India is set to face off against Australia in the crucial third match of the five-match T20I series on Tuesday, November 28. The encounter will take place at 7:00 PM IST in Guwahati, with the Indian team currently leading the series with a two-match advantage. With a combination of skill and confidence, the Indian side will seek to maintain their victorious stride and seal the series win early.
The second T20I witnessed India’s dominant triumph over Australia by 44 runs, with the host team putting forward a spirited and comprehensive team performance. This momentum is something the Men in Blue are looking to sustain moving into their next game.
However, Australia arrives at this match with the pressure of back-to-back defeats. To stay in contention, Australia must regroup and rise to the occasion. Australian batters have shown potential, but their bowling attack needs to step up significantly to counter India’s batting prowess in the upcoming must-win clash for the visitors.
As the excitement builds, let’s focus on five key player matchups that could be pivotal in steering the game’s direction:
1. Yashasvi Jaiswal vs Nathan Ellis
The Indian opener, Yashasvi Jaiswal, found his groove in the second T20I, earning the Player of the Match accolade with an electric 53 off just 25 balls, guiding India towards a formidable score of 235/4. Sporting a striking rate of 224.24, Jaiswal aims to continue this blistering form into the third T20I, facing a challenge from Australian fast bowler Nathan Ellis. Ellis’s performance at Thiruvananthapuram delivered figures of 3/45, marking him as a pace threat in the early stages of the match.
2. Ishan Kishan vs Adam Zampa
Ishan Kishan’s remarkable spell in the series continued with another significant innings of 52 off 32 balls, combined with an 87-run partnership with Ruturaj Gaikwad in India’s victory in Thiruvananthapuram. However, Kishan now anticipates a tactical battle against Adam Zampa, Australia’s legspinner and a key figure in their World Cup-winning squad. Zampa, returning to the side in the second T20I, poses a strategic risk to Kishan’s aggressive batting style.
3. Rinku Singh vs Sean Abbott
Rinku Singh’s performance has been nothing short of breathtaking, with an explosive nine-ball 31 in his last outing. As he continues to bolster India’s middle order, Australia will summon Sean Abbott to curb Singh’s onslaught. Despite just one wicket in two games, Abbott’s experience could be crucial in the third game.
4. Josh Inglis vs Ravi Bishnoi
Australian hitter Josh Inglis will aim to put his previous low-scoring performance behind him, where he managed only two runs before falling victim to Indian leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi. With a strong showing needed for Australia’s survival, Inglis is expected to bring his best, while Bishnoi will look to continue his form and curtail the Australian’s efforts with his spinning repertoire.
5. Steve Smith vs Prasidh Krishna
Former Australian captain Steve Smith takes the stage as one of Australia’s pivotal players. Despite his confirmed ability with a half-century in the first match, Smith’s impact was subdued in the second game. Going up against the speed and skill of Indian bowler Prasidh Krishna, who successfully dismissed him previously, presents another testing grounds for Smith in this decisive third T20I encounter for the Australian team.
As we anticipate the unfolding of this cricketing spectacle, the result of these individual contests could very well decide the disposition of the entire series. The action promises high stakes and riveting competition, with the climax of this T20I battle fast approaching.
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