The first of the three-match T20I series between India and Australia is set to take place at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam on Friday, November 24, 2023. However, the weather forecast for the match day is not very promising, as there is a high chance of rain playing spoilsport in the opening contest.
Rain Probability of 80% in Visakhapatnam
According to AccuWeather, there is an 80% probability of rain in Visakhapatnam on Friday, with thunderstorms expected in the afternoon and evening. The temperature is likely to range from 23°C to 29°C, while the humidity will be around 84%. The wind speed will be around 14 km/h during the match time.
The rain could affect the pitch conditions and the toss decision, as well as the possibility of a shortened game or a washout. The last time India played a T20I at this venue was in December 2019, when they defeated West Indies by 67 runs in a high-scoring encounter. The average first innings score at this ground in T20Is is 148, while the highest total is 214.
India Looks to Continue Winning Momentum Against World Champions
India will be looking to continue their winning momentum against the world champions Australia, who are coming off a triumphant campaign at the T20 World Cup 2023 in UAE. India have won their last three T20I series against Australia, including a 2-1 victory in the 2020-21 tour Down Under. India has also won six of their last seven T20Is against Australia, with the only loss coming in the Super 12 stage of the T20 World Cup.
India will be led by Rohit Sharma, who has recovered from a hamstring injury that ruled him out of the Asia Cup 2023. The hosts have a strong batting line-up, featuring the likes of KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, and Hardik Pandya. The bowling department will be spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah, who will be supported by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Ravindra Jadeja.
Australia Aim to Extend Their Dominance in T20 Cricket
Australia will be aiming to extend their dominance in T20 cricket, as they have won 11 of their last 12 T20Is, including the T20 World Cup title. The visitors have a formidable squad, led by Aaron Finch, who was the highest run-scorer in the T20 World Cup with 318 runs. The batting unit also boasts David Warner, Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, and Matthew Wade.
The bowling attack will be led by Mitchell Starc, who was the joint-highest wicket-taker in the T20 World Cup with 16 scalps. He will be joined by Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa and Ashton Agar. Australia will also have the services of Tim David, the Singapore-born batsman who has impressed in various T20 leagues around the world.
Match Details and Broadcast Information
The India vs Australia 1st T20I will start at 7:00 PM IST on Friday, November 24, 2023. The match will be telecast live on Star Sports Network and streamed online on Disney+ Hotstar. The live score and updates will be available on the official websites and social media handles of BCCI and Cricket Australia.
