India and Australia contested a high-scoring opener that has set the tone for what should be an exciting series. The Aussies came out on top in the first match as they proved worthy of their world champions tag.
India vs Australia | 23 September 2022 | Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur | 16:00
To Win Match
India 62/100 | Tie 25/1 | Australia 13/10
India
It’s hard to pinpoint exactly where India went wrong in the series opener but it would seem that it was the little things that the tourists did better or sharper that made the difference.
India still look an impressive unit, that much more so for the incredible form of Hardik Pandya, who is probably the T20 player of 2022 so far.
Axar Patel was given a lot of respect by Australia but none of the other bowlers could get on top of them and they plundered runs off others to make up for it.
India’s core players find themselves under pressure whenever the team fails now and Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli therefore really need to lift those around them.
Australia
Cameron Green was the revelation of the series opener as he was asked to take on a pinch-hitting role, although that term does suggest that his ability with the willow is less esteemed than it is.
Matthew Wade’s hard-nosed but hyper-aggressive finishing style has been a fundamental strength of the Australian team from shortly before the run to the T20 crown and he was in great touch in getting the team over the line once again.
Bowling is still Australia’s great strength and they did well on a pitch that didn’t suit the typical approach from Aaron Finch’s side.
Nathan Ellis was the pick of the bowlers and just keeps getting better with experience.
Verdict: Australia 13/10
Australia should take a 2-0 series lead at the VCA Stadium.
