Captain Sanju Samson (54 off 68 balls) and and Tilak Varma (50 off 62 balls) also scored half-centuries after India opted to bat but it was Thakur’s blitzkrieg down the order that took the home side to 284 all out in 49.3 overs

The quartet had missed the three-match T20I series against India due to various reasons and their return to the side will add the much-needed firepower ahead of the global showpiece event, of which Australia are the defending reigning champions

"This will be our last series before the World Cup and we`ll be looking to plug any gaps we feel that are there," the skipper explained. "We have guys who have been playing a lot of cricket and I guess we will be managing their intensity," Bavuma said at the pre-match press conference here

It will also be an opportunity for fans to watch Gayle and Virender Sehwag, two destructive batters who used to dominate the bowlers, destroying the opposition bowling attack once again

England pace-bowling stalwart Stuart Broad has said it feels great becoming the second-most successful Test fast bowler in the world behind team-mate James Anderson, adding that it was an "honour" to go beyond the legendary Australian quick Glenn McGrath.

The seasoned Umesh Yadav was on Sunday drafted into the Indian team as veteran seamer Mohammed Shami`s replacement for the three-match T20I series against Australia.

As India were dealt with many crucial injuries blow they still have much to look forward to and can take solace in the return to form of their star batter Virat Kohli

Sri Lankan great Muttiah Muralitharan has predicted great success for his country`s young leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga in the T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia next month, saying he will be a "difficult opponent" to bat against.

Australian pacer Pat Cummins said on Sunday that Virat Kohli is a class player and he was going to return to form at some point