The run-fest in Guwahati was successful demonstration of the most talked about positive approach of the Indian batting lineup. With a batting lineup that big and players filled with talent and experience, the talks were of the bowling department as India’s premium bowler has now been officially ruled out of the T20 World Cup with stress fracture. It’s been a contrasting series so far, as the 1st match was dominated by the bowlers from both sides and the 2nd match being dominated by the batters of both sides. According to the reports India have rested vice captain KL Rahul and Virat Kohli for the dead rubber. In a game where more than 400 runs were scored, neither team will be happy about their bowling performances in the previous match and hope for a better display from the bowlers in the last encounter.
Action now moves to Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore for the 3rd T20I. One can expect another run fest and a real tough day at work for the bowlers as this ground has been produced high scoring encounters previously. Who can forget Rohit Sharma’s 43 balls 118 runs assault against the Sri Lankans at this very ground. With smaller boundaries on display and the dew factor in consideration, expect the captain winning toss to bowl first. Having hosted 2 T20I, the ground is set to host an it’s 3rd T20I after January 2020.
Team News:-
India
With India opting to rest KL Rahul and Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer will be included the playing 11 and bat at no 3. This could mean that Rishabh Pant or Suryakumar Yadav might have to open the innings with Rohit Sharma given that both have opened for India before. Shahbaz Ahmed being an allrounder may make his debut, unless opt to go for an extra pacer. The bowling department and specially bowling in the death overs is the real point of concern for the management and the captain. Deepak Chahar and Arshdeep Singh have been brilliant so far in the powerplays but Arshdeep Singh who went for 62 runs in 4 overs (second-highest by an Indian bowler in T20I’s) has not been able to replicate the type death over spells that he’s been performing in the IPL. Possibility of Chahal replacing Ashwin also can’t be ignored as the latter has been expensive in the previous encounter.
“We always want to keep getting better as a team. Today was one of those days when our bowlers couldn’t execute seven out of 10 balls or so but that doesn’t mean it will keep happening. This is something we need to learn and get better at. In the last game they restricted the team to 106 and today they went for runs. You have to take into consideration the conditions also, the pitch.” KL Rahul in the post match conference of the 2nd T20I.
South Africa
Top order remains to be an area of concern for the visitors as their top 3 have failed to put up a big score for the team. Quinton De Kock however scored a half century but struggled in majority of his innings, he and his team management will be hoping a big score from him in the last match. Markram and David Miller have looked in sublime touch in the series. South Africa will be really pleased to see how Miller has struck form just before the T20 World Cup and will hoping that he continues to score the way he is scoring now. South Africa have to somehow manage and fit in Reeza Hendricks and Heinrich Klaasen in the playing XI as both of them are brilliant batters and match winners on given day. Matchups of Deepak Chahar and Arshdeep Singh against Temba Bavuma and Rilee Rossouw will be interesting to see as both the batters are yet to off the mark in the tournament.
Match Details
Date and Time- Wednesday, 5 October at 7PM IST.
Venue- Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore.
By- Saurabh Kadam.
