India will lock horns with England in the third and final ODI at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, February 12.
Match Preview:
India has been in commanding form throughout the series, excelling with both bat and ball. In the second ODI held in Cuttack, India showcased their bowling strength as Ravindra Jadeja spearheaded the attack with impressive figures of 3/35 in just four overs.
The support cast, including Mohammed Shami, Harshit Rana, Hardik Pandya, and Varun Chakravarthy, chipped in with crucial wickets to restrict England to 304.
When it was India’s turn to bat, Rohit Sharma stole the show with a magnificent century, his 32nd in ODIs. Shubman Gill provided steady support with a well-crafted half-century.
If anything the comeback of Rohit Sharma is such a gleeful sight as it will help India to make a mark in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy as well.
England has had its moments in the series but has struggled to finish strong. In the second ODI, they set a competitive target of 304, thanks to a solid opening partnership from Ben Duckett and Phil Salt. Joe Root played a pivotal role with a composed 69, while Liam Livingstone added late fireworks with a quick 41.
Their bowling, however, couldn’t withstand India’s batting onslaught. Jamie Overton picked up two wickets, while Gus Atkinson, Adil Rashid, and Livingstone claimed one each. Despite their efforts, the bowling unit couldn’t prevent India from chasing down the target with ease. England will need a collective team effort to avoid a whitewash and regain their footing.
A win may not seal the series for them but it will give them a much-needed confidence boast moving to a global tournament.
Pitch and weather report:
The Narendra Modi Stadium pitch offers contrasting conditions across innings. In the afternoon, pacers might struggle with minimal movement, relying more on slower deliveries and cutters. Spinners could thrive, as the dry, slow surface tends to offer turn and grip.
As the evening sets in, batting becomes easier with the ball coming onto the bat smoothly under lights. Seamers may find some assistance early on, but conditions generally favor the chasing side. With four out of the last five ODIs at this venue won by the team batting second, the toss could play a decisive role.
Probable Playing XI:
India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh
England: Ben Duckett, Phil Salt (wk), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (c), Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood
Head-to-Head Record
India and England have faced off in 108 ODIs, with India winning 60 and England emerging victorious in 44. Two matches ended in draws, while three had no result.
Prediction:
India is expected to win the third ODI of the series as well.
Where to watch:
India: Disney-plus Hotstar
England:Sky Sports
Pakistan: Tapmad
Others: Cric HD
