IND vs AUS, 3rd T20I | 5 Player Battles To Watch Out For
India are leading the series 2-0 [X.com]
In what is shaping up to be an electrifying third T20I, India and Australia are ready to battle it out at the Barasapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Tuesday, November 28. With the match commencing at 7:00 PM IST, this encounter marks a crucial moment in the ongoing five-game series.
IND vs AUS: Player battles to watch out for
The Indian team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, has been in formidable form. They snatched a thrilling 2-wicket victory in the series opener at Visakhapatnam, largely thanks to a heroic effort from Matthew Wade and the Australian team.
Carrying their momentum into the second match at Trivandrum, India set a daunting target of 236 runs. Despite a valiant chase, Australia fell short by 44 runs, putting India ahead with a 2-0 lead in the series.
As both teams gear up for the third T20I, here’s a look at the top five player battles that are expected to play a crucial role in the game's outcome.
Yashasvi Jaiswal vs Marcus Stoinis
Yashasvi Jaiswal (Twitter)
Young Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has shown remarkable aggression in the series, particularly highlighted in his swift half-century in the second T20I. Jaiswal's encounter with Marcus Stoinis, who has been entrusted with the new ball by Australia, is crucial.
Stoinis, known for his ability to swing the ball and deliver under pressure, poses a significant challenge to Jaiswal's attacking style. In their previous battles, Jaiswal has scored 13 runs off eight balls against Stoinis, suggesting a certain level of caution in his approach.
The key for Jaiswal would be to carefully play Stoinis' initial overs, especially his inswinging deliveries, which could exploit any potential gaps in Jaiswal's technique. This battle is more than just a contest of skills; it's a game of nerves where Jaiswal's ability to adapt and Stoinis' experience will be put to the test.
Steve Smith vs Prasidh Krishna
Steve Smith (Twitter)
Steve Smith, who is known for adapting his game to different formats, faces a formidable challenge in the form of Indian speedster Prasidh Krishna. Krishna, who made an impressive comeback in the second T20I with a three-wicket haul, including Smith's, has a short yet telling history against the Australian.
Smith has managed eight runs in 8 balls in T20Is, with Krishna claiming his wicket once. The key for Krishna will be to utilise his height for extra bounce and vary his pace, making it difficult for Smith to settle.
For Smith, the challenge will be to counter Krishna's pace and exploit any lack of length. This matchup will be key in the context of the powerplay overs, potentially setting the stage for the rest of the innings.
Josh Inglis vs Ravi Bishnoi
Ravi Bishnoi (Twitter)
Josh Inglis and Ravi Bishnoi's battle is a classic tale of aggression meeting artifice. Inglis, after dominating Bishnoi in the first T20I with a strike rate of 326.7, was dismissed early by the leg-spinner in the second match.
In total, Inglis has scored an impressive 50 runs off 17 balls against Bishnoi but has been dismissed twice. Bishnoi's challenge will be to consistently outsmart Inglis with his variations, especially his googlies and flippers.
Inglis, on the other hand, will aim to replicate his explosive performance from the first T20I, capitalising on any loose deliveries from Bishnoi. Their duel is a microcosm of the larger battle between Australia's batting might and India's bowling finesse.
Ishan Kishan vs Tanveer Sangha
Ishan Kishan (Twitter)
Ishan Kishan’s battlers with Tanveer Sangha have been a highlight of the series. In the first T20I, Kishan took the attack to Sangha, scoring 30 runs off just 11 balls. The second game saw a continuation of this dominance, with Kishan scoring 23 runs off 12 balls against the spinner.
While Sangha did manage to dismiss Kishan in the first game, the Indian batsman adjusted brilliantly in the second, showing his ability to tackle leg-spin efficiently. This ongoing battle will be a test of Kishan’s aggressive batting approach and Sangha’s skills as a bowler. Sangha will need to find a way to curb Kishan’s natural aggression, perhaps by varying his pace and flight.
Suryakumar Yadav vs Nathan Ellis
Nathan Ellis (Twitter)
The clash between Suryakumar Yadav and Nathan Ellis is set to be a thrilling encounter, particularly during the death overs. Ellis, who emerged as the standout bowler for Australia in the last match with three wickets, will be up against Surya's explosive batting.
The Indian captain, who has scored 31 runs off 19 balls by Ellis, including one dismissal, is known for his ability to hit innovative shots under pressure. Ellis, with his variations in pace and skilful death bowling, poses a significant challenge to Surya's flamboyant style.
The outcome of this battle could be crucial in determining the momentum and final scoring rate of India's innings, especially if the game goes down to the wire.
 "Jatin")
