The excitement continues to build as India takes on England in the 3rd T20 of the ongoing 5-match series on January 28, 2025, at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. With India leading the series 2-0, the stakes are high, and fans are eager to see whether England can bounce back or if India will extend their dominance. Here’s everything you need to know about this thrilling encounter.
India’s Stronghold at Niranjan Shah Stadium
The Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot has proven to be a fortress for India in recent T20Is. Historically, the pitch offers even bounce and is generally favorable for batsmen, making it a high-scoring venue. India has played 5 T20Is at this venue, securing 4 victories. The most notable wins include demolishing South Africa by 82 runs in 2022 and a commanding 91-run victory over Sri Lanka in 2023.
The conditions in Rajkot are expected to be favorable for India once again. The home team has been in excellent form, and the crowd support at this iconic stadium will give them an added edge. The Men in Blue will be looking to capitalize on their momentum and seal the series with a win in this match.
Team Updates: India vs England 3rd T20
India has made some changes to their squad ahead of the 3rd T20 match. Due to injuries to explosive players Shivam Dube and Ramandeep Singh, Rinku Singh and Nitish Kumar Reddy have been replaced in the lineup. Despite these changes, India’s depth in the squad ensures they have a solid batting and bowling attack.
England, on the other hand, will be looking to regroup after a narrow defeat in the previous match. In the 2nd T20, England set a modest target of 166 runs in 20 overs, but India chased it down with ease thanks to Tilak Varma’s fantastic 72* off 55 balls. England’s bowling attack needs to step up if they are to level the series and keep the competition alive.
IND vs ENG Head-to-Head: A Closer Look
In their previous 26 T20 encounters, India has had the upper hand, winning 15 matches compared to England’s 11 victories. However, England has shown their potential in this series, and despite trailing, they are always a formidable team that can turn the game around at any point. The 3rd T20 promises to be an exciting battle between two cricketing giants.
Weather and Pitch Conditions
The weather in Rajkot is expected to be clear, with no interruptions likely. The pitch at Niranjan Shah Stadium typically offers good batting conditions, and fans can expect a high-scoring encounter. While the pitch helps the batsmen, it also offers enough for bowlers to get some grip and bounce, which could make things interesting as the game progresses.
How to Watch the India vs England 3rd T20 Match
Cricket fans can catch the action live on Disney+ Hotstar, which will be streaming the match online. For those watching on television, Star Sports will broadcast the match across multiple channels, including Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 1 Kannada, Star Sports 1 Telugu, and Star Sports 1 Tamil. The match is scheduled to start at 7 PM IST, so be sure not to miss a moment of the action!
Who Will Win? India vs England 3rd T20 Prediction
As the 3rd T20 match between India and England approaches, predictions are divided. Some experts, including CricTracker, believe that the team bowling first has a good chance of winning, given the nature of the pitch. Meanwhile, Khel Now forecasts a win for India, citing their recent form and strength at Rajkot.
However, we believe England will come out fighting and have the potential to level the series in this crucial match. With their strong batting lineup and experienced bowlers, they could put up a strong challenge against India. The match promises to be a thrilling contest, and it’s anyone’s game.
Conclusion:
The 3rd T20 between India and England in Rajkot is poised to be a must-watch event. While India will look to extend their lead in the series, England will fight to keep the competition alive. Whether you’re rooting for the Men in Blue or the Three Lions, this match is sure to deliver all the drama and excitement cricket fans crave. Stay tuned and enjoy the action-packed cricket!
