4.6 overs (1 Run)
Bowls this one on a fullish length and angles it onto the pads, Jonny Bairstow fails to flick it away and the ball goes off the backside of the pad towards short fine leg. They pick up a leg bye.

4.5 overs (0 Run)
Top delivery! Pitched up right in the channel around off at over 139 kph and gets it to zip away a bit. Jonny Bairstow looks to block but is beaten on the outside edge as the ball dies on its way to the keeper. Rishabh Pant does well to collect it on an awkward bounce.

Jonny Bairstow makes his way out to the centre now.

4.4 overs (0 Run)
OUT! TIMBER! A master-craftsman at work! Jasprit Bumrah comes in from a bit wider on the crease now and bowls this one at 125.8 kph, just a smidge full and getting it to angle back in a mile. The ball pitches on off, Phil Salt clears the front leg to slog it over mid-wicket but ends up playing all over the ball. The ball crashes into the stumps and England have now lost both openers inside the first five overs.

4.3 overs (0 Run)
The quicker one now, bowled on a hard length and angling back in a fair bit from around off, Phil Salt keeps it out to the leg side.

4.2 overs (1 Run)
Drop and run! Another slower one that is bowled full and around off, Moeen Ali with a block to the off side before setting off for the single.

4.1 overs (0 Run)
Skillfully done by Jasprit Bumrah. Slower one, pitched up on the off stump and it is the off-cutter that spins away after pitching. Moeen Ali just looks to block it off but the ball goes past the outside edge and drops in front of the keeper.

3.6 overs (2 Runs)
Nicely placed by Phil Salt and the batters pick up another easy two. Just short of a length and outside off stump, Salt stands tall and just pats it away wide of sweeper cover for a brace.

3.5 overs (1 Run)
The arm ball now, bowled on a length and around off, Moeen Ali looks to play at it but miscues the ball down to long on for a run.

3.4 overs (2 Runs)
On a length again and angled into the stumps, Moeen Ali works it away in front of square on the leg side and picks up a couple of easy runs in the deep.

3.3 overs (1 Run)
Quicker and flatter around off stump, Phil Salt uses the depth of the crease and backs away before hammering it down to long off for just one.

3.2 overs (1 Run)
Bowled flatter and on a length, angling it in from around off, Moeen Ali waits back and just knocks the ball through mid on for a single.

Moeen Ali comes in at number 3. Moeen has been sent ahead of Jonny Bairstow to counter the left-arm spin of Axar Patel.

3.1 overs (0 Run)
OUT! CAUGHT! What an introduction into the attack for Axar Patel and he’s got the big fish. Axar just strides in from around the stumps and slides one in fuller around off with that high-arm action. Jos Buttler tries to put him under pressure right away by bringing out the reverse sweep but miscues the ball right off the cue end of the bat. The ball lobs up just behind the keeper and Rishabh Pant takes a dolly of a catch.

2.6 overs (1 Run)
The slower bumper now, dug in well short and over the stumps, stays low as well, Jos Buttler gets surprised but manages to direct the pull in front of square leg for a single.

2.5 overs (4 Runs)
FOUR! Belted through the off side! A third slower ball on the trot but this is just too short and wide, Jos Buttler gets on top of the bounce and slaps the ball down in front of Ravindra Jadeja at cover for a third boundary in the over.

2.4 overs (0 Run)
Just back of a length and angling it across the right-hander, Jos Buttler presses back and forces it away towards cover.

2.3 overs (0 Run)
Much better from Arshdeep Singh. Slower one, bowled fuller and around off, Jos Buttler is well early in the drive and gets an inside edge back onto the pads.

2.2 overs (4 Runs)
FOUR! That’s too straight from Arshdeep Singh and easy pickings for Jos Buttler there. Too short and at the hips, Buttler just tickles it down to fine leg and picks up back-to-back boundaries.

2.1 overs (4 Runs)
FOUR! JUST OVER! Pitched up outside the line of off stump, Jos Buttler dances down the track and stays leg side of the ball before swatting it away over a leaping Hardik Pandya at mid off for a boundary.

1.6 overs (1 Run)
On a good length and at the pads, Jos Buttler with a flick of the wrist and the ball goes to deep square leg as the batters get one.

1.5 overs (4 Runs)
FOUR! Slightly streaky and slightly skillful as well from Jos Buttler. A tad fuller in length and around off stump, Buttler gets pegged back but does well to just open the bat face at the last minute to get it past the keeper and towards deep third for four runs.

1.4 overs (0 Run)
Good length in the channel around off, Jos Buttler goes back and across before trying to squeeze it out on the off side but can’t find the gap at cover-point.

1.3 overs (0 Run)
There’s that slow nature of the pitch on display again. Pitched up a bit, taking pace off as well, Jos Buttler looks to drive on the up but mistimes it uppishly on the bounce to mid off.

1.2 overs (2 Runs)
On a hard length and angled in at the batter, Jos Buttler clips it away neatly behind square leg and picks up a couple of handy runs.

1.1 overs (1 Run)
Starts off with a good-length delivery bowling it on a much straighter line at the stumps, Phil Salt gets inside the line and gets it away to deep square leg for a single.

Who will bowl from the other end? It will be Jasprit Bumrah.

0.6 over (1 Run)
Off the pads and just five runs come off the first over of the chase. Digs it in a bit short and at the hips, Phil Salt gets tangled up and the ball lobs up off his thigh pad towards short fine leg. They get a leg bye.

0.5 over (0 Run)
Good change-up from Arshdeep Singh! Bowls it slower at just 118 kph and full around the off stump, Phil Salt steps up to go big but is well beaten as the ball rolls to the keeper.

0.4 over (1 Run)
On a length and at the stumps, swinging back in a bit, Jos Buttler works it away through mid-wicket and picks up a single.

0.3 over (2 Runs)
Arshdeep Singh drags the length well back and bowls it at the batter. Jos Buttler is quick to see this and comes down the track before pulling the ball between deep square leg and the man at long leg for a couple of runs.

0.2 over (0 Run)
Pitched up around the off stump line and getting it to just nip back in a bit, late as well. Jos Buttler looks to play on the up but is a bit late and gets it off the inner half of the bat onto the leg side.

0.1 over (1 Run)
England are up and running right away! Just a hint of swing there from Arshdeep Singh as he bowls it full and shapes it back into the pads. Phil Salt flicks it away to deep square leg and gets off the mark with a single.

2.1 overs (6 Runs)
SIX! Timed to perfection! Rohit Sharma with the first six of the game.

1.6 overs (0 Run)
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!

1.5 overs (0 Run)
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.

1.4 overs (0 Run)
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.

1.3 overs (0 Run)
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.

1.2 overs (0 Run)
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.

1.1 overs (1 Run)
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.

0.6 over (0 Run)
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.

0.5 over (0 Run)
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.

0.4 over (1 Run)
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.

0.3 over (4 Runs)
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.

0.2 over (0 Run)
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.

0.1 over (0 Run)
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.

4.6 overs (0 Run)
Slower and shorter, outside off, Rishabh Pant reaches out and steers it to backward point for a dot. After a wicket-taking over from Shakib Al Hasan, Mahedi Hasan needed to back it up from his end and he has certainly done that with a quiet over. Just 3 runs off it.

4.5 overs (0 Run)
This is speared in flat and short, on off, Rishabh Pant waits on the back foot and stabs it down the deck.

4.4 overs (2 Runs)
Strays on the pads, on a nagging length, Rishabh Pant tickles it fine and gets it past short fine leg. Mahmudullah gives it a chase and pulls it back with a slide. Two runs for Pant to open his account.

4.3 overs (0 Run)
Loops it up again from around the wicket to the left-hander, full and on off, Rishabh Pant uses his feet and taps it back to Mahedi.

4.2 overs (1 Run)
Keeps it at the stumps, a bit short, Virat Kohli goes on the back foot and punches it down to long on for a single.

4.1 overs (0 Run)
Drifting away, on a nagging length, on off, Virat Kohli goes back and plays it back to the bowler.

Mahedi Hasan (1-0-8-0) is back.

3.6 overs (0 Run)
Fuller and quicker, on middle, Rishabh Pant loses his balance as he tries to clip it on the leg side and miscues the shot to cover.

3.5 overs (0 Run)
Tosses it up, full and on middle and leg, Rishabh Pant clips it to mid-wicket.

Rishabh Pant walks out to the middle at number 3.

3.4 overs (0 Run)
OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Shakib Al Hasan fights back to get rid of the Indian skipper! Shakib slows it up and drags the length back, at the stumps, Rohit Sharma moves to the leg side and tries to go down the ground. The ball is not full enough and Rohit is done in the flight. Gets a top edge that goes straight up towards mid off where Jaker Ali runs backwards from extra cover and takes a fine catch. This is Shakib’s 50th wicket in Men’s ICC T20 World Cups.

3.3 overs (4 Runs)
FOUR! Nicely done! Lands it on a nagging length, on the off pole, Rohit Sharma lets the ball come to him and glides it wide of short third with an open bat face for a boundary.

3.2 overs (0 Run)
Compensates by dragging the length back and it skids off the deck, outside the line of leg, Rohit Sharma rocks back for the pull but gets beaten on the inside edge and wears it on the back thigh.

3.1 overs (6 Runs)
SIX! Excellent use of the feet and this has gone many a mile! Shakib Al Hasan floats it up, full and on middle and leg, Rohit Sharma puts the dancing shoes on and gets to the pitch of the ball. Launches it way over long on for a biggie.

2.6 overs (0 Run)
Tucks the batter up for room and delivers it on a back of a length, on middle, Virat Kohli shapes up to tuck it across the line but gets a soft leading edge and the ball drops beside the pitch on the off side.

2.5 overs (0 Run)
Pulls the length back and this is much closer to the off-stump line, the ball pings off Kohli’s bat as he punches it hard but picks out the man at cover-point.

2.4 overs (4 Runs)
FOUR! Smeared away! Tanzim serves it full and sliding on the pads, Virat Kohli uses the angle to his advantage and the bottom hand comes into play again. Whips it through square leg for a boundary.

2.3 overs (0 Run)
Lands it on a short of a good length, around off, Virat Kohli stays back and dabs it with a high elbow to backward point.

2.2 overs (1 Run)
Hits the deck hard and bowls it over middle, Rohit Sharma gets on his toes and nudges it with soft hands wide of mid-wicket. A bit of confusion for the run but the single was always on and they made it.

2.1 overs (1 Run)
Steams in from over the wicket and bowls it at 138.4 kph, angling in on the pads, on a back of a length, Virat Kohli hangs back and glances it down to fine leg for a single.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib replaces Mahedi Hasan.

1.6 overs (1 Run)
Spears it in, full and slanting in, on middle, Virat Kohli drives it down to long on for a single. An expensive start by Shakib, 15 runs off his first over.

1.5 overs (2 Runs)
Pushes it through, short and on middle, Virat Kohli makes room to thrash it through the off side but swings a bit too hard. Gets an outside edge that goes wide of short third for a couple of runs.

1.4 overs (6 Runs)
SIX! Stand and deliver! Shakib Al Hasan gives the ball air but serves it right in the slot, full and on middle, Virat Kohli waits for the ball to arrive and brings his bottom hand into play. Thumps it over wide long on for a biggie.

1.3 overs (1 Run)
Loops it up again, full and on off and middle, Rohit Sharma flicks it through square leg and rotates the strike.

1.2 overs (4 Runs)
FOUR! More in control this time was the Indian skipper! Shakib tosses it up but gets the line wrong as this is on the pads, full in length, Rohit Sharma gets down and sweeps it up and over backward square leg for a boundary.

1.1 overs (1 Run)
Starts with a flighted delivery from around the wicket, full and on off, Virat Kohli eases it down to long off and gets to the other end.

Spin from both ends. Bangladeshi veteran, Shakib Al Hasan to bowl the second over.

0.6 over (4 Runs)
FOUR! Not in control but Rohit Sharma has his first boundary! Mahedi bowls it flat and short, attacking the stumps, Rohit Sharma gets down for the paddle sweep but gets a top edge that goes over the keeper and goes well wide of short fine leg for a boundary.

0.5 over (1 Run)
A yes-no situation and a clean pick-up would have made things interesting! Offers flight again but it is full and on the pads, Virat Kohli turns it wide of mid-wicket. The two batters hesitate and wait for the ball to go past the fielder at mid-wicket. Mahmudullah dives but fails to pick it up cleanly, allowing the batters to eventually cross over.

0.4 over (0 Run)
Floats it up and it is a touch slower as well, full and turning into the pads, Virat Kohli clips it off his pads but the fielder at mid-wicket makes a good diving stop to his right.

0.3 over (1 Run)
Sees the batter back away but Mahedi holds his line and length. Serves it on a nagging length and it skids through, on middle and leg, Rohit knocks it along the ground to long on for a single.

0.2 over (0 Run)
Drags the length back and bowls it around middle, Rohit Sharma stays back and nudges it to mid-wicket.

0.1 over (2 Runs)
Rohit Sharma takes the aerial route straightaway! Tosses it up does Mahedi Hasan, full and on off, Rohit Sharma presses forward and lofts it with a straight bat over mid off for a couple of runs. India are up and running!

Done with the pre-match formalities and now it’s time for the action to begin! It’s a pleasant day at North Sound, Antigua, with the sun shining to its glory along with a good breeze around as well. The two Umpires make their way out to the middle. Out stride the two vastly experienced openers of India, skipper Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli with the former taking the guard, and will face spin first up. Mahedi Hasan will get the proceedings underway with the ball for Bangladesh. The countdown finishes, and here we go…

We are just a few moments away from this clash to commence at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua. But before that, the two sets of players line up for their respective national anthems followed by the match officials. It will be Bangladesh’s first, followed by the national anthem of India.

Ravindra Jadeja is in for a chat. He says that he is loving his time here in the Caribbean. Adds that pitches in New York suited the bowlers, but the conditions here in West Indies allow batters to get themselves in and score runs. Feels that they need to bowl while keeping in mind the wind factor and choose ends accordingly. Tells that in T20 cricket, small cameos play a big part and he tries to use his experience in the middle. Further says that he is not worried about his form and if he can score at a good strike rate, it is going to help the team.

The captain of India, Rohit Sharma says that they were looking to bat first, so they got what they wanted. Adds that they now need to put up a good show with the bat. Reckons that it looks like a good wicket but it all depends on how much the sun beats and slows the surface down. Feels that it is important to assess as quickly as possible, which they have done well so far. Informs that they are playing the same team as the last game. Tells that it is important to turn up well for every game and not worry about what lies ahead.

Najmul Hossain Shanto, the skipper of Bangladesh elects to bowl first and says they plan to restrict the opposition to a low total. Says it is a good opportunity for them and they have played some good cricket and also aim to continue with the form. He adds that they know the conditions well and says it’s a good wicket. Also adds that wind will be a factor and feels 150-160 would be a good total. Informs that they have one change with Jaker Ali coming in for Taskin Ahmed.

Bangladesh (Playing XI) – Tanzid Hasan, Litton Das (WK), Najmul Hossain Shanto (C), Towhid Hridoy, Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah, Jaker Ali (In for Taskin Ahmed), Rishad Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mustafizur Rahman.

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.

TOSS – The flip of the coin lands in the favour of Najmul Hossain Shanto and Bangladesh have opted to BOWL first.

PITCH REPORT – Sunil Gavaskar and Harsha Bhogle are at the 22 yards. Harsha Bhogle begins and says it is a bit warm out there but a very strong breeze is blowing across the ground which will help the ball to sail away if hit with the wind. Mentions the dimensions by saying it is 61 meters and 67 meters at the square. Sunil Gavaskar joins him and says this looks like a pretty good track to bat on and the batters will enjoy playing their strokes. Also adds that wrist spinners will get more help as compared to the finger spinners and reckons it is a 180 kind of surface. Ends up by saying the captain winning the toss must bowl first.

Bangladesh, on the other hand, face a quick turnaround after losing to Australia in their Super 8 campaign opener. Tanzim Hasan Sakib has led the charge in the pace department while leggie Rishad Hossain has also delivered the goods with the ball. In terms of batting, Towhid Hridoy has been the shining light, but a collective effort will be crucial to their chances in this clash. Having played in Antigua before, Najmul Hossain Shanto and his men will have a fair idea of the conditions. Can Bangladesh spring a surprise? Or will the Indian juggernaut continue to roll on? Let’s find out. Toss and team news coming up in a bit.

India, along with South Africa and Australia, are unbeaten so far and look poised to progress to the semi-finals. Although Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have not performed up to expectations, Suryakumar Yadav and Rishabh Pant have put their hands up at crucial junctures in the competition. On the bowling front, Jasprit Bumrah has been at the top of his game, supported superbly by the rest of the attack in what has been a dominant bowling performance from the Men in Blue so far. All in all, India look like a well-oiled unit and seem to have the right balance to perform in the Caribbean conditions.

Hello and welcome everyone! We are here in Antigua at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium for another exciting all-Asian clash in Group 1 as Bangladesh and India go head-to-head. Fresh from their victory over Afghanistan, India will be looking to move closer to the semi-finals with another win, while a loss for Bangladesh could push them to the brink of elimination. Although Bangladesh have come close to beating India in the past, they are yet to do so in their four previous meetings in Men’s T20 World Cups. With their tournament lives on the line, they will need to rewrite history here in Antigua.