India vs England, 3rd T20I: Match Prediction and Analysis
India and England are set to clash in the third T20I of the ongoing five-match series at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot on January 28, 2025. Currently, the Indian team leads the series 2-0 after securing victories in the first two games. The opening match was a dominant display by India, where they won by seven wickets with 43 balls remaining. The second encounter in Chennai was more competitive, with India edging out a narrow two-wicket win thanks to Tilak Varma’s remarkable performance.
The match is scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM IST, with live coverage available on Sports18, Star Sports Network, and Disney+ Hotstar.
Pitch and Conditions
The pitch at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot tends to favor teams batting second, with dew often becoming a factor during the latter stages of the game. Out of the 14 T20 matches played at this venue since the start of 2024, teams chasing have emerged victorious in eight of them. The ideal strategy for the toss-winning captain would be to opt for bowling first, taking advantage of the conditions under the lights.
Head-to-Head Record
India and England have faced off in 26 T20I matches. India holds the upper hand with 15 victories, while England has won 11 encounters. Their first-ever T20I meeting took place on September 19, 2007, and their most recent clash occurred on January 25, 2025.
Predicted Playing XIs
India is likely to field a lineup featuring Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, and skipper Suryakumar Yadav. All-rounders Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar, and Axar Patel will strengthen the middle order, while the bowling attack will include Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, and Varun Chakravarthy.
England’s probable XI includes Philip Salt, Ben Duckett, captain Jos Buttler, and Harry Brook as their key batters. Liam Livingstone and Jamie Smith are expected to contribute in the middle order, while the bowling lineup may feature Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, and Mark Wood.
Key Players to Watch
Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav has had a quiet series so far but is anticipated to bounce back with a strong performance in this match. His aggressive style of batting could be crucial for India’s success.
For England, leg-spinner Adil Rashid has been a standout performer in the series. His ability to restrict runs and take crucial wickets will be instrumental in challenging India’s batting order.
Match Scenarios and Predictions
- Scenario 1: If India wins the toss and opts to bowl first, England is expected to score between 150 and 170 in their innings. India is likely to chase this target successfully.
- Scenario 2: If England wins the toss and chooses to bowl, India may post a score in the range of 165 to 185. In this case, England could have a better chance of chasing down the total.
Prediction
Given the conditions and the performance of both teams so far, the team bowling first is predicted to have the upper hand in this game. India’s confidence from their two victories and the familiarity with home conditions make them the favorites to win the match. However, England has the potential to pull off an upset if their key players perform to their full potential.
Disclaimer: These predictions are based on current team performance, pitch conditions, and previous records. Fans are encouraged to consider their own insights and analyses when forming opinions.
Stay tuned for updates and live scores of this exciting encounter between two formidable teams.