Sydney Cricket Ground is set to host final Twenty20 match of 2016 Australia vs India series on 31 January. The match has been scheduled to kick off at 19:38 local time, 8:38 GMT and 14:08 IST. India have already taken victorious lead in the three T20I series by winnings first two games of the series in Adelaide and Melbourne.
Preview
This is a key match of Australia to get back their pride by winning final T20 as if they fail to win it they’ll lost the series by 3-0 in their home conditions which is probably never happened before. Shane Watson is appointed as the captain of side after Aaron Finch received injury during his 74 runs knock in the second game at MCG. Watson is happy to become captain for Sunday and believes that team is determined to win at SCG on Sunday.
Watson said, “It is an honour to be asked to lead the side on Sunday, although the circumstances are far from ideal. We may have lost the series but there is a great deal to play for with the ICC World Twenty20 coming up and you can be sure we will be determined to do well in Sydney.”
Big Bash League star Usman Khawaja will be seen opening for Australia in Melbourne with Shaun Marsh. Several big names like Steve Smith, David Warner have left for New Zealand to get early familiarity with conditions. Matthew Wade is also depart for New Zealand on Saturday, hence Perth Scorchers wicket keeper Cameron Bancroft will take gloves opportunity in the final twenty20.
On the other hand Indian team will be looking to give chances to other members of squad in this third T20I as team has already won the series. Gurkeerat Singh, Rishi Dhawan and Umesh Yadav may get a chance to play in Sydney. If India beats Australia in this final match and win series by 3-0, they will go on the top of ICC T20 rankings with 10 points addition to present tally.
Let’s have a look at the expected playing line-ups for both teams.
Probable Playing XIs
Australia
Shane Watson (Captain), Usman Khawaja, Glenn Maxwell, Andrew Tye, James Faulkner, Chris Lynn, Shaun Marsh, Kane Richardson, Cameron Bancroft, John Hastings, Cameron Boyce.
India
MS Dhoni (Captain), Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Ashish Nehra, Gurkeerat Singh Mann and Umesh Yadav.
Prediction
India will be favorites to win and they have got 60 percent winning chances over Australia.
Live Telecast
Indian sub-continent based cricket fans will be able to watch the live telecast of India vs Australia third T20 match on Star Sports network. Star Sports 1/HD and Star Sports 3/HD to broadcast live match in English and Hindi commentaries respectively. Fans living in India can tune to DD National aka Doordarshan to watch the Aus vs Ind match live. The match will start at 2:08 PM IST.
Channel 9 will telecast live match in Australia from 7:38 PM.
Sky Sports to broadcast this match live in United Kingdom region.
Live Score
Both playing countries national cricket board websites www.bcci.tv and www.cricket.com.au will provide the latest match updates and live score of 3rd T20I between India and Australia. Leading cricket sport portals espncricinfo and cricbuzz will also provide live scores of the match on Sunday.