The 3rd T20I between India and England is scheduled to take place on January 28, 2025, at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. The match will begin at 7:00 PM IST, with the toss happening at 6:30 PM IST. With India leading the series 2-0, this game holds significant importance for both teams
A win for India in the third T20I would not only secure the series victory with two matches to spare but also showcase their dominance in the ongoing contest. For England, however, this match represents a critical chance to regroup and bounce back after two consecutive losses. A victory would help them regain momentum and keep the series alive, giving them an opportunity to challenge India in the remaining games. The stakes are high for both teams, as India will aim to maintain their winning streak and assert their superiority, while England will fight to avoid a series defeat and prove their resilience under pressure. This sets the stage for an intense and thrilling encounter.
The pitch at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot is traditionally known to favor batters, making it a high-scoring venue in T20 cricket. The surface tends to be flat with an even bounce, allowing batters to play their shots freely. Spinners may come into play as the game progresses, with the dry surface providing some assistance, especially in the second inning. However, pacers may struggle for movement, though variations like cutters and slower balls could prove effective.
Dew can be a significant factor in evening games at this venue, particularly in the second innings, making it challenging for bowlers to grip the ball. Teams winning the toss often prefer to chase here due to the favorable batting conditions and the impact of dew. A first-innings score of around 180-200 is considered par on this ground, given the batting-friendly nature of the pitch and the smaller boundaries.
Predicted playing XI for India
1: Abhishek Sharma
2: Sanju Samson
3: Tilak Varma
4: Suryakumar Yadav (C)
5: Shivam Dube
6: Axar Patel
7: Hardik Pandya
8: Washington Sundar
9: Ravi Bishnoi
10: Arshdeep Singh
11: Varun Chakravarthy
Predicted playing XI for England
1: Phil Salt
2: Ben Duckett
3: Jos Buttler (C)
4: Harry Brook
5: Liam Livinstone
6: Jacob Bethell
7: Jamie Overton
8: Brydon Carse
9: Adil Rashid
10: Mark Wood
11: Jofra Archer
