Cameron Green delivers cricket masterclass as David Warner's IPL struggles continue

Aussie all-rounder Cameron Green has found form ahead of Australia's T20 World Cup bid, with a scintillating display with bat, ball and in the field to keep the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) IPL hopes alive. Green was a high-profile signing for RCB ahead of this season but struggled for form early on.

But as the stakes have got higher with the battle for a playoff spot intensifying, Green has stepped up. On Sunday, the 22-year-old dashed the IPL play-off hopes of Aussie compatriots David Warner and Jake Fraser-McGurk, with his heroics propelling RCB to a 47-run win over the Delhi Capitals.

With the bat, Green chipped in with an unbeaten 32, which was pivotal in his side setting a respectable total of 9-187. But it was with the ball and in the field where he proved even more crucial.

As Delhi looked like they were set to chase down RCB's total, Green delivered in the biggest way. Off his own bowling, he sprinted out to a mis-hit ball, picking it up on the spin and throwing down the stumps in one motion to dismiss the dangerous Tristan Stubbs.

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It was a turning point in the match, with Delhi unable to get any momentum back after Stubbs' dismissal. With the ball, Green also contributed with a very economical 1-19 off four overs, tying down the Delhi batsman to cap off an all-round performance and earn man-of-the-match honours.

Green's performance helped bring up RCB's fifth straight win, which sees them move above Delhi into fifth on the IPL table. The allrounder has stepped up at the right time in the absence of fellow Aussie allrounder Glenn Maxwell, who has been benched at the end of a dismal IPL campaign.

David Warner falters again in IPL

Meanwhile, Aussie opener Warner has given Australian selectors much to ponder after another poor showing in the IPL. After a five-match break following a finger injury, Warner lasted just two deliveries before being caught on the boundary after mistiming a hook shot.

At the other end, Fraser-McGurk showed up as his veteran partner again. Despite there being a place for Warner in Australia's upcoming T20 World Cup campaign but not Fraser-McGurk, the 22-year-old continues to make selectors wonder if they made the right call.

In his first ball at the crease, the young Aussie continued his devastating run of form, smashing a huge six over long-off. He then continued his free-flowing batting by showing no respect to Test pacer Mohammed Siraj, whacking him for 14 off his first over. The Aussie was then dismissed in unfortunate circumstances, being run out at the non-striker's end.

Shai Hope hit a glorious straight drive, which bowler Yash Dayal deflected onto the non-striker's stumps to dismiss Fraser-McGurk. However, his performance once again showed why he is currently one of the best short-form batters in the world.

The 22-year-old's strike rate after scoring 330 runs in eight innings, sits at an extraordinary 237.41. However, Warner (168 runs in eight innings at a strike rate of 134.40) is going to the World Cup while he isn't. The likes of Warner, Travis Head, Maxwell and Mitchell Marsh are expected to make up the top of Australia's order when Australia kick off their T20 campaign against Oman on June 6.

with AAP