The ongoing T20I series between India and England has been a thrilling contest, with both teams showcasing their strengths and resilience. As the series stands at 2-1 in favour of India, the upcoming fourth T20I in Pune on January 31, 2025, is pivotal. A win for India will seal the series, while England will be eager to level the score and push the series into a decider.
Match Preview
The series commenced with India asserting dominance in the first T20I at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, securing a seven-wicket victory. The second match in Chennai was a nail-biter, with India clinching a two-wicket win thanks to Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 72. England bounced back in the third T20I in Rajkot, achieving a 26-run victory. Ben Duckett’s quickfire 51 and Adil Rashid’s economical bowling were instrumental in keeping the series alive.
As the teams head to the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune, both sides are aware of the stakes. India aims to capitalize on their lead, while England is determined to carry the momentum from their recent win.
Team News
India: The Indian team has displayed a balanced performance throughout the series. The batting lineup, led by captain Suryakumar Yadav, has been formidable. However, the middle order faced challenges in the previous match, which they will look to address. Spinner Varun Chakravarthy has been exceptional. He picked up a five-wicket haul in Rajkot, taking his overall wicket-tally in the series to 10 from only three matches.
England: England’s resurgence in the third T20I was marked by significant contributions from Ben Duckett and Adil Rashid. Duckett’s aggressive batting gave the team a solid foundation, while Rashid’s spin posed challenges for the Indian batters. The team might consider bolstering their middle order to maintain consistency.
Weather and Pitch Report
The weather in Pune is expected to be clear on match day, with temperatures around 18°C, providing ideal conditions for cricket. The pitch at the MCA Stadium is known for being batting-friendly, offering true bounce and favoring stroke play.
Pacers may find some movement early on, but spinners are likely to play a crucial role as the game progresses. The average first-innings score at this venue hovers around 170-180 runs, indicating a potentially high-scoring encounter.
Probable Playing XI
India:
- Sanju Samson (wk)
- Abhishek Sharma
- Suryakumar Yadav (c)
- Tilak Varma
- Hardik Pandya
- Axar Patel
- Dhruv Jurel
- Ravi Bishnoi
- Mohammed Shami
- Arshdeep Singh
- Varun Chakravarthy
England:
- Philip Salt
- Ben Duckett
- Jos Buttler (c)
- Harry Brook
- Liam Livingstone
- Jamie Smith (wk)
- Jamie Overton
- Brydon Carse
- Jofra Archer
- Adil Rashid
- Mark Wood
Key Players
India:
- Tilak Varma: The young batter has been a revelation, especially with his unbeaten 72 in Chennai, guiding India to a narrow victory. His ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed makes him a crucial asset.
- Varun Chakravarthy: The mystery spinner has been a consistent wicket-taker, with a standout performance of 5/24 in Rajkot. His variations have troubled the English batters, and he will be key in the middle overs.
England:
- Ben Duckett: His aggressive 51 off 28 balls in the third T20I gave England the needed momentum. Duckett’s ability to take on the bowlers early can set the tone for England’s innings.
- Adil Rashid: The veteran leg-spinner’s economical spell in Rajkot, where he conceded just 15 runs and took a crucial wicket, was instrumental in England’s defense of their total. His experience and guile make him vital to England’s bowling attack.
Match Prediction: Who Will Win?
Considering Pune’s current form and conditions, the match is poised to be a closely contested affair. India’s batting depth and the spin duo of Chakravarthy and Bishnoi give them a slight edge. However, England’s renewed confidence from their recent win and the form of key players like Duckett and Rashid cannot be underestimated. The team that handles the pressure better and executes its plans efficiently will likely emerge victorious in this crucial encounter.
