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India is gearing up for the final clash in their T20I series against Afghanistan, set to unfold at Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium on January 17, Wednesday. The Indian team, having secured wins in the first two matches, is eyeing a series sweep against the Afghan squad.
The journey of the series saw India clinch a six-wicket victory at Mohali's PCA Stadium, with Shivam Dube's remarkable batting performance playing a pivotal role. The momentum continued at Indore's Holkar Stadium, where India repeated their six-wicket triumph, thanks largely to Dube's consistent form and a scintillating innings of 68 runs off 34 balls by opener Yashasvi Jaiswal.
This series marked the return of Rohit Sharma as the T20I captain, ending his hiatus from the shortest format. Despite high expectations, Sharma's comeback hasn't been ideal, with early dismissals in both matches. Additionally, the series witnessed the T20I return of Virat Kohli, who had last played in the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final against England. Kohli contributed a quick 29 off 16 balls in the second match, aiding India's successful chase in Indore.
Minimal chances of rain in Bengaluru on Wednesday
The Bengaluru weather forecast predicts clear skies, with minimal chances of rain interrupting the game. Evening conditions are expected to feature slight cloud cover, which should diminish as the night progresses. The temperature during the match is anticipated to range between 20 and 27 degrees Celsius, accompanied by 50-60% humidity.
The M Chinnaswamy Stadium, known for being a haven for batters due to its shorter boundaries, sets the stage for a potentially high-scoring encounter. All eyes will be on Kohli as he plays on the home ground of his IPL team, Royal Challengers Bangalore. The final match of the series holds special significance for Kohli and the Indian team.
With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, starting June 1, this series serves as India's last international fixture before the tournament. It offers a crucial opportunity for the team to fine-tune their strategies and assess player performances. The upcoming 17th edition of the IPL will also be pivotal for the Indian squad as they continue to solidify their team composition and approach in preparation for the global T20 showcase.
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