India vs England: Exciting finale in the third ODI at Narendra Modi Stadium
India and England are gearing up for an exhilarating showdown in the third and final ODI at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, February 12. With India already securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, all eyes are on the thrilling finale.
Match Recap
In the first ODI in Nagpur, England struggled to a total of 248 as Indian bowlers Ravindra Jadeja and Harshit Rana shone, each picking up three wickets. In response, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, and Axar Patel led the charge as India comfortably chased down the target.
The second ODI in Cuttack saw England put up a better batting performance, scoring 304. However, Rohit Sharma’s magnificent century and Shubman Gill’s consistent batting ensured India reached the target with ease, securing another victory in the series.
Narendra Modi Stadium Pitch Report
The Narendra Modi Stadium is known for providing a challenging pitch for batsmen, with spinners finding ample assistance. Despite the pitch quickening up in recent times, the average first innings score remains at 237.
Head-To-Head Record
Predicted Playing 11:
India:
Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Arshdeep Singh/Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy, Mohammed Shami.
England:
Ben Duckett, Philip Salt (wk), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (c), Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer/Mark Wood, Adil Rashid, Saqib Mahmood.
Probable Best Performers
Probable Best Batter: Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma’s return to form in the second ODI with a scintillating century makes him a key player to watch out for in the final match. His aggressive style of play can set the tone for India’s innings.
Probable Best Bowler: Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja’s exceptional bowling form in the series, with six wickets at an average of 10.17, makes him a crucial asset for India. His economy rate of 3.21 showcases his ability to control the game.
Today’s Match Prediction
Scenario 1:
If India win the toss and opt to bowl first, with the powerplay score at 50-60, England is predicted to score 240-250, with India emerging as the winners.
Scenario 2:
If England win the toss and choose to bowl first, with the powerplay score at 45-55, India is expected to score 250-260, securing another victory.
As anticipation builds for the final ODI between India and England, fans can expect a thrilling contest between two formidable teams.
Key Factors for the Final ODI
As the teams gear up for the final showdown, several key factors come into play that could determine the outcome of the match. One crucial aspect to consider is the performance of the top-order batsmen. Both India and England boast strong batting lineups, with players like Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Joe Root, and Jos Buttler capable of turning the game in their team’s favor with their batting prowess.
Additionally, the role of spinners on the Narendra Modi Stadium pitch cannot be understated. With spin-friendly conditions expected, the likes of Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Adil Rashid will play a vital role in restricting the opposition’s scoring and picking up crucial wickets. Their ability to control the game in the middle overs could be a deciding factor in the match.
Fielding will also be a key aspect to watch out for in the final ODI. Both teams have shown flashes of brilliance in the field, with exceptional catches and agile fielding making a difference in tight situations. A sharp fielding unit can create pressure on the opposition and create opportunities for breakthroughs.
Player to Watch: Shreyas Iyer
One player who has been instrumental in India’s success in the series is Shreyas Iyer. The middle-order batsman has displayed great composure and consistency, anchoring the innings when required and accelerating when needed. His ability to build partnerships and finish games makes him a crucial player to watch in the final ODI.
In addition to his batting prowess, Shreyas Iyer’s tactical acumen and leadership skills on the field have not gone unnoticed. As a potential future leader of the Indian team, his performance in high-pressure situations like the final ODI against England will be closely monitored.
Final Verdict
As the stage is set for the final ODI between India and England, the stakes are high for both teams. India will be looking to complete a clean sweep and assert their dominance in the limited-overs format, while England will be eager to salvage some pride with a victory in the final match.
With a balanced mix of experienced players and young talent on both sides, fans can expect a fiercely contested match with twists and turns till the very end. The unpredictable nature of cricket makes it hard to predict the outcome definitively, but one thing is for certain – the final ODI at the Narendra Modi Stadium promises to be a thrilling spectacle for cricket fans around the world.
Whatever the result may be, the excitement and anticipation surrounding the match are sure to make it a memorable contest between two cricketing giants.
