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India vs Afghanistan Third T20I Tips - Dead rubber with so much to offer

By Siddhu Bharadwaj

16 Jan 2024

Siddhu Bharadwaj 16 Jan 2024

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India vs Afghanistan Third T20I predictions to be played at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Wednesday, January 17
There have been 20 sixes hit in the second T20I of this series
In 2 of the last 4 T20Is at this venue, there have been at least 17 sixes hit in total

Can India wrap things up and make it a series whitewash? (Getty Images)

India vs Afghanistan Third T20I

It may be a meaningless dead rubber on paper, but in a T20 World Cup year, there’s nothing of that sort. India and Afghanistan play the last scheduled match before their World Cup sojourn. The third and final T20I match of the series will be played in Bengaluru on Wednesday.

India vs Afghanistan Third T20I
Head to Head
India Form
India Team News
Afghanistan Form
Afghanistan Team News

India already have the series in the bag, thanks to some impressive all-round performances so far. They could go for a few experiments in the final XI and still have a side that can win against Afghanistan. I am looking at 6s market and backing a lot of big hits at a traditionally high-scoring venue.

India and Afghanistan combined for 20 sixes in the second match (T20Is)
In 2 of the last 4 matches at this venue, there have been at least 17 sixes in total (T20Is)
India have won 9 of their last 11 completed matches (T20Is)
Shivam Dube has hit consecutive 60s in his last 2 matches (T20Is)

Head to Head

There have been six T20Is between India and Afghanistan so far with all six won by the Indians. Apart from these, the sides were slated to meet in the Asian Games recently, but that match was abandoned due to rain.

The two matches in this series were won by India, both by a six-wicket margin.

India Form

India have already won the series but the most important fact is that this match is the last scheduled T20I before the World Cup. Although there’s IPL to look forward to, the national team doesn’t have anything else listed.

The impressive Shivam Dube (123 runs) was the cornerstone of India’s wins with a pair of 60s to his name. There were runs for Yashasvi Jaiswal in the second T20I and the duo will be critical to their chances.

With the ball, it’s the miserly Axar Patel (four wickets, ER 5.00) who led the attack. The only concern is the higher economy rate (10.57rpo) of Ravi Bishnoi.

India Team News

With series in the bag, India could be looking to test Sanju Samson, Avesh Khan and Kuldeep Yadav in this match.

Afghanistan Form

Afghanistan were hampered even before the series started as lead spinner Rashid Khan was ruled out. Their task was compounded as they strolled overall for impact.

None of the batters aggregated more than 57 and that was by Gulbadin Naib who scored their only individual fifty of the series. Rahmanullah Gurabaz’s poor scores at the top only made things worse.

Bowlers looked listless too as only seven wickets were taken by the bowlers in the series with Karim Janat and Mujeeb Ur Rahman taking two each.

Afghanistan Team News

With the series lost, Afghanistan may be tempted to bring in leg-spinner Qais Ahmed for one of the spinners.

India vs Afghanistan Third T20I FAQs

Where can I watch the India vs Afghanistan Third T20I live stream?

Our live streaming calendar shows you where to watch the India vs Afghanistan Third T20I live stream.

What time does India vs Afghanistan Third T20I start?

This India vs Afghanistan Third T20I will be played at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on January 17, Wednesday starting at 7:00pm IST.

Verdict

There’s not much value in backing India for a win, while backing Afghanistan seems not too ideal on current form. It is the sixes market that I am looking at, considering the reputation of this venue. Back the big hits to flow from both teams and at least 17 sixes in total.