‘Terrific’ India favourites to win T20 World Cup: Smith

TIL Desk Sports/ Steve Smith has branded India favourites to win the T20 World Cup after Virat Kohli’s side outclassed Australia in a warm-up match on Wednesday.

Smith scored a half-century to help Australia post a competitive 152 for five in the practice game in Dubai but India’s batsmen mowed down the total with 13 balls to spare to win by eight wickets.

“They’re a terrific side, they’ve got all bases covered and some serious match-winners,” Smith said after his 57 from 48 balls. “They’ve all been playing in these conditions the last couple of months with the IPL. So they’ll be used to that.”

Australia’s bowlers captured only one wicket, with spinner Ashton Agar removing opener KL Rahul for 39. Rohit Sharma retired after a 41-ball 60 to allow Hardik Pandya (14 not out) a bat with Suryakumar Yadav (38 not out).