IND vs ENG 3rd T20I Pitch Report: Will India Secure a Hat-Trick Win in Rajkot?
The highly anticipated third T20I between India and England is set to take place at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot on Tuesday, January 28. With India leading the five-match series 2-0 under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, the team will aim to secure a hat-trick of victories and an unassailable lead in the series. Meanwhile, England, led by Jos Buttler, will look to bounce back and keep the series alive.
Letโs take a detailed look at the pitch conditions and what to expect from this crucial encounter.
Rajkot Pitch Report: A Batting Paradise
The Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot is renowned for being a batting-friendly surface, offering consistent bounce and allowing batters to play their shots freely. The ball comes nicely onto the bat, making it a venue known for high-scoring matches.
Key Pitch Characteristics:
- First-Inning Advantage: Teams batting first often have the upper hand, as setting a big total can put immense pressure on the chasing side.
- Challenging Run Chases: As the match progresses, the pitch tends to slow down slightly, making run-chasing more difficult.
- Importance of Toss: Winning the toss will be crucial, as the team winning the toss is likely to opt for batting first to exploit the favorable conditions early on.
Pitch Stats at Niranjan Shah Stadium
- Total Matches Played: 5
- Matches Won Batting First: 3 (60%)
- Matches Won Bowling First: 2 (40%)
- Matches Won by Toss Winners: 4 (80%)
- Matches Won by Toss Losers: 1 (20%)
- Highest Team Score: 228
- Lowest Team Score: 87
- Highest Successful Chase: 202
- Average Runs Per Wicket: 28.53
- Average Runs Per Over: 8.91
- Average First-Inning Score: 189
These statistics highlight the dominance of teams batting first, further underlining the importance of winning the toss.
India vs England Head-to-Head Record
India and England have faced each other in 26 T20Is to date:
- India Wins: 15
- England Wins: 11
Indiaโs strong record in the format gives them an edge, but England remains a formidable opponent capable of bouncing back.
What to Expect in the 3rd T20I
- Indiaโs Momentum: After a thrilling two-wicket win in the second T20I, powered by Tilak Varmaโs gritty knock, India will look to continue their winning streak.
- Englandโs Comeback Bid: Despite their struggles, Englandโs explosive batting lineup, including Jos Buttler and Liam Livingstone, has the potential to turn the tide.
- Toss Dynamics: Given the stats, the toss will likely play a pivotal role, with the winning captain choosing to bat first.
IND vs ENG 3rd T20I Pitch Report: Will India Secure a Hat-Trick Win in Rajkot?
