Following their commanding 44-run victory in Thiruvananthapuram, India is poised to face Australia in the crucial third T20I of their ongoing five-match series. The encounter, scheduled for Tuesday, November 28, at Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati, sees India holding a 2-0 series advantage.
In the second T20I at Greenfield Stadium, India's batting lineup shone, with Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ishan Kishan, and Ruturaj Gaikwad each scoring impressive half-centuries, contributing to a formidable total of 235 for 4. The Indian bowlers, particularly Ravi Bishnoi and Axar Patel, played pivotal roles in limiting Australia to 191 for 9, securing a 44-run win.
This upcoming match is critical for Australia, as they need a victory to keep their hopes alive in the series. They will be aiming to overcome the inertia from their ODI World Cup campaign and make a strong comeback in Guwahati.
India's Strategy: Staying Consistent
India is expected to maintain its winning combination from the second T20I. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad, after their stellar performances, are likely to continue opening the innings. The batting order is set to be bolstered by the Mumbai Indians trio - Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, and Tilak Varma. Rinku Singh, known for his aggressive batting, is anticipated to play at number 6.
Axar Patel, the left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder, is poised to be the team's primary all-rounder, with Bishnoi expected to join as the primary spinner. The pace attack will likely comprise Arshdeep Singh, Mukesh Kumar, and Prasidh Krishna. Krishna, despite conceding runs, picked up three wickets in the last match and will be looking to continue his wicket-taking form, while Arshdeep and Mukesh will seek to enhance their performances.
Australia's Possible Changes
The Australian team might introduce Travis Head into their playing XI. Head, renowned for his outstanding century in the ODI World Cup final, missed the first two T20Is. His inclusion could mean Matthew Short, who has not yet made a significant impact in the series, might be replaced. Head could potentially open the batting alongside Steve Smith, who has had a shaky start as an opener.
Both teams are gearing up for an exciting clash, with India looking to seal the series and Australia fighting to remain in contention. The match in Guwahati not only offers a chance for India to consolidate their dominance but also provides Australia with an opportunity to recalibrate and showcase their resilience.
India predicted playing XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan (WK), Suryakumar Yadav (C), Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Mukesh Kumar, Prasidh Krishna.
Australia predicted playing XI: Travis Head, Steve Smith, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Matthew Wade (C & WK), Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Tanveer Sangha, Adam Zampa.
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