The series is interestingly poised after India fought back to level matters in the second match of the series.
Image Copyright – Steve Haag Sports.
The series will play out entirely at the Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad, and both teams should have a good understanding of what to expect from the surface and conditions in general.
India vs England | Tuesday 16 March | Motera Stadium, Ahmedabad | 15:30
To Win Match
India 72/100
Tie 25/1
England: 23/20
India
India looked a different side in the second T20I, albeit chasing a below-par score. The Motera Stadium appears to be a tough ground to defend a score on, which could influence decisions at the toss.
Virat Kohli showed himself to be the master of the chase, well assisted by young Ishan Kishan and Rishabh Pant. Kishan struck a superb fifty on debut and took to T20I cricket like a duck to water.
India did a great job of choking England’s run-scoring at the death in the second game, and that could prove a key factor going forward.
The team backed their five bowlers which allowed them to stack their batting lineup and allowed India to use a floating batting order tailored to the match situation.
England
England had looked on course for a 180+ total in the second match of the series but came unstuck at the death against Shardul Thakur and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
Jason Roy continues to show great form and looks to be England’s best bet for top-scorer every time he comes out to bat.
England’s explosive players Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes couldn’t fire for the tourists, and the latter also struggled with the ball in a tough day at the office.
Adil Rashid and Jofra Archer provided a consistent threat in the second match but didn’t have the back-up of the runs on the board to get the job done.
Verdict: India 72/100
India have the edge now.
Written by James Richardson.
