Match Preview: Sturdy India face on Australia in their super 8 opener

Dhoni’s men India will take on the in-form Australians in their first Super 8 game at Colombo tomorrow. India’s performance in the group stage was really a splendid one, and MSD will be hoping for his boys to continue their good form with both bat and ball when they face Australia. Their batting line-up looks solid, with VirenderSehwag fit to play against Australia. However, the openers haven’t provided a flying start to India, and if the openers can bat for atleast first eight overs, then it will be interesting to see how the batting order changes. May be, Dhoni himself will come out to bat at No.4, and Yuvraj Singh would be pushed to No.5.

Dhoni’s men are aware of David Warner and Shane Watson’s threat. These are the two key players for Australia, and if India manages to get rid of either of the opener inside first six overs, then pressure would certainly be on the Australian side, as Dhoni has variety in his bowling. Whenever the run-flow is high, Ashwin has been Dhoni’s key man. Therefore, it won’t be a bad idea to open with Harbhajan Singh and Ashwin as he did in 2011 World Cup quarter finals. Ashwin indeed could be a threat for David Warner as he has lot of varieties and also the fact that, he alters his length for each and delivery which keeps the batsman guessing. Warner is vulnerable to spin-bowling as he would straightaway look to turn the heat back onto them, but ends up being caught in boundary line. It’s exactly what happened to him against Ireland in the group stage. Therefore, Dhoni has to use Ashwin and Harbhajan efficiently by having atleast one over each in death overs.

Zaheer Khan will hold the key for India with the new ball. Despite hitting the deck on a continuous basis, he hasn’t been able to swing the ball, because of which batsman have found it rather easy to hit. Also, he would be hoping for good support at the other end from Balaji. Balaji would very effective in death overs and this Australian team won’t find it easy to face Balaji, especially in death overs. If India doesn’t leak too many runs with the new-ball, then to a certain extent they have a good chance of winning against Australia as spinners would certainly play their part in the middle part of the innings.

On the other hand, Australia’s bowling attack looks pretty solid with Mitchell Starc leading the attack and he’s well supported by Cummins and Watson. It’s the bowling attack that can keep them in the competition, and if they can remove India’s openers and Kohli early, then the this formidable batting line-up will be put to a real test. They have the ability, it’s about employing the strategy on that particular day.

Players to watch out for

Mahendra Singh Dhoni: This man possesses all the skills that are required for a captain. He plays a very important role both as captain and as well as with the bat. If he comes out and bats ahead of Raina and Yuvraj, then India undoubtedly will go near to the victory margin.

Gautam Gambhir: This man is yet to fire in this tournament alongside Virender Sehwag. However, he got his rhythm back against England and he needs to keep the rhythm going. If Gautam Gambhir stays there for atleast 13 overs, then he would probably know the nature of the wicket and conditions, and will have free license to go for his shots at death overs.

David Warner: Australia rely heavily on Warner and he would certainly be the key batsman for Australia. He has got Australia off to flying starts and it will be interesting to see how he handles Ashwin and Harbhajan Singh in case if either of the spinners opens the bowling for India. If David Warner manages to see off these spinners initially, then indisputably David Warner would be unstoppable.

Prediction: India is riding on a wave of confidence at the moment and if their bowlers can deliver with the new-ball, then India would emerge victorious under Dhoni!