Steve Smith has made India the favorite brand to win the T20 World Cup after Virat Kohli’s side beat Australia in a warm-up match on Wednesday.
Smith scored a half-century to help Australia post 152 for five in Dubai, but India’s batsmen won by eight wickets with 13 balls to spare.
“They are a fantastic side, they have covered all bases and are some serious match winners,” Smith said after scoring 57 off 48 balls.
“All of them have been playing with IPL (Indian Premier League) in these conditions for the last few months. So they will get used to it.”
Australia’s bowlers took only one wicket, with spinner Ashton Agar dismissing opener Lokesh Rahul for 39.
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Rohit Sharma retired after 60 off 41 balls and gave a bat to Hardik Pandya (14 not out) along with Suryakumar Yadav (38 not out).
All-rounder Marcus Stoinis bowled for the first time during the IPL after suffering a hamstring injury, conceding 16 runs in his two overs.
David Warner’s form remains a major concern for Australia as opener Ravichandran was dismissed lbw for a run by Ashwin.
Warner, who was dropped IPL team Sunrisers Hyderabad has scored only three runs in their last four innings after two failures with the bat.
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The lefthander was not alone in his struggle, with Finch being dismissed for eight and all-rounder Mitchell Marsh batting at number three, Ashwin removed him for a first-ball duck.
Smith held the Australian team together with Glenn Maxwell (37) and Stoinis (41 not out).
The former captain was happy to score runs after being barely used by Delhi Capitals on the resumption of the IPL in the Middle East.
“I feel like I’m hitting the ball really well,” he said.
“I haven’t played too many matches in the IPL, but I have spent a lot of time in the nets, working on things and getting used to the conditions.”
Australia meets South Africa world cup opener in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.
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