Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell said that the head-to-head battle between star India and Australia batters Virat Kohli and Steve Smith will be exciting to watch and whoever makes more runs will help his team take home the Border Gavaskar Trophy. The Border-Gavaskar series between India and Australia will begin on November 22, with the first Test at Perth. Smith and Virat are among the ‘Fab Four’ batters of the modern era, alongside England’s Joe Root and New Zealand’s Kane Williamson.

Maxwell, who has played seven Tests for Australia and last played in 2017 in the longer format, said on Star Sports, “I think probably the way that the two superstar batters, Steve Smith and Virat Kohli, are probably head-to-head, seeing how their dominance I suppose, is asserted on the series and how much of an influence that has on who takes home the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. One of those two is going to make a lot of runs, if not both of them, and it is going to be pretty exciting to watch the two of the finest players of our generation go head-to-head.”

In 109 Tests, Smith has scored 9,685 runs at an average of 56.97, with 32 centuries and 41 fifties in 195 innings. His best score is 239. On the other hand, Virat has scored 8,848 runs in 113 Tests and 191 innings at an average of 49.15, with 29 centuries and 30 fifties. His best score is 254.

A heartfelt moment between the two tough rivals came during the 2019 World Cup, when Virat stopped the crowd from boing at Smith over the ‘Sandpaper Gate’ saga. Smith later appreciated the gesture and thanked the former Indian skipper for the same.

Virat’s Test record in Australia is prolific, scoring 1,352 runs at an average of 54.08 in 13 Tests, with six centuries and four fifties in 25 innings. His best score is 169. Overall in 25 Tests against Australia, he has scored 2,042 runs at an average of 47.48, with eight centuries and five fifties in 44 innings.

On the other hand, Smith is the ninth-highest run-getter in BGT history. In 18 matches and 35 innings, he has scored 1,887 runs at an average of 65.06, with eight centuries and five fifties. His best score is 192.

The second Test, scheduled for December 6 to 10 at Adelaide Oval, will feature the exciting day-night format under the stadium’s lights. After that, fans will turn their attention to The Gabba in Brisbane for the third Test, which will be held from December 14 to 18.

The customary Boxing Day Test, set for December 26 to 30 at Melbourne’s storied Melbourne Cricket Ground, will bring the series to its penultimate stage.

The fifth and final Test, taking place at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7, will serve as the series climax, promising a dramatic conclusion to an exciting contest.

Usman Khawaja (left) and Pat Cummins during lie detector test.© YouTube/@Fox League

In a spectacular display of power hitting and strategic bowling, Washington Freedom etched their name on the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2024 trophy with a massive 96-run victory over the San Francisco Unicorns in the championship final at Grand Prairie Stadium. Led by a stellar performance from Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell, Freedom set an imposing target of 208, which proved too steep for the Unicorns to chase in the match on Sunday. In need of a strong start, the Unicorns were immediately on the back foot.

Jake Fraser-McGurk (3) was dismissed early in the third over, and Marco Jansen (3/28) struck a crucial blow by removing Finn Allen (13), who scored a century in the qualifier. With the score at 30/3, the Unicorns were in deep trouble.

The middle-order collapse continued as Sherfane Rutherford (4) and Josh Inglis (18) fell early, extinguishing any hopes of a miraculous chase. Andrew Tye, who was brought in for the final, picked up two pivotal wickets, further tightening the noose around the Unicorns. Rachin Ravindra then cleaned out the tail with an impressive spell, ending with figures of 3/23.

Earlier in the ultimate match of the tournament, the team from Washington lost Head (9) early. Then, Steve Smith (88 in 52 balls, with seven fours and six sixes) took centre stage, anchoring the innings with a masterful knock.

He found support in Andries Gous (21 in 14 balls, with three fours and a six), who added a steadying partnership before both Gous and Rachin Ravindra (11) fell without significant contributions. Undeterred, Smith unleashed a barrage of strokes, finding the boundary with ease.

Glenn Maxwell (40 in 22 balls, with a four and four sixes) joined Smith and the duo took the game away from the Unicorns with their aggressive batting. A memorable over saw Drysdale concede 28 runs as both Smith and Maxwell went berserk, setting the stage for a massive total.

Smith’s departure, followed shortly by Maxwell’s, brought Mukhtar Ahmed (19*) to the crease, who contributed a quick cameo with a couple of big hits, pushing the total past the 200-mark. The Freedom ended their innings at 208, a record total for a final.

Brief Scores: Washington Freedom (Steve Smith 88, Glenn Maxwell 40, Pat Cummins 2/35) beat San Francisco Unicorns (Carmi Le Roux 20, Josh Inglis 18, Marco Jansen 3/28) by 96 runs

India vs Australia Live: Squads –

India: Rohit Sharma (captain), Hardik Pandya, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj.

Australia: David Warner, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (captain), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Matthew Wade (wk), Pat Cummins, Ashton Agar, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis.

Australia Test stalwart Usman Khawaja expressed his sadness at Afghanistan not being able to play in Australia, as he congratulated Afghanistan’s historic 2024 T20 World Cup win over his own country. Earlier in the year, Cricket Australia had cancelled a bilateral series against Afghanistan over the country’s “marked deterioration” in the treatment of women and children, following the rise of the Taliban regime. While the Afghanistan cricketers remain puzzled over the decision, Khawaja stated that the Afghanistan side was an inspiration.

Replying to a tweet by Rashid Khan celebrating Afghanistan’s 21-run win over Australia, Khawaja said:

“Well done Brother. Better team on the day. You boys are an inspiration for so many back home and abroad. So sad we can’t see you all play in Australia.”

In 2023 and 2024, Cricket Australia had cancelled a planned bilateral series against Afghanistan. The decisions came following restrictions imposed by the ruling Taliban, which did not allow women and girls to access higher education and public property like parks and gyms.

Needing a win to stay alive in the 2024 T20 World Cup, Afghanistan posted a total of 148 in 20 overs. However, the Aussie opening pair of Travis Head and David Warner failed to fire.

It looked that much like the 2023 World Cup clash between the two nations, Glenn Maxwell would take the game away from Afghanistan. However, he was dismissed in the 15th over, with Australia lying at 106-6. 

Gulbadin Naib was the unlikely hero with the ball, picking up four wickets: Maxwell, the in-form Marcus Stoinis, Tim David and Pat Cummins.

Afghanistan bundled out Australia for 127, registering their first win over the Aussies in T20 World Cup history.

If Afghanistan beat Bangladesh in their final Super 8 clash, and Australia lose to India, then Afghanistan will take a spot in the 2024 T20 World Cup semis.

Super Eight – Match 11 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, 2024 will be played between Australia and India (AUS vs IND) at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia on Monday. In the last match played by Australia, they lost to Afghanistan by 21 runs. The top fantasy player for Australia was Glenn Maxwell who scored 95 fantasy points. In India’s last match in this tournament, they beat Bangladesh by 50 runs. The top fantasy player for India was Kuldeep Yadav who scored 105 fantasy points.

Pitch Report and Weather Conditions

The pitch at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia is balanced. The average 1st innings score at this venue in the last 20 matches is 115 runs. The team batting first at this venue has won 40% of its matches, so the toss does not make much of a difference here. The team winning the toss may decide to bat or bowl depending on the ground conditions today.

Weather Report

Temperature is expected to be around 29.08 degree C and humidity is expected to be around 77%. 8.52 m/s winds are expected. Cloud cover is also expected, so expect some movement to aid the pace bowlers. There is light rain expected which may affect playing conditions.

Pace or Spin?

The pacers have taken 75% of the total wickets at this venue. Hence picking up pacers for your fantasy team should be a good idea. Based on the stats available, We predict that the pitch will continue to assist the pacers.

Head to Head

In the 31 matches played between these two teams, Australia bowlers have earned the most fantasy points for their team, while batters have earned the most fantasy points for India.

AUS vs IND Fantasy Top Captain and Vice-Captain Picks

Marcus Stoinis

Marcus Stoinis is a fairly consistent player in terms of fantasy points. He has an average of 58 match fantasy points in the last 10 games and a fantasy rating of 8.8. Stoinis has smashed 167 runs in the recent six matches while the all-rounder has also taken eight wickets with the ball.

Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli is a good-to-have player for your Fantasy Team. He has an average of 43 match fantasy points in the last 10 games and a fantasy rating of 8.5. The right-handed batter has scored 66 runs in the recent five matches.

Axar Patel

Axar Patel is an all-rounder with an average of 55 match fantasy points in the last 10 games, a fantasy rating of 8.5 and can be a good safe pick for your Fantasy Team. The spin-bowling all-rounder has scored 35 runs in three innings while he has also taken four wickets with the ball.

Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya can be a good safe pick for your Fantasy Team. He has an average of 66 match fantasy points in the last 10 games and a fantasy rating of 8.3. The star all-rounder has scored 89 runs in three innings at an impressive strike rate of 141.26 while also picking eight wickets with the ball.

Travis Head

Travis Head is a top-order batter with an average of 32 match fantasy points in the last 10 games, a fantasy rating of 8.2 and can be a good pick for your Fantasy Team. The explosive left-handed batter has smashed 179 runs in the recent six matches at an impressive strike rate of 151.69.

AUS vs IND Possible Playing XI

Australia (AUS) Possible Playing XI: David Warner, Travis Head, Tim David, Matthew Wade, Adam Zampa, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Marsh

India (IND) Possible Playing XI: Rishabh Pant, Suryakumar Yadav, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja and Shivam Dube

AUS vs IND Fantasy Team Today

Wicket-Keepers: Rishabh Pant and Matthew Wade

Batters: Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh

All-Rounders: Marcus Stoinis, Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya

Bowlers: Kuldeep Yadav and Pat Cummins

Captain: Jasprit Bumrah

Vice-Captain: Travis Head

Following a setback against Afghanistan that left Australia speechless at Arnos Vale Ground, captain Mitchell Marsh has issued a warning to his teammates ahead of their final clash in the Super 8 against unbeaten India at the 2024 T20 World Cup. The spirited performance from Afghanistan left Australia in a peculiar situation. Australia will now step into Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in Saint Lucia to face India in a must-win game. With the Baggy Greens looking to bounce back from their recent setback, Marsh emphasized the need to win against India.

“First and foremost, it becomes clear for us. We need to win, and no better team to do it against. Full credit to Afghanistan for tonight, and we move on quickly,” Marsh said in the post-match presentation.

Things didn’t fall in place for Australia as they looked to sneak away a win and seal their place in the semi-final.

Catches were dropped, and a couple of misfields led to boundaries. Ashton Agar misjudging the ball as it went away for a four was one such example of their struggles.

It eventually came back to haunt Australia as a couple of errors in the field allowed Afghanistan to put 148/6 on the board.

“They got 20 too many. And to be honest, they played a really good game of cricket. We were outplayed tonight,” Marsh added.

Marsh won the toss and decided to bowl. Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan admitted that they wanted to bat because the record indicated chasing a target on the surface was a taxing job.

“We did think about it. A lot of teams have bowled first at this World Cup to get an idea of the surface. Don’t think we lost at the toss. It was an off-night for us in the field, and we own that. We’ll be back next game. It wasn’t an easy wicket, but both teams played on this surface,” Marsh concluded.

With their fate hanging in balance, Australia will face India at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, Saint Lucia, on Monday to fight for their semi-final spot.

Afghanistan vs Australia, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 Live Streaming: Australia take on Afghanistan in the Super 8, hoping to all but seal their place in the semi-finals of the 2024 T20 World Cup. On the other hand, after a crushing 47-run loss to India, Afghanistan cannot avoid another loss to keep their semi-final hopes intact. The Asian nation will need to provide Rahmanullah Gurbaz with more support in batting, which has been their big weakness. Australia are firing on all cylinders and will look to remain unbeaten in the 2024 T20 World Cup.

When will the Afghanistan vs Australia, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match be played?

The Afghanistan vs Australia, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match will be played on Sunday, June 23 (IST).

Where will the Afghanistan vs Australia, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match be played?

The Afghanistan vs Australia, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match will be played at the Arnos Vale Ground, St. Vincent.

What time will the Afghanistan vs Australia, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match start?

The Afghanistan vs Australia, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match will start at 6:00 AM IST. The toss will take place at 5:30 AM IST.

Which TV channels will telecast the Afghanistan vs Australia, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match?

The Afghanistan vs Australia, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match will be telecast in India on the Star Sports Network.

Where to follow the live streaming of the Afghanistan vs Australia, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match?

The Afghanistan vs Australia, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match will be streamed live on Disney plus Hotstar app and website.

(All the details are as per the information provided by the broadcaster)

AFG vs AUS T20 World Cup 2024 LIVE Scorecard: Afghanistan need to win to stay alive in T20 World Cup.© AFP

Ahead of his side’s 2024 T20 World Cup Super Eights clash against Bangladesh, Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell revealed that some players from England, whose qualification to the next round was dependent on their arch-rivals’ win over Scotland, were panicking in their dressing room, booking and cancelling their flights while the match went down the wire. Australia will be taking on Bangladesh in their Super Eights clash at Antigua on Friday. Australia finished their Group B on top, with four wins in four matches. Bangladesh finished second in their Group C with three wins and a loss. Australia’s win over Scotland, who ended their campaign at third place with two wins, a loss, a no result and five points, helped England qualify for the Super Eights with five points on the basis of net-run-rate.

Defending champions England will be kickstarting their Super Eights campaign against West Indies at Saint Lucia on Thursday.

Speaking on ESPN’s ‘Around the Wicket’ programme, Maxwell said, “There was almost this interesting part where they dropped Tim David’s catch when there was three runs were required off three balls. When it gets down to the last two-three balls, who knows what is going to happen? Luckily enough, we got over the line and luckily enough, they got through. But I heard it was absolutely chaos. They were in the hotel and there was a fair bit of panic. Guys were booking flights and cancelling etc. It would have been fun being a fly on the wall watching that.”

Maxwell also revealed that he got some texts from England players ahead of the game, saying, “Yeah, just a couple of texts here and there (from England players). It was actually quite funny. There was a lot of chat out in the ground like ‘Are we doing this? Are we seriously going to let England back in?’ It was a pretty interesting game.”

Notably, before the game, Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood had made a statement during the pre-match press conference that it would be in everyone’s best interests if England is knocked out of the tournament early.

“In this tournament, you potentially come up against England at some stage again and…they are probably one of the top few teams on their day and we have had some real struggles against them in T20 cricket, so if we can get them out of the tournament that’s in our best interest as well as probably everyone else,” said Hazlewood.