India host the world champions in a series that comes as they are under extreme pressure. Australia head out on tour after a string of home white-ball series and appear to be in decent touch.
India vs Australia | 20 September 2022| Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali | 16:00
To Win Match
India 4/7 | Australia 27/20
India
The silver lining from the Asia Cup disaster has been the return to form of Virat Kohli as he finally completed his set of hundreds across international formats.
While Kohli can breathe easier things are not so rosy for skipper Rohit Sharma whose relaxed approach seems to rub some fans up the wrong way especially when India lose.
Despite the general angst, this is a very good India side that represents a cricket system in rude health and they are playing at home.
India have a fast bowling unit that now rivals both Australia and South Africa but this series will be a test of approach and tactics.
Australia
Workload management sees Mitchell Starc miss out on this series but otherwise, the Australia squad has a familiar look to it.
Aaron Finch continues to lead the team and despite patchy form he has been able to get results including that World Cup win.
Questions remain over the role Steve Smith will play in this T20I side and whether he should be involved in the format at all.
It will be the first time that Australia play a T20I at the PCA Stadium, although some of their players have experience of the ground via IPL stints.
Verdict: India 4/7
India should edge this at home, especially with Virat Kohli getting back to his best.
