumar Yadav (80) and a Rinku Singh cameo off 22 runs ensured India got home. The 2nd T20I though was a one-sided affair as the Men In Blue posted a mammoth 235/4 in 20 overs and in reply the Aussies could only muster 191/9 as the home side won by 44 runs. (Match Blog | Streaming | Scorecard | Full Coverage)
As action heads to Guwahati on Tuesday, here's three key battles to look forward to in the match.
Yashasvi Jaiswal Vs Marcus Stoinis
These two shared some 'on-field' banter during the 1st T20I in Vishakhatpatnam. Visuals showed Yashasvi Jaiswal was run-out and as the former was walking back, the Aussie all-rounder seem to have a giggle about it. Nothing transpired after but as the action comes to Guwahati, these two could again reignite their battle and it will be one to watch out for.
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Ravi Bishnoi Vs Glenn Maxwell
World Cup winner Glenn Maxwell was rested for the first T20I but did manage to make it to the second game. The Aussie all-rounder scored 12 runs before being holed out by Jaiswal off the bowling of Axar Patel. Maxwell loves to take on the spinners and with India boasting another spinner in Ravi Bishnoi, this battle would be a fiesty affair. The spinner has claimed 4 wickets in two matches but knows anything short to Maxwell, and it could disappear into the crowds!
Prasidh Krishna Vs Steven Smith
Lanky pacer Prasidh Krishna's morale will be high after claiming a three-fer against the Aussies at Thiruvananthapuram. Despite going for plenty in the first game, Krishnna did make a strong comeback in the second T20I. In comparison, Steven Smith's dodgy affair with the bat has no end. The veteran batter has not been clinical enough as far as scoring runs are concerned but with Guwahati's Barsapara Cricket Stadium providing a belter of a wicket, Smith would love batting over here. Expect a stern battle between these two when India face-off Australia in the third T20I on Tuesday, November 28, 2023.
