As the cricketing giants India and Australia prepare for their final showdown of the year, the anticipation is palpable. 2022 has been a year marked by intense rivalry as the two teams have faced off multiple times, with each side having their moments of glory. Australia might have clinched the prestigious WTC and World Cup titles, yet it is India that enters the series decider in Bengaluru with the upper hand, having already secured the T20 series following their victory in Raipur.
In the previous match, a target of 174 runs could have seemed modest compared to the towering scores earlier in the series, but the pitch at Raipur showed a different character. It offered the bowlers the grip and turn that had been lacking, making the partnership between Rinku Singh and Jitesh Sharma all the more impressive. The Australian batters, in contrast, struggled to find their footing against the Indian spinners, a problem they will be keen to rectify on the traditionally placid pitch of the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
The series has been a platform for players like Axar Patel to showcase their mettle. Patel, seemingly motivated after being overlooked for the South Africa T20 leg, delivered a stellar performance with figures of 3/16 that helped India defend their total. His efforts, combined with the collective bowling prowess, ensured India’s victory despite Australia’s formidable batting lineup.
However, with the final match of the series looming, the focus shifts to the weather conditions that could play a decisive role in the outcome. Thankfully for cricket enthusiasts and players alike, the weather seems to be in favor of an uninterrupted game. Accuweather’s forecast predicts a mere 2 percent chance of rain on game day, Sunday, December 3. Although a cloak of 96 percent cloud cover suggests an overcast sky, the likelihood of precipitation affecting play remains negligible, much to the relief of everyone involved.
With the temperatures expected to fluctuate between a pleasant 20 to 26 degrees Celsius, players and fans alike can anticipate a full 40-over match to wrap up this gripping series. It promises to be a competitive clash with both teams hungry to conclude the year on a high note. India will aim to consolidate their series win and assert dominance on home soil, while Australia looks to redeem themselves and split the series result before departing from the Garden City.
As strategists ponder over playing XIs and the pitch continues to be a subject of keen interest, one thing is for certain — a contest between India and Australia rarely disappoints. With the stakes high and pride on the line, this final T20I in Bangalore is poised to be another thrilling chapter in the storied rivalry between these two cricketing powerhouses.