India and Australia were top contenders for the World T20, but things have not gone according to plan for both nations. Only one team can go through to the semifinals of the competition as India are set to take on Australia in a virtual quarterfinal Sunday at the PCA IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali.
Both India and Australia lost to New Zealand, the first team to reach the semis. India need their big guns to fire, else they could be dumped out of the World T20 by Australia.
However, India should be a confident unit ahead of the must-win encounter as the Men in Blue defeated Australia Down Under 3-0 in the T20 series earlier in the year. Australia, who will give their all in Mohali, might be plotting revenge as well.
Players to watch out for in do-or-die encounter
India
Virat Kohli
The right-hander has always stood up, and shone brightly in pressure situations. India need Kohli to deliver as he is the key in this huge encounter. Though India's batting has been poor in the World T20, Kohli has been decent, and with the pitch in Mohali expected to assist batsmen, the Delhi lad should score runs. Kohli will be brimming with confidence to take on the Australia bowlers as he scored 199 runs in the last T20 series.
Ravindra Jadeja
The slow-left arm bowler has been one of India's key players in the World T20. Ravichandran Ashwin may be the key bowler for India, but Jadeja needs to support the off-spinner. Australia batsmen may be cautious while facing Ashwin, and may attack Jadeja, which opens up the chance for him to take quick wickets. Besides his bowling skills, Jadeja is more than useful with the bat in the lower order. It is time he showed his hitting skills in the World T20: He has failed with the bat so far.
Australia
David Warner
The left-hander is Australia's most explosive batsman, and if he gets going with the bat against India, the home team could well be knocked out. Warner has troubled India in the past with his powerful batting, and will be keen to come with a match-winning knock. Though Warner has not batted as an opener in the 2016 World T20, his batting could prove to be the difference between a win and loss for Australia.
Glenn Maxwell
The Australia middle-order batsman is a terrific hitter of a cricket ball, and he can loft India spinners for massive sixes, which is his major strength. Maxwell bats for Australia in the middle-order and is used as a finisher by his team. He does not like hanging around the batting crease for long, but loves to score quick runs and take Australia to a winning position. Maxwell is a more-than-handy off-spinner for Australia, and has bowled decently in the World T20 as well.
