Australia won the 3rd T20I at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati in an exciting last-ball match thanks to a spectacular century by Glenn Maxwell and poor bowling from India. India hopes to win the series with a 3-1 victory at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur on Friday when the teams rematch.
India’s batting line-up has shown great potential in the series so far. Vice-captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has been in exceptional form, amassing 181 runs at an impressive average of 90.50. His unbeaten hundred in the third game showcased his ability to anchor the innings and push the team to a substantial total. Captain Suryakumar Yadav has also maintained consistency with the bat, accumulating 138 runs at an average of 46 and an impressive strike rate of 170.37.
Ishan Kishan has showcased his prowess with two half-centuries in the series, while Rinku Singh exhibited aggressive finishing capabilities in the second T20I, providing India with depth. The team will once again rely on Rinku to provide the finishing touches. Additionally, the availability of Shreyas Iyer for selection in the upcoming game adds further strength to India’s batting line-up.
While India’s batting has been impressive, their bowling has remained a concern throughout the series. Except for Ravi Bishnoi, who has been exceptional with six wickets from three matches at an average of 19.67, the bowling unit has struggled to contain the Australian batsmen. India’s death bowling was exposed in the last game, highlighting the need for improvement in this crucial phase of the innings.
Axar Patel has made a notable impact with his spin bowling, and if there is support for the spinners in the upcoming match, Bishnoi and Axar might prove crucial. The inclusion of Deepak Chahar in India’s squad for the last two matches brings a valuable addition to the fast-bowling unit. Chahar’s recent performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2023 for Rajasthan, where he took 10 wickets in 5 games with an economy of 7.38, adds balance and options to India’s bowling attack.
Australia’s lineup for the 4th T20I will undergo significant changes, with key players like Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa, and Josh Inglis unavailable for selection as they have returned home. This opens the door for players like Ben McDermott, Josh Philippe, and Chris Green to showcase their talent at the top level. Travis Head, currently in superb form, will lead the batting unit, supported by experienced players like Matthew Wade, Tim David, and Kane Richardson. Despite the infusion of experience, Australia appears weaker compared to the previous match.
One notable challenge that Australia faces is their struggle against spin, which has been observed in both the top and middle order. This weakness will need to be addressed, especially in the absence of key players like Glenn Maxwell and Adam Zampa. While the bowling attack remains largely unchanged, the role of Chris Green, known for his effectiveness in the powerplay, adds a new dimension to the bowling unit. Tanveer Sangha, the young spinner, will need to elevate his performance in the absence of Zampa and prove his effectiveness against the Indian batting line-up.
The 4th T20I between India and Australia is scheduled for 7:00 PM at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur. There is no forecast of rain, but there is a possibility of dew. The ground is relatively big, and the pitch is expected to be on the slower side.
Based on recent performances and team combinations, the predicted playing XI for both teams are as follows:
India Playing XI:
Australia Playing XI:
One key match-up to watch out for in the upcoming game is between Ruturaj Gaikwad and Jason Behrendorff. Gaikwad was the standout performer with the bat for India in the last game, while Behrendorff starred with the ball for Australia, recording figures of 1-12 from his 4 overs. The left-arm pacer has looked in good rhythm and will aim to unsettle the in-form Gaikwad with the new ball. This battle between bat and ball could prove crucial in determining the outcome of the match.
As India and Australia gear up for the 4th T20I, both teams will be eager to secure a series victory. India’s strong batting line-up and potential improvements in their bowling unit provide them with a solid chance to clinch the win. On the other hand, Australia, despite missing key players, will look to address their struggles against spin and put up a strong fight. With the match taking place in Raipur, the conditions and pitch will play a significant role in shaping the outcome. Cricket fans can expect an exciting contest between these two competitive teams.
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