The electrifying T20I series between India and Australia is set to continue with its second match on a promising Sunday, November 26, as the teams clash at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The thrilling encounter is poised for a 7:00 PM IST start, with fans eagerly anticipating another high-voltage match following the exhilarating performances in the series opener.
The start of this five-match series set the bar high, as both teams crossed the formidable 200-run mark in what was a stunning exhibition of high-octane cricket. Australia, batting first, put a monumental score of 208/3 on the scoreboard, with Josh Inglis leaving spectators in awe with his spectacular 50-ball 110, marking the joint-fastest century by an Australian in T20Is. His teammate Steve Smith also contributed a fiery half-century, providing a solid foundation at the top of the innings.
The chase for India began with tumult as miscommunication led to Ruturaj Gaikwad’s runout without facing a ball, and the untimely dismissal of Yashasvi Jaiswal soon placed India in a challenging position at 22/2. The outlook grim, it was Ishan Kishan and captain Suryakumar Yadav’s heroics, both securing scintillating fifties, that edged the team closer to the mammoth target. Despite a slew of wickets falling in the dying overs, the Indian team showcased resilience to eke out a nail-biting two-wicket victory.
In the realm of fantasy cricket, our ideal XI for the second T20I sees a 6:5 assortment, with a prevalence of Indian stars adorning the squad. Wicketkeepers Ishan Kishan and Josh Inglis are the chosen duo for the gloves, both coming off impressive performances in the inaugural match. Kishan’s strategic 39-ball 58 played a pivotal role in India’s successful run chase.
The batting line-up comprises Steve Smith, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Suryakumar Yadav, and Ruturaj Gaikwad. Smith, carrying his fine World Cup form, showed an unyielding approach towards his game with a substantial half-century previously. Despite the initial letdown, the Indian opening pair of Jaiswal and Gaikwad is expected to return with an aggressive strategy, hoping to give their team a perfect launch.
Suryakumar Yadav, fresh off a match-defining 80 off 42 balls, will look to carry forward his dominance in the format he relishes the most. Glenn Maxwell, the standalone all-rounder in this select XI, boasts an impeccable record with both bat and ball in T20Is, amassing over 2,000 runs and collecting close to 40 wickets across his career.
The chosen quartet of bowlers features Arshdeep Singh, Adam Zampa, Sean Abbott, and Ravi Bishnoi. Arshdeep, despite missing wickets in the previous game, is anticipated to make a strong comeback in the forthcoming contest. The Australian duo of Abbott and Bishnoi managed a wicket each last time, although their spells came at a high economy. Adam Zampa, with his remarkable tally of 14 wickets against India in T20Is, is predicted to make a significant impact once he steps onto the pitch.
Suryakumar Yadav is the distinguished choice for the captaincy helm, coming off a remarkable victory in the last game and holding one of the highest strike rates in T20Is. As for the vice-captaincy, Glenn Maxwell is set to reassume his role in the starting lineup, presenting an opportunity to amass points from his multifaceted skills.
As the countdown to the next clash begins, fans are invited to stay attuned to the freshest tunes on JioSaavn.com and to stay updated with all cricket scores and schedules, including the highly-anticipated World Cup 2023. Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter are abuzz with sports updates, and enthusiasts can also access the world of cricket through the NDTV Cricket app available for Android and iOS devices. With anticipation hitting a crescendo, the stage is set for another cricketing spectacle under the Thiruvananthapuram lights.