Australia vs India, ICC Men's T20 World Cup, 2024 Full score card

THAT'S IT! INDIA WIN BY 24 RUNS! Angling away, on a back of a length, slower and outside off, Mitchell Starc waits back in his crease and can only punch it in front of extra cover for a single.

Trifecta of play and misses! Pandya continues to take pace off and goes short again, on off, Mitchell Starc waits on the back foot to get the pull shot away but for the third time in a row, he fails to pick the change of pace and misses as he swings way too early.

And again! Pace-off and it is on a shortish length again, outside off, Mitchell Starc hops back as he attempts the pull but swings way too early and fails to connect.

Swing and a miss! Slower and into the wicket by Hardik, on off, Mitchell Starc swings for the pull but gets undone by the slowness of the delivery and connects with thin air.

DROPPED! Ravindra Jadeja goes at it casually and puts it down! He could have taken a couple of steps forward and made it to a safe catch.

Pandya bangs it on a hard length, on off, Pat Cummins hangs back and slaps it to the left of long on and comes back for the second run.

Hardik Pandya to bowl the last over. He has conceded 43 in his three overs.

Overpitched and on middle, Mitchell Starc drills it wide of long on for a brace.

Another good yorker, on middle, angling in, Pat Cummins manages to get bat on this and jams it out through point for one more.

Nails the yorker this time, on off, Pat Cummins fails to dig it out.

SIX! Great shot! Pitched up and on off, slower again, Pat Cummins tries to go for the big shot but goes through it a bit early, he drags it towards the wide long on fence where the wind takes it over for a biggie.

Change of pace, back of a length and on off, Pat Cummins swings across the line but fails to connect.

Bye! Full and angling across, outside off, Mitchell Starc swings to go downtown but misses. Rishabh Pant fails to gather it cleanly and concedes an extra.

Another full toss, at the pads, Mitchell Starc swipes it through square leg for a single.

Mitchell Starc is the next man in.

OUT! CAUGHT! Not a wicket-taking delivery but Arshdeep Singh won't mind one bit! The yorker goes wrong again by Arshdeep, full toss, at the stumps, Tim David has a swipe across the line but the ball catches the leading edge and it goes straight to short third where Jasprit Bumrah takes it safely near his waist.

SIX! Arshdeep Singh misses but Tim David doesn't! Arshdeep errs in length as he slips in a thigh-high full toss, outside off, Tim David frees his arms and launches it back over the bowler's head for a biggie.

WIDE! Too straight, full and on the pads, Tim David fails to tickle it fine as it goes down leg. There is a noise as the ball passes the pads but the umpire signals a wide.

FOUR! Good effort by Kohli but in vain! Lands it on a length, on middle, Tim David swings through the line and lofts it back over the bowler's head. Virat Kohli sprints and dives to his right but fails to cut it off. It seems like an excellent stop as he gets up quickly and the fielder from long on too, rushes in quickly to try and return the ball. But all a bit too late. By the time Kohli can get up or the long on fielder can get to the ball, it trickles into the ropes, deflecting off Kohli's right hand while making the dive

WIDE! Bangs it into the deck but it is down leg, Tim David lets it go through for a wide.

Angling across, on a good length, on middle, Pat Cummins shapes up to go back over the bowler's head but gets this one high on the bat. It lands well wide of Virat Kohli at long off for a single.

Pat Cummins comes out to the middle now. As per the on-air commentators, Australia need to get at least 176 to keep their NRR better than Afghanistan.

OUT! CAUGHT! Fine catch by Kuldeep Yadav! Arshdeep Singh strikes now as India strengthens their grip on the game even more. Arshdeep bowls it on a back of a length but the width is there for the batter to cash in. Wade tries to latch onto the width and throws his hands at it. Gets an outside edge that goes low to the right of short third where Kuldeep Yadav reacts quickly and dives low to grab it inches off the turf. Now, Wade is not going anywhere, as he reckons that the ball has been grassed. The two umpires get together and send the matter upstairs for the final verdict. The very first replay is good enough to show that the catch is clean, but the third umpire takes a couple of more looks and eventually, rules it in favour of the fielding side. That should be the final nail in the coffin for Australia.

Zoning in at the stumps, on a length, Tim David steps out and works it to the right of long on and that allows him to come back for the second run. Just 5 runs and a massive wicket of Head for India. 53 needed now off 18 by Australia.

Hurls it in the channel on off, on a good length, Tim David uses his feet as he looks to drive it away but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Serves it on a back of a length, on off, Matthew Wade dabs it wide of point and gets to the other end.

Matthew Wade walks out to bat now.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Jasprit Bumrah gets the big fish! India get the wicket they were after. Bumrah comes from around the wicket for the left-hander and serves it on a good length, angling in, on middle and leg. Takes pace off does Bumrah and Travis Head backs away to go big on the off side but goes through his shot early. Ends up slicing it straight up towards extra cover where Rohit Sharma settles under it and does the rest. End of a fine knock by Head though.

Hurls it in at the stumps, fuller in length, Tim David clips it wide of long on and gets to the other end.

Bumrah takes pace off straight away and lands it on a back of a length, over middle, Travis Head backs away and drags the shot to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Just one! Arshdeep nails the yorker, angling in, at the toes, Travis Head jams it out to deep mid-wicket for a single. Just 7 runs off the over, not enough for Australia as the required rate climbs to 14.5.

Lands it on a back of a length, over middle, Tim David is hurried on the pull and mistimes the shot through square leg for a single. 6 runs off the over so far. How many can Head can get off the last ball?

A hint of reverse swing from the over-the-wicket angle for Arshdeep, full and aimed at the stumps, Tim David gets his bat out in front of the front pad and keeps it out.

Attempts the yorker again but it comes out as a low full toss, on middle, Travis Head knocks it down to long on for a single.

FOUR BYES! Oh, this has gone past everyone! Tailing in, low full toss, around leg, Travis Head clears his front leg to whack it away. Gets beaten on the inside edge and it sneaks just past the leg pole. Rishabh Pant is late to get down low to his right and the ball races past him for a boundary.

Well struck but equally well fielded! Arshdeep goes very full, on off, Travis Head gets deep in his crease and drills it towards extra cover where Rohit Sharma makes a sharp stop low to his right.

Darts this one full and on off, Travis Head forces it towards long off for one.

FOUR! Nothing seems to bother Travis Head here! Axar Patel drags his length back and around off, Travis Head moves back quickly and smashes it past extra covers for a boundary.

Floated, full and on off, Tim David drills it down to long off for a run.

Quicker, short and outside off, Tim David is late on his cut shot and misses.

Flighted, full and on off, Tim David pushes it straight to short covers.

Tim David comes in at number 6.

OUT! STRAIGHT TO THE FIELDER! Axar Patel gets his first now! As they say, 'One brings two' and that is exactly what has happened here. Tossed up, full and around middle, Marcus Stoinis goes down for the reverse sweep, connects well but unfortunately for him, he finds Hardik Pandya at backward point who juggles it but grabs it in the end, nonchalantly with his left hand.

Googly again, short and around leg, Marcus Stoinis works it through square leg for one more. End of a successful over for India!

Another short delivery, on middle, Travis Head backs away and cuts it towards deep point for one.

FOUR! Put away! Kuldeep Yadav goes short again and around middle, Travis Head rocks back and thrashes it over mid-wicket for a boundary. Head looks in some touch here!

Shortish and around off, Marcus Stoinis drags it down to long on for a single.

Floated, full and on middle, Marcus Stoinis blocks it out.

Marcus Stoinis makes his way out to the centre.

OUT! BOWLED'EM! Kuldeep Yadav gets the explosive Glenn Maxwell! He serves a fine googly here, slower through the air as well, full and on middle and leg, turns away a shy bit, Glenn Maxwell walks down the track to slog it away but gets beaten by the flight and the turn as the ball goes through to rattle the stumps. India will be relieved to see the back of Glenn Maxwell here!

Drags his length back once more, on off, Travis Head stabs it to short covers. Excellent over, just 3 runs off it!

Darts this one full and on off, Glenn Maxwell goes down and whips it hard towards deep mid-wicket for just one.

Another short delivery, on off, angling away, Travis Head punches it through covers for a run.

Goes short again, outside off, Travis Head cuts it away but fails to beat point.

Floated, full and on middle, Glenn Maxwell swipes it away towards deep square leg for a single.

Flatter, short and outside off, Glenn Maxwell tries to cut but gets an outside edge along the ground to short third.

SIX! That spoils the over! Kuldeep Yadav gives this one some more air, full and around off, Travis Head goes down, reaches out for it and flat bats it towards the long off fence. Hardik Pandya looks interested but only watches the ball sail over his head for a biggie.

Pushed through quicker, full and on middle, skids through, Travis Head stays back and pushes it to the right of the bowler.

Flighted, full and on off, Glenn Maxwell almost loses his balance but still manages to reverse sweep it towards deep point for one.

Floated, short and on leg, turns in, Glenn Maxwell moves back to flick it away but misses and gets hit on the pads.

Goes short and on middle, Travis Head punches it down to long on for a run.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Glenn Maxwell sweeps it towards deep square leg for a single.

Flatter, short and on middle, Glenn Maxwell moves across to hoick it away but ends up miscuing his shot towards short third. They cross.16 runs off the over!

FOUR! Glenn Maxwell is turning on the heat now! Ravindra Jadeja tosses it up, full and on middle, Glenn Maxwell goes down for the reverse sweep again and connects well to send the ball over point for another boundary now.

Short again and outside off, Travis Head cuts it towards deep point for a run.

Short and on middle, Glenn Maxwell stays back and nudges it through mid-wicket for a single.

SIX! BOOM! Outrageous shot! Floated, full and around off, Glenn Maxwell changes his stance completely and nails the switch hit to perfection as the ball goes over the deep backward point fence for a biggie.

FOUR! Maxi gets off the mark in style! Ravindra Jadeja starts with a quicker delivery, short and outside off, Glenn Maxwell makes room, opens the bat face and guides it between short third and backward point for a boundary.

Drinks! Australia are in a decent position and it is that man, Travis Head who is leading the charge once again. However, they know that they need to continue like this till the rest of the match to chase down this total. India are searching for wickets and more importantly, the wicket of Head that will shift the momentum. They will also be aware of the firepower of the Aussies middle order and the Indian spinners will play a crucial role here. Obviously, 206 is the main number in mind for the Aussies but there are a couple of other digits too, which could come in handy, just in case Bangladesh manage to beat Afghanistan in the night match. 198 and above sees Australia's NRR stay in the positive while 165 and above keeps their NRR above that of Afghanistan's. An exciting second half of the chase coming up.

Slower and angled across, on a length, outside off, Travis Head goes for the drive but fails to connect.

FOUR! Gets it through! Lands it on a back of a length, outside off, Travis Head waits on it and steers it between backward point and short third for four more runs.

FOUR! Axar Patel fumbles and that allows Travis Head to bring up his FIFTY! Full by Hardik, around off, Travis Head drags the hit on the bounce to long on where Axar Patel runs forward off the ropes but lets the ball go through his hands for a boundary. Travis continues to torment India and he would look to convert this into a match-winning knock.

Dishes it out on a shortish length, over middle, Travis Head drops his wrists and lets the ball go through.

Slower and fuller, outside off, Travis Head creams the drive towards extra cover where Rohit Sharma makes a good stop low to his right.

FOUR! Short and punished! Too short and too wide on off by Hardik, Travis Head reaches out and slaps it along the ground to the right of deep cover for a boundary.

Glenn Maxwell comes out to the middle now.

OUT! WHAT A GRAB! Axar Patel, you freak! A one-handed worldie by Axar to send the Aussie skipper packing. Kuldeep misses his mark not by much as this is fractionally short, at the stumps, Mitchell Marsh is waiting on the back foot and bends his knees to get the pull shot away. Hits it as hard as he can and it goes flat towards deep backward square leg. Axar Patel is a few meters in off the ropes, leaps and the ball sticks in the right hand. It stays in even as Axar falls on his back.

Drops it short and away from the batter's reach, Travis Head reaches out and cuts it to deep point for a single.

Short and angling across, on off, Mitchell Marsh pulls it down to wide long on for a single.

Did Marsh drag his foot out of the crease there? Kuldeep slows it up and bowls the googly this time, fuller and outside off, Marsh gets down and sets himself for the slog sweep but the ball spins away and there is a bit of extra bounce too that takes the ball over the bat. The replays show that Marsh has his back leg grounded inside the crease when Pant took the bails off.

Spinning away a touch from the left-hander, on a nagging length, Travis Head makes room and punches it through covers for a single.

Kuldeep fires in a yorker, on middle, Mitchell Marsh squeezes it out towards mid-wicket and gets to the other end.

Hardik bangs it into the deck, on off, Mitchell Marsh flat bats it down to long on for a single. Another expensive over by Hardik, 14 runs off it.

Nicely bowled! Marsh shows his cards early as he skips down the track but Hardik keeps his wits around by banging into short, at the helmet of the batter. Marsh ducks and lets it go.

In the air...but it falls safely! Gets the ball to go across and keeps it wide of the batter, on the off side, Travis Head sits deep in his crease and shapes up to go cover. Slices it in the air but luckily for Head, the ball evades the fielder running to his right. A single taken.

SIX! Travis Head is on a roll here! Hardik is under immense pressure. Hardik goes into the wicket but it is not short enough to trouble the batter, Travis Head cashes in on the offered length and nails the pull over deep mid-wicket for a six.

FOUR! Nice shot! Another off-cutter by Hardik, on a length, outside off, Travis Head stays low to go big on the leg side but adjusts well to the lack of pace and drags the shot back over the bowler's head for a boundary.

Hardik bowls it on a back of a length, on off, without any pace on it, Travis Head gets on his toes and punches it with a high elbow to the right of cover for a couple of runs.

Slightly quicker and fuller too, at the stumps, Travis Head opts to rock back and dabs it wide of cover for one more run. A tidy first over by Kuldeep.

Turning away from the left-hander, on a nagging length, on off, Travis Head goes on the back foot and punches it firmly to cover where Ravindra Jadeja moves swiftly to his right and prevents the single.

Length is pulled back and it is near the wide guideline on off, Mitchell Marsh is made to reach out and he cuts it past cover for a single.

Slight halt! Mitchell Marsh got hit on his helmet on the previous ball and the physio is in for a mandatory concussion check. We are good to continue now.

Kuldeep is mixing it up nicely here. Quicker and fuller by Kuldeep from over the wicket, around leg, Mitchell Starc is late on the slog sweep. It comes off the boots and strikes Marsh on the helmet. A concussion check will follow now.

Dishes out the googly and wide from the batter's arc, near the tramline on off, Mitchell Marsh reaches out and slaps it past cover for a couple of runs.

Starts with a full delivery, full and fired in on the pads, Mitchell Marsh sweeps it fine but can't get it past the man at short fine leg.

SIX! BOOM! Clean strike and this has gone many rows back! Hardik tries to attack the stumps with a good-length delivery, Travis Head gets into the position early and sets himself up for the big shot. Keeps his head still again and dispatches it way over deep mid-wicket for half a dozen. An expensive start by Hardik, 17 runs off it.

At 131.1 kph, slanting in, on a nagging length, at the pads, Mitchell Marsh works it in front of square on the leg side for a single.

Honing in at the stumps, on a good length, Mitchell Marsh uses his feet and nudges it to the right of deep square leg for a couple of runs.

Hardik sees the batter back away and follows him with a back-of-a-length delivery, Travis Head pulls it through mid-wicket for a single.

SIX! Clean as a whistle! Pace on by Hardik, on a length, on middle, Travis Head clears his front leg and with a still head, launches it over long on for a biggie. 50 comes up for Australia.

Going across the batter again, on a good length, pace taken off again, Travis Head frees his arms to go through the off side but gets an inside edge that rolls behind to the keeper.

WIDE! Tries the slower bumper first up, at the batter but it sails over Travis Head's head for a wide.

Shortish and on leg, Mitchell Marsh nudges it towards deep mid-wicket for a brace.

FOUR! Just wide! Flighted, full and on middle, Mitchell Marsh goes for the sweep again and connects well too, the ball flies wide of square leg where Kuldeep Yadav leaps to his left but fails to get a hand on that as it races away to the fence for a boundary.

Quicker, full and on middle, Mitchell Marsh blocks it out on the pitch.

SIX! That is some shot! Axar Patel drags his length back this time, on middle, Mitchell Marsh stays back and swipes it powerfully over the deep square leg fence for a biggie.

Floated, full and on middle, Mitchell Marsh goes down again but sweeps it straight to square leg this time.

Axar Patel starts with a flatter delivery, full and on middle, Mitchell Marsh goes down to sweep but gets an inside edge towards short fine.

Time for spin as Axar Patel comes on to bowl. Also, for those wondering about Australia's NRR scenario, in an already tough run chase, Australia need to get to AT LEAST 198, to keep their NRR in the positive

Fullish and on middle, Mitchell Marsh knocks it towards mid on for a run. 14 runs off the over then!

Change of pace, on length and  on middle, Travis Head steers it towards point for a single.

FOUR MORE! Travis Head is on the charge here! Pitched up and around off, Travis Head backs away a bit, reaches out for it, and drills it through point for the third boundary of the over. Australia are taking an attacking approach against Bumrah, unlike the other teams.

Good comeback! Jasprit Bumrah bowls a good yorker just outside off, Travis Head tries to squeeze it away but fails to connect.

FOUR! Another one! Jasprit Bumrah goes short again and around middle, Travis Head picks up the length early and smacks it away towards the deep mid-wicket fence for another boundary.

FOUR! Travis Head gets off the mark in style! Jasprit Bumrah lands this short and wide outside off, Travis Head gets the chance to free his arms and crunches it over point for a boudnary.

SIX! BANG! 14 runs off the over! Short of a length and on middle, Mitchell Marsh hangs back in his crease and is waiting for that length, swivels and pulls it way over the deep square leg fence for a biggie.

FOUR! Fine shot! Arshdeep Singh takes pace off and lands this back of a length, on off, Mitchell Marsh gets on top of the bounce and punches it sweetly through covers for another boundary.

Put down! A tough chance though! This is on a good length and on middle, Mitchell Marsh uses his feet and swats it aerially down the deck. Arshdeep Singh on his follow through gets his hands on it but fails to hold on to it.

FOUR! He connects this time! Arshdeep Singh bangs this into the pitch again, on middle, pace on this time, Mitchell Marsh tries to pull and gets enough bat on it to clear mid on for a boundary.

Swing and a miss! Back of a length and around off, angles away, slower too, Mitchell Marsh goes through his slog across the line early and misses.

Misses out there! A juicy full toss, on middle, shaping in, Mitchell Marsh flicks it straight towards mid-wicket.

Length again, on off, takes off a bit, Travis Head stabs it down to the off side.

Good length and around off, Mitchell Marsh runs it down to deep third for a single.

Uppish but safe! Jasprit Bumrah bangs this hard into the pitch, on middle, angling in, Mitchell Marsh gets hurried by it as he tries to hook it away but only manages to glove it in the air. Rishabh Pant stumbles a bit while moving to his left and fails to reach the ball in the end. A bit of luck for the Aussie skipper!

On a length and around off, Mitchell Marsh guides it towards point.

Hard length and angling into the body of the batter, Travis Head misses his flick as the ball goes off his pads towards short fine leg. A leg bye is taken.

Jasprit Bumrah begins with a back-of-a-length delivery, outside off, Travis Head cuts it straight towards point.

Mitchell Marsh walks in at number 3. Jasprit Bumrah will operate from the other end.

OUT! TAKEN AT SLIPS! Arshdeep Singh draws first blood! A huge wicket for India as the dangerous David Warner has to go back to the hut now. This one is on a good length and just around off, gets it to nip away a shy bit, David Warner tries to push it away without any footwork and gets a thick outside edge wide of first slip, Suryakumar Yadav moves to his left and takes a sharp catch. Early blow to Australia. Folks, let us cast your mind back to the 2023 ODI World Cup final where Warner was dismissed similarly to Mohammed Shami, bowling from around the wicket with the southpaw edging it to Virat Kohli at first slip.

FOUR! A bit streaky! Short of a length and outside off, David Warner tries to cut it away but gets a bottom edge as the ball rolls behind, Rishabh Pant is caught wrong-footed and is late to put a dive in as the ball goes under him and to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Goes a bit fuller now, on middle, David Warner takes a half stride out and taps it to short covers, Another dot!

Hits the hard length this time, on middle, David Warner has no room to play with and dabs it down to point.

David Warner and Australia get underway now! Back of a length and on off, David Warner stays back and punches it nicely through covers for a couple of runs.

Arshdeep Singh starts with a good-length delivery around off, shaping away, David Warner stays in his crease and steers it towards point.

Only a single to end the innings then! Pat Cummins bangs this into the pitch again, gives no pace at all, Hardik Pandya tries to pull but gets a top edge that falls wide of short fine leg. They cross. India finishes on 205/5!

Short of a length and on middle, Ravindra Jadeja swipes it towards deep square leg for one.

SIX! Into the crowd! Pat Cummins pitches it up again, on leg, angling in, Ravindra Jadeja uses his wrists to whip it away towards the deep mid-wicket fence, the fielder looks interested but the wind takes it well over him for a biggie.

Full again and on middle, angling in, Hardik Pandya drills it towards long on for a run.

Swing and a miss! Pat Cummins goes full and just around off, shapes away a bit, Hardik Pandya looks to loft it down the ground but misses.

Back of a length and outside off, slower as well, Ravindra Jadeja drags it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

A low full toss, on off, Ravindra Jadeja drives it through covers for a run. Good end to the over from Marcus Stoinis after getting hit for two sixes.

Clever bowling! Marcus Stoinis sees the batter back away and bowls a yorker, on off, Ravindra Jadeja fails to lay a bat on that.

Ravindra Jadeja is the new man in.

OUT! TAKEN! Marcus Stoinis gets his second wicket now! He goes full again and on the pads, Shivam Dube flicks it but does not go through the shot fully, the ball flies in the air towards deep mid-wicket where David Warner crouches and pouches it safely.

Pitches it up, on middle, Hardik Pandya misses out this time as he tries to hit it a bit too hard, gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball rolls towards point. They cross.

SIX! TWO IN TWO! Full again and on off, Hardik Pandya stays deep inside his crease, gets under it and lifts it towards the long off fence where it just goes over Mitchell Starc for half a dozen.

SIX! BOOM! This is the over India will look to target! Marcus Stoinis serves this full and around off, Hardik Pandya somehow manages to reach for it and smashes it over the deep extra cover fence for a biggie.

Overpitched and on off, Hardik Pandya drives it towards long off for one.

FOUR! A welcome boundary for India! Pat Cummins goes short again and around off, slower again, Hardik Pandya stays back in his crease and slaps it away over extra cover for four runs.

Short of a length and around off, takes pace off, Shivam Dube pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for one.

Fuller one and on on middle, Hardik Pandya drills it down to long on for a run.

In the air..safe! The Indian batters are living dangerously here! Pat Cummins bowls a juicy full toss, on middle, Shivam Dube gets surprised by it and mistimes it badly in the air, the fielder at long on runs forward but fails to reach it. A single is taken.

A low full toss around off, Shivam Dube drills it away wide of long off for a brace.

Shouts of 'catch it' again but it lands safely! A bit of air on that delivery, full and on leg, Shivam Dube mistimes his slog again but it goes on the bounce to deep backward square leg for one more.

Pushes it through, on a nagging length, on middle and leg, Hardik Pandya clips it through square leg for a single.

Flighted, full and around leg, Shivam Dube heaves it towards deep square leg for one.

Flatter, full and outside off, Shivam Dube tries the slog sweep but gets an outside edge that falls well in front of backward point.

DROPPED! You do not see this often from the Aussies! Tossed up, full and around off, Hardik Pandya tries to slog it away but gets a top edge wide of backward point, Mitchell Marsh runs to his left and tries to reverse cup but spills it, he has a couple of more bites at it but fails to hold on. A run is taken and Pandya gets a life here!

Fires one in full and on leg, Shivam Dube clears his front leg away but only manages to swipe it towards deep square leg for a single.

An extraordinary spell from Josh Hazlewood comes to an end! He pulls his length back a bit, on off, Shivam Dube guides it through backward point for one. Hazlewood has conceded just 14 runs in his four overs. Superb stuff!

Pitched up and around middle, Hardik Pandya flicks it off the inside half of the bat towards deep square leg for one.

Good-length delivery, on middle and leg, Shivam Dube looks to work it away but gets a soft leading edge in front of short cover. They cross.

Josh Hazlewood nails the yorker this time, on off, Hardik Pandya jams it out to the off side for a single.

Swing and a miss! Back of a length and on middle, angling in, keeps a bit low, Hardik Pandya tries to heave across the line but misses as the ball just goes over the stumps.

Oh..extra bounce! Josh Hazlewood hits the hard length, on off, nips back in with some extra bounce, Hardik Pandya gets hurried and only manages to stab it to short third. He sets off for the run but is sent back and rightly so.

Slips in a full delivery again, on off, Hardik Pandya drives it wide of cover for just a single.

Slanting in, on a yorker length, on middle and leg, Shivam Dube works it in front of square on the leg side and gets to the other end.

Pace on and very full, on off, Hardik Pandya digs it out towards backward point where a fumble results in the batters crossing over for a single.

Hardik Pandya is the next man in.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Keeping the ball away from Suryakumar Yadav has done the trick here for Mitchell Starc. Starc stays around the wicket and takes the pace off, near the wide tramline on off, on a back of a length, Suryakumar Yadav is made to reach out but the ball holds in the surface and catches the outside edge that loops up tamely behind the wicket to the keeper, Matthew Wade who does the rest.

Gets the yorker in, outside off, Suryakumar Yadav fails to squeeze it out as the ball sneaks under the bat.

FOUR! In the gap! Angling in, on a back of a length, outside off, Suryakumar Yadav waits on the back foot and steers it with an open bat face between short third and backward point for a boundary.

Executes the yorker this time, on off and middle, Shivam Dube jams it out back to the bowler.

Fires it in now and it is fuller as well, on middle, Suryakumar Yadav looks to go back over the bowler's head but gets an inside edge that rolls down to fine leg for a single.

SIX! Suryakumar Yadav goes big now! 150 comes up for India. Stoinis rolls his fingers over the ball and bowls it on a short of a length, it sits up nicely for Suryakumar Yadav who swings cleanly and deposits it over the long on fence for a six.

Serves it at the stumps, on a good length, Shivam Dube works it in front of square on the leg side for a single.

FOUR! Absolutely crunched! Stoinis tries to get a yorker in but does not get it full enough, on off, Shivam Dube winds up and thumps it along the carpet to the left of mid off for a boundary.

Stoinis takes pace off and bowls it on a good length, on middle, Suryakumar Yadav hacks it off the inner half of the bat to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Good finish to what was turning out to be a quiet over from Zampa. 11 runs off it. Zampa delivers it short and on middle, Shivam Dube hangs back and drops it with soft hands in the vacant mid-wicket region for a couple of runs.

SIX! Massive hit! Zampa dishes out the googly but it is too full, right in the arc for the southpaw, on middle and leg, Shivam Dube gets down on one knee and slogs it over deep square leg. It was hit into the wind by Dube but it still went many a mile.

Another quicker delivery, on a nagging length, on middle, Shivam Dube can only defend it out on the leg side.

Pushes it through, short and slanting in, at the pads, Suryakumar Yadav goes on the back foot and works it through mid-wicket for one.

Loops it up, nice and full, on middle, Shivam Dube makes room and knocks it down to long off for one more run.

Lands it on a nagging length, on off, Suryakumar Yadav presses forward and eases it down to long off for a single.

Goes very full and on off, Shivam Dube digs it out towards cover. End of a successful over for Mitchell Starc and Australia.

Honing in at the stumps, on a back of a length, Shivam Dube nudges it from the crease to mid-wicket.

Slips in the yorker, tailing in at the toes, Shivam Dube does just enough to keep it out and gets an inside edge onto the pads.

FOUR! Nicely done and Shivam Dube is up and running! Starc greets Dube with a bumper from over the wicket but the line is outside off, Shivam Dube is expecting a bouncer first up and hangs back in the crease. Plays the upper cut and beats the dive of Adam Zampa at deep third for a boundary.

Shivam Dube comes out to the middle now.

OUT! CASTLED! Mitchell Starc strikes gold on his return to the attack! Australia will be very relieved to see the back of the Indian skipper. Starc steams in from around the wicket and nails the yorker, on middle, Rohit Sharma gets his bat down but plays outside the line of the ball. The ball catches the inside edge and goes back onto the pads before trickling back onto the stumps. Rohit Sharma departs, falling just 8 runs short of his hundred.

Comes back into the attack and slants it in, on a good length, on off, Rohit Sharma watchfully pats it to cover.

SIX! Good shot! Length delivery, on off, Suryakumar Yadav waits in the crease and presents a high elbow to loft it with a straight bat. It goes a long way in the air but SKY gets enough bat on it to clear the long off fence for a six.

FOUR! Audacious shot! Cummins lands it on a short of a good length, outside off, Suryakumar Yadav walks across his stumps and brings his wrists into play. Fetches it and whips it past square leg for a boundary.

Keeps it just around off, Suryakumar Yadav looks to go over mid off but the ball gets a bit big on him and he mistimes the drive to mid off.

Play and a miss! Cummins pitches it up again, width on offer on off, Suryakumar Yadav shapes up to go over cover but misses out.

Angling in, closer to the off-stump line, on a back of a length, Rohit Sharma hangs back and steers it down to deep third for a single.

Misfield! Cummins serves it full, on off, Rohit Sharma times the drive well through covers. David Warner runs across to his right from deep point but fails to gather it cleanly, allowing the batters to run the second run.

Drinks break! We are only halfway through and India find themselves in a great position to go beyond the 200-run mark. Rohit Sharma is batting like a dream and he is not far away from his hundred as well. The Men in Blue will hope that their skipper continues like this and with some support from the others, they bat Australia out of the game. The Aussies desperately need the wicket of Rohit Sharma so that they can put a bit of pressure on the middle order and restrict the run flow. Also, Pat Cummins will bowl after the break.

Pulls his length back slightly, on off, Rohit Sharma tries to cut but ends up bunting it towards cover-point for one more.

On a length and on leg, Suryakumar Yadav nudges it towards deep mid-wicket for one.

Pitched up, on middle, Rohit Sharma works it through mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! Easy pickings! Marcus Stoinis decides to go short again but down the leg side, Rohit Sharma knows that fine leg is up in the circle and pulls it well over that fielder for a one-bounce four.

Goes a bit fuller, slower to but well outside off, Rohit Sharma leaves it alone. Wided.

Good comeback! Hits the hard length and around off, takes off of the surface, Rohit Sharma tries to guide it away but gets beaten by the extra bounce.

FOUR! Just over! Marcus Stoinis takes pace off and lands this short around leg, Rohit Sharma looks to hook but does not get all of it, miscues it aerially towards short fine leg, Mitchell Starc stretches his hand but the ball just goes over it and to the fence for a boundary.

Darts this one full and on leg, Rohit Sharma uses his feet and whips it toward deep mid-wicket for just one more.

Quicker, full and on middle, Suryakumar Yadav works it through mid-wicket for one.

FOUR! SKY gets going now! Adam Zampa bowls this flatter, full and just outside off, Suryakumar Yadav opens the face of the bat slightly and squeezes it past point for a boundary. 100 up for India.

Tossed up, full and around of, turns away, Rohit Sharma tries to go over covers but slices it in the air but on the bounce to sweeper covers. They cross.

Goes short and on leg, Suryakumar Yadav moves back and clips it through square leg for a run.

Adam Zampa fires in a yorker now, on off, Rohit Sharma digs it out towards long off for a single.

Suryakumar Yadav comes in at number 4.

OUT! TAKEN! Marcus Stoinis strikes! Something to cheer for Australia! This is full again and on middle, Rishabh Pant looks to work it to the leg side but closes the bat face early, gets a leading edge as the ball flies in the air towards long off where Josh Hazlewood comes forward and reverse cups it safely. India two down now!

Banged into the pitch, on off, slower this time, Rohit Sharma pulls it towards deep square leg for a single.

SIX! Shot of the match so far! This one is pitched up and just around off, Rohit Sharma uses his feet to go inside out, creates room for himself, and times his drive perfectly as the ball sails over the deep extra cover fence for another biggie.

SIX! Oh..wow! That sounded so sweet! Marcus Stoinis goes short again and on middle, Rohit Sharma hangs back in his crease this time, hammers it from the middle of the bat over the deep square leg fence for a biggie.

FOUR! There is no stopping the Indian skipper at the moment! Marcus Stoinis lands this back of a length and around middle, Rohit Sharma dances down the track and heaves it away towards the deep square leg fence for a boundary.

Marcus Stoinis begins with a fuller delivery, on off, Rohit Sharma stays in his crease and blocks it out.

Flatter, full and angling into leg, Rohit Sharma uses his feet and flicks it through square leg for one more. 16 runs off the over!

SIX! Up, up and away! Rohit Sharma's turn now! A loopy delivery, full and on off, Rohit Sharma goes down on one knee, fetches it, and nails his slog sweep way over the deep mid-wicket fence for another biggie.

Gives this one some more air, full and around off, Rishabh Pant drills it towards sweeper cover for one.

Flighted, full and on middle, Rohit Sharma turns it to the leg side, there is a bit of confusion between the batters but they complete the run in the end.

Floated, short and on off, Rishabh Pant stays back and cuts it through point for a single.

SIX! BANG! Rishabh Pant greets Adam Zampa with a maximum! Tossed up and around middle, Rishabh Pant skips down the track, gets to the pitch of the ball and smokes it over the long on fence for a biggie.

Good stop! Hard length and just around off, Rishabh Pant opens the face of his bat and steers it wide of short third where the fielder makes a fine diving stop. They cross.

FOUR! Nicely played! Josh Hazlewood tries to surprise the batter with another bumper, on middle, this one sits up nicely for the batter as Rishabh Pant gets on top of it and smacks it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

Pitches it up and around middle, Rohit Sharma steps across and has a swipe across the line, gets an inside edge through square leg for a run.

Short of a length and and on off this time, Rishabh Pant pulls it towards deep square leg for a single.

Uppish but safe! Touch fuller, on middle, Rishabh Pant goes for the reverse sweep but gets into an awkward position and miscues it in the air. Luckily for him, it lands safely well in front of backward point.

Good-length delivery, on middle, shaping in, Rohit Sharma looks to flick it away but misses as the ball goes off his pads towards point. A leg bye is taken.

FIFTY FOR ROHIT SHARMA! A breezy knock from the Indian skipper. Gets to his fifty off just 19 balls. Cummins serves it on a fullish length and tries to keep it away from the batter's reach, near the wide guideline on off, Rohit Sharma gets low and squeezes it out wide of point for a single.

FOUR! Everything going Rohit Sharma's way! Cummins goes into the wicket and bowls it on a tight line, on middle, Rohit Sharma premeditates as he uses the feet to go down the ground. Gets an outside edge that flies past short third for yet another boundary. 15 runs off Cummins' first over.

Much better by Cummins! Serves it with a wobble seam, on a good length, in the channel on off, Rohit Sharma has a feel for the delivery and gets beaten on the outside edge as the ball holds its line and zips past the bat.

FOUR! Thrashed away! A juicy half volley, wide on off, Rohit Sharma reaches out and throws his hands at it to drill it past backward point for a boundary.

Slanting in, on a hard length, on middle and leg, Rohit Sharma hops back to work it across the line but gets beaten on the inside edge and wears it high on the thigh pad.

Good news folks! The sun has come out in St. Lucia and the covers are coming off too. The umpires are out there in the middle and are checking the outfield. We should get going sooner rather than later here. We can see the players come out to the middle now. Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant to resume the batting for India. Pat Cummins will complete his over after the short delay.

UPDATE - Oh..no! And there comes the rain. It was drizzling for a while but the umpires were okay to play. However, it has now picked up pace and on come the covers and off go the players. Rohit Sharma will be disappointed, as he would have liked to continue his momentum but this halt gives Australia some time to come up with different tactics as they are under the pump here. We hope that it is just a passing shower.

SIX! Welcome to the attack, Mr. Pat Cummins, says Rohit Sharma! 200th SIX for Rohit in T20Is. Cummins charges in from over the wicket and takes pace off straight away, on a length, outside off, Rohit Sharma is proactive again as he shuffles across, gets down, and fetches it from outside off. Swats it with ease and deposits it onto the roof towards the deep mid-wicket region for half a dozen.

End of another tidy over from Josh Hazlewood! Bowls it on a short of a good length, on off and middle, Rishabh Pant gets right behind the line of the ball and defends it out solidly.

Keeps it nice and tight, on the off-stump line, on a back of a length, Rohit Sharma arches back slightly and pushes it wide of point for a single.

So nearly dragged it on! Nipping back in, on a hard length, on off, there is no room for Rohit Sharma to work it. He tries to steer it down to deep third but the ball comes back in off the deck and there is a bit of extra bounce as well. Gets an inside edge that dribbles past the stumps.

Hits the hard length, on middle, Rishabh Pant nudges it towards mid-wicket where Mitchell Marsh slides over the ball and allows a single.

Hazlewood bangs it on a hard length, on off, Rishabh Pant gets on top of the bounce and dabs it to point.

Delivers it on a good length, on off and middle, Rishabh Pant gets on the front foot and plays it back to the bowler with a straight bat.

TOP EDGE AND SIX! 29 runs off the over. Most expensive over in Mitchell Starc's T20I career! Starc errs in length as he dishes out a full toss, outside off, Rohit Sharma reaches out to flat bat this one back over the bowler's head. Gets a top edge that flies over short third for the fourth six of the over.

WIDE! Tries the yorker again but gets it beyond the tramline on off, Rohit Sharma fails to get any bat on it. Wide given.

Good delivery! Gets the yorker in, wide on off, Rohit Sharma fails to squeeze it out on the off side.

SIX! Best of the lot! Rohit Sharma looks in the mood here and the Indian fans in the stands are loving it. Starc looks to angle it away from over the wicket, outside off, Rohit Sharma fetches it from outside off and picks the bones out of that. Tonks it across the line and it sails way over deep mid-wicket for a biggie. Third six of the over.

FOUR! More runs! Mitchell Starc being put under a lot of pressure here by Rohit Sharma. Starc stays full and serves it outside off, Rohit Sharma walks across his stumps and lofts it over mid on. Gets more than enough bat on it to clear the man there and picks up a boundary.

SIX! And again! Back-to-back sixes for Rohit Sharma! Width on offer by Starc but the length stays full, Rohit Sharma frees his arms and leaves nothing in the tank to thump it up and over cover. The ball hits the boundary cushions on the full for six more runs.

SIX! Timed to perfection! Rohit Sharma with the first six of the game. Starc hurls it full, on off, Rohit Sharma picks up the length and line early and holds his shape. Angles the bat face perfectly to carve it over cover and clears the fence for a maximum. Rohit did not try to overhit there and just relied on timing.

On a length and around off, Rishabh Pant strides out and pushes it to short covers. Just one run and huge wicket from that over then!

Angling away, on a full length, around off, Rishabh Pant leans on it and times the drive towards mid off.

Rishabh Pant walks out to bat number 3.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! Expertly held by Tim David. Josh Hazlewood with the early strike for Australia. Hazlewood goes into the wicket and lands it on off, Virat Kohli goes for the pull but gets this one high on the bat and he hits this one into the wind. This results in the ball not travelling far enough to evade mid on. Tim David at mid on, runs over his shoulder to his right, keeps his eyes on the ball all the way through and takes a fine catch.

At 133.9 kph, short of a length, on the off-stump line, Virat Kohli presents a high elbow and punches it straight to cover-point on the bounce.

Angling into the right-hander, on a good length, on off, the bat turns in Virat Kohli's hands as he tucks this one off the inner half of the bat to mid-wicket.

Hazlewood starts from over the wicket and lands it on a hard length, over off, Rohit Sharma stays back and taps the ball on its head to glide it down to deep third for a single.

Josh Hazlewood to share the attack.

This comes back in a touch, on a good length, on off, Virat Kohli defends it right under his eye line as he presents a straight bat and blocks it down the deck.

Good shot for no run! Pitches it right up to the batter, outside off, Virat Kohli leans on it and drives it crisply but picks out the man at cover.

Starc pulls the length back and keeps it in the channel on off, Rohit Sharma waits on it and runs it down to deep third with an open bat face for a single.

FOUR! Good wristwork and Rohit Sharma is away! Hurls it full and shaping in a touch, on off and middle, Rohit Sharma shuffles across slightly and brings his wrists into play to whip it between mid-wicket and mid on for the first boundary of the game.

Rohit Sharma survives an early scare! Indian fans breathe a huge sigh of relief. Starc slips in a low full toss, angling away, near the tramline on off, Rohit Sharma reaches out to play it towards the off side but gets a bottom edge on it. It goes back onto the turf and then goes straight to first slip.

Has that carried? The fielder at first slip thinks so. The two umpires come together for a discussion and send it upstairs. However, the replay clearly shows that it is a bump ball.

Steams in from over the wicket does Mitchell Starc and goes full in search of swing but ends up serving a juicy full toss, around off, Rohit Sharma gets taken by surprise slightly and drives it square towards backward point. Missed out there did the Indian skipper!

Done with the pre-match formalities! Despite the early start, the fans have come in numbers in St. Lucia and the atmosphere is great inside the stadium. The Australian players spread out and take their respective field positions. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are the two openers for India. As expected, Mitchell Starc has the new ball in his hand and is raring to go. Let's play...

We are moments away from the clash between the heavyweights, but before that, the players make their way out to the middle and line up for their respective national anthems. It will be India's national anthem first followed by the national anthem of Australia.

PITCH REPORT - Harsha Bhogle is pitchside. He says that there is a nice breeze blowing across the ground and wind will be a factor of consideration for the two teams. Tells that the dimensions of the square boundaries are 66 meters and 69 meters with a 78-meter straight hit. Aaron Finch joins him and he opines that Australia have made the correct decision of bowling first. Adds that there is a little bit of moisture on the surface and both pacers and spinners will enjoy that. Feels that with the newer ball, the seam will grip into the surface, resulting in assistance for the bowlers.

Rohit Sharma, the skipper of India says they would have bowled first as well. Adds that the wicket looks a bit sticky and having batted first in the last couple of games, they wanted to chase. Tells that the pitch looks good but the overhead conditions matter too. Mentions that they have adapted well in this tournament and every game is a must-win and nothing changes for them. Informs that they are unchanged.

The captain of Australia, Mitchell Marsh says that this looks like a belter of a wicket. Adds that there is a bit of breeze around and the surface looks lovely. Tells that this is a big challenge and that the boys are up and about for it. Shares that they have found themselves in this position earlier as well and they are looking forward to this game. Feels that the pressure is always there in must-win games but they have an experienced group of players and the mood has been great. Informs that they have one made change with Mitchell Starc coming in for Ashton Agar.

India (Unchanged Playing XI) - Rohit Sharma (C), Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (WK), Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah.

Australia (Playing XI) - Travis Head, David Warner, Mitchell Marsh (C), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Matthew Wade (WK), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc (In place of Ashton Agar), Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.

TOSS - All in readiness for the flip of the coin. It falls in favour of Mitchell Marsh. ​​​​Australia have elected to BOWL first.

Having faltered against Afghanistan, Australia have all to do, heading into this game against India. A win big enough to surpass India on NRR will assure them of qualification, leaving India and Afghanistan jostling for the other semifinal spot. Any other result, however, will leave them hoping for a favourable outcome in the game between Afghanistan and Bangladesh. In their previous encounter, the Aussies were not only poor with the bat but also in the field, but you'd expect them to pick themselves up and give themselves the best possible chance of making it through. Will this pressure situation bring the best out of Mitchell Marsh and his men? Or will it be India to secure their qualification and push Australia towards the exit door? Join us for the ride to find out!

With commanding wins over Afghanistan and Bangladesh, India find themselves in pole position in the race for a spot in the semis, and a win by any margin should suffice for them to go through. Due to their strong NRR, India should be fine even with a defeat, unless they lose by a big margin here and Afghanistan inflict a heavy defeat on Bangladesh. In stark contrast to their past struggles, from Rohit Sharma right down to Hardik Pandya at number 6, the batting approach was quite refreshing to see in the last outing and expect more of the same as the team aims to go the distance. Ravindra Jadeja's bowling form has been below par, but it has not affected them much, with others performing as a cohesive unit.

And they meet again! India and Australia cross paths in a Men's ICC event for the first time since that famous night in Ahmedabad, joyous for some but heartbreaking for others. The stakes are high, as they were that night as the two teams eye a place in the semifinals of the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup. On that note, hello and welcome from the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet, St Lucia, where anticipation is palpable ahead of this colossal clash. Adding to the intrigue, the weather is a bit uncertain, but let's remain hopeful that the rain stays away.

... MATCH DAY ...

As the sun rises over the Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet, St. Lucia, anxious tension fills the air. The battlefield is set, and two cricketing superpowers stand ready to unleash their fury upon one another. This is not merely a match, it's a reckoning, a chance for redemption, and a war for supremacy. On one side, stands the wounded Indian warriors, still nursing the scars of their crushing defeat in the 2023 ODI World Cup Final. Their pride was bruised, but with a hardened determination, they march onto the field with vengeance in their eyes. Opposing them, are the Australian gladiators, defending champions, fresh from their triumph in the ODI World Cup, they stand tall, their golden armor gleaming under the Caribbean sun. Yet, they know that past glories mean little in this new battle. India strides into this clash with an unbeaten run throughout the league phase and the Super 8s so far. India's marching into this clash like an unstoppable juggernaut, boasting an unbeaten streak that's been the talk of the town. They've been painting the town red, dominating every opponent that's crossed their path. The Indian batting lineup's looking solid as a rock, with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma finally hitting their stride after a slow start in the first half. Kohli's love affair with playing against the Aussies is no secret as he's racked up runs with a commanding batting average that's music to any cricket fan's ears. Rishabh Pant and Suryakumar Yadav have been carrying the team on their shoulders, consistently being the MVPs. Hardik Pandya's been a jack of all trades, master of most, proving he's worth his weight in gold as the primary all-rounder. While Shivam Dube and Ravindra Jadeja are yet to set the world on fire, their potential is clear as day. In the bowling department, Bumrah and Kuldeep have been giving batsmen a run for their money. Bumrah's economy rate is tighter than a drum, making him a tough nut to crack. Arshdeep's been the cherry on top, chipping in with crucial wickets. All in all, the Indian XI is firing on all cylinders, smooth as silk. On the flip side, the Aussies are entering on the back of a horror after a crushing defeat against Afghanistan. But if there's one thing we all know about these guys, it's that they bounce back harder than a rubber ball on concrete, quite an Aussie spirit. David Warner and Travis Head have shown promise, but they'll need to step up to the plate against India's bowling sharks. Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell have been covering all bases in the middle order. The Aussie bowling has been revolving around Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, with Cummins on a hat-trick streak in two consecutive games. And with Indian batters sometimes struggling against spin, Adam Zampa and Ashton Agar might just be the ace up Australia's sleeve. It's shaping up to be a battle of titans, with both teams bringing their A-game to the table. St. Lucia's pitch has been a bit of a mixed bag, a proper batter's paradise along with giving bowlers a fighting chance as well. The scoring range at this venue has been consistently high, hovering between 170 and 220 brackets. Interestingly, chasing teams have found themselves in hot water, struggling to overhaul these totals. India enters this match with an itch and eagerness to settle the score after their previous defeat in the final. On the flip side, the Australians are keen to dust off their recent setback and maintain their impressive record against the Men in Blue. This showdown is shaping up to be a staunch cricket fan's dream, with intriguing match-ups and contests within contests at every turn. This is ladies and gentlemen, the clash of the best of the sport. The million-dollar question is, who will come out on top?