In a gripping series defined by its intense rivalry and exceptional performances, India and Australia gear up for the 3rd T20I in Guwahati. India, riding high with a flawless WWWWW record, stands on the cusp of a series victory. Australia, displaying a resilient LLWWW form despite the fatigue from recent ODI World Cup exploits, is determined to turn the tide. This encounter, under Suryakumar Yadav's aggressive Indian leadership and amidst Australia's strategic shifts, promises a cricketing spectacle.
Form Guide - India
India's recent form in T20I cricket has been nothing short of spectacular, boasting a winning streak of five consecutive matches (WWWWW). This impressive run highlights the team's robust adaptation and rejuvenation, particularly following an overhaul of their World Cup squad. Under the dynamic and aggressive leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, the team has found a new zeal and energy, which is evident in their performances.
The batting lineup has been exceptionally vibrant, with each of the top four batters scoring half-centuries in the ongoing series. This depth in batting is further bolstered by Rinku Singh, who has made significant contributions in the latter overs, ensuring a strong finish in the games. The Indian bowlers, although faced with challenges, have stepped up to the task, showcasing urgency and effectiveness in the field.
As the team shifts its focus to the upcoming T20 World Cup, this series serves as an essential platform for preparation. The blend of experienced players and fresh talent in the squad is proving to be a successful formula, as evidenced by their commanding performances so far. India's current form not only reflects their dominance in the series but also sets a solid foundation for their World Cup campaign.
Form Guide - Australia
Australia's form in the last five T20I matches is a mixed bag, with two losses followed by three wins (LLWWW). These performances come against the backdrop of a gruelling schedule and a team that includes several players from their ODI World Cup-winning squad, indicating a level of fatigue. Despite this, the team has shown commendable depth and resilience, particularly in the first two games of the current series against India.
A notable aspect of Australia's strategy has been the experimentation with their lineup and playing style, keeping an eye on the T20 World Cup, which is just over six months away. Young legspinner Tanveer Sangha has been a revelation, showing remarkable courage and skill in challenging conditions. Additionally, the explosive batting of Tim David, especially in Thiruvananthapuram, has been a positive sign for Australia, as they seek a reliable finisher in their batting order.
Despite a 44-run defeat in the second T20I, which highlighted some sluggishness in the team's performance, Australia is poised to make a strong comeback. The team values the opportunity to fine-tune their strategies and combinations ahead of the World Cup, and the current series against India provides an ideal platform for this. With the shift to Guwahati for the next match and a quick turnaround time, it remains to be seen how Australia adapts and whether they can keep the series alive.
Players to Watch
Rinku Singh
In the realm of players to keep a close eye on, Rinku Singh stands out with his phenomenal performance in the closing stages of the matches. His striking rate of 230, coupled with the fact that he has remained not out throughout the series, draws inevitable comparisons to the legendary MS Dhoni.
Rinku Singh has exhibited remarkable poise in high-pressure situations, contributing a crucial 22 runs off 14 balls in the first game, and then escalating his aggression with a swift 31 off just nine balls in the following match. As the expectations on him mount, it will be intriguing to observe how he handles this growing pressure.
Steve Smith
On the Australian side, Steven Smith has been a noteworthy figure. Unlike many of his World Cup-winning teammates who took a break, Smith has continued to demonstrate his commitment and is keen to establish his place as an opener. His impressive performances in last season's Big Bash League for the Sydney Sixers have set a precedent for his role in the T20 World Cup.
In Visakhapatnam, he made a promising start with three boundaries from his initial eight balls, although his efforts were somewhat eclipsed by Josh Inglis' century. Smith's innings concluded at 52 runs from 41 deliveries, and his participation in the second game was relatively brief. With rumours suggesting that Smith might return home after the third game, the upcoming match could be crucial for him to leave a significant impact in this series.
Team Composition
As India inches closer to clinching the series, they are anticipated to maintain their current team composition. Ishan Kishan, initially a surprising selection at number three instead of his usual opening role, has brilliantly adapted, notching up consecutive half-centuries. Depending on the pitch conditions, particularly if there's swing, Shivam Dube might be considered as a viable option. However, the spin duo of Axar Patel and Ravi Bishnoi, who delivered commendable performances in the second T20I, are likely to retain their spots. Arshdeep Singh, the left-arm pacer with a modest return of 1 for 87 across eight overs in the series, faces the possibility of being sidelined.
On the Australian front, they made a strategic decision to bench Jason Behrendorff in the previous game, despite his impressive figures of 1 for 25 in Visakhapatnam. This move was part of a larger strategy to prepare for next year's T20 World Cup, anticipated to be played on slower pitches in the West Indies and the USA. Australia fielded leg-spinners Adam Zampa and Tanveer Sangha together, eyeing this future event. Behrendorff may be recalled to replace seamer Sean Abbott, who had a tough outing in Thiruvananthapuram, conceding 56 runs in three overs. In the first match, Abbott's figures were slightly better at 1 for 43 off 3.5 overs, although he was hit for a six by Rinku Singh on the last ball, which was ultimately declared a no-ball.
Pitch and Weather Report
At Barsapara Cricket Stadium, only three T20Is have been played so far. One was an India-Sri Lanka match in January 2020, abandoned due to rain. The other two games showed contrasting conditions. In 2017, Australia clinched an eight-wicket win over India, with Jason Behrendorff's swing bowling exploiting a tacky pitch.
More recently, in a high-scoring affair, India beat South Africa by 16 runs, accumulating 458 runs. The upcoming match's forecast is clear, with no rain expected. However, players will have to contend with humid conditions on Tuesday, and dew is likely to be a significant factor during the game.
Team Line-ups
India (Probable): Rinku Singh, Mukesh Kumar, Ravi Bishnoi, Ishan Kishan (wk), Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Prasidh Krishna, Tilak Varma, Arshdeep Singh, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Axar Patel
Australia (Probable): Josh Inglis, Tim David, Matthew Wade (capt, wk), Marcus Stoinis, Steven Smith, Tanveer Sangha, Matthew Short, Nathan Ellis, Glenn Maxwell, Adam Zampa, Jason Behrendorff/Sean Abbott
Dream11 Prediction
Broadcast Details
The upcoming India vs Australia 3rd T20I is scheduled for live telecast on the Sports 18 network, catering to a diverse audience with multi-language options. Fans in India can also access free live streaming of this eagerly anticipated match through the JioCinema app and its website. Viewers should note that the action is set to begin at 7 pm IST, providing an exciting evening of cricket entertainment.
Conclusion
As the series progresses to its potentially decisive third match, the stakes are high for both teams. India, with its fresh and formidable lineup, aims to seal the series triumph. Australia, showcasing depth and adaptability, fights to keep the contest alive. This match is not just a battle for series supremacy, but a crucial juncture in both teams' build-up to the T20 World Cup, making it an unmissable event for cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
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