IND vs AUS, 3rd T20I Preview: Team India looks for an unassailable lead.
IND vs AUS, 3rd T20I Preview: After winning the first two T20Is against Australia, India will be aiming to secure an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series when they take on the visitors in the third T20I at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur on Tuesday.
India has been in dominant form in the series so far, with their batting lineup firing on all cylinders. In the first T20I, they chased down a target of 208 with ease, thanks to half-centuries from Suryakumar Yadav and Deepak Hooda. In the second T20I, they posted a mammoth 191, which was too much for Australia to handle.
Australia, on the other hand, has been a bit inconsistent. They have shown flashes of brilliance, but they have also been guilty of some sloppy mistakes. In the first T20I, they were bowled out for 174, despite a half-century from Matthew Wade. In the second T20I, they were able to chase down a target of 192, thanks to a half-century from Marcus Stoinis.
Ahead of the third T20I, both teams will be looking to make some changes to their lineups. For India, the return of Shreyas Iyer could see a change in the batting order. Iyer is a big hitter and could provide India with some much-needed power in the middle overs. For Australia, the return of Mitchell Starc could boost their bowling attack. Starc is a world-class bowler and could be a handful for the Indian batsmen.
The pitch at the VCA Stadium is expected to be a high-scoring one, which will favor the batsmen. The dew could also play a factor, so the captain who wins the toss will have a big advantage.
Overall, India is the clear favorite for the third T20I. They have been in better form and have the home advantage. However, Australia is a dangerous team and cannot be underestimated. They have the firepower to turn the tables around, and they will be looking to do so in Nagpur.
Here are the predicted playing XIs for both teams:
India:
- KL Rahul
- Suryakumar Yadav (c)
- Shreyas Iyer
- Ishan Kishan
- Hardik Pandya
- Dinesh Karthik (wk)
- Axar Patel
- Deepak Hooda
- Umran Malik
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Arshdeep Singh
Australia:
- Aaron Finch (c)
- David Warner
- Josh Inglis
- Glenn Maxwell
- Marcus Stoinis
- Matthew Wade (wk)
- Ashton Agar
- Pat Cummins
- Mitchell Starc
- Adam Zampa
- Cameron Green
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Australia Ponder Recalling Behrendorff
With the chance to claim the series, India are unlikely to make any changes to their playing XI. However, Australia may recall left-arm quick Jason Behrendorff, who was their best bowler in the first T20I with 1 for 25 amid an onslaught.
Pitch and Conditions
The pitch at the PCA Stadium in Mohali is expected to be a high-scoring one, with dew expected to play a factor in the second half of the game. The outfield is also fast and is expected to favor the batsmen.
Key Battles
The key battle in this match will be between India’s top-order and Australia’s bowlers. Australia will need to find a way to get early wickets, while India will need to continue their good form with the bat.
Match Prediction:
India is expected to win the third T20I and take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series. However, Australia is a dangerous team and cannot be underestimated. They have the firepower to turn the tables around, and they will be looking to do so in Nagpur.
DISCLAIMER: This team is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.
