India and England are all set to lock horns in the IND vs ENG 3rd T20 match of the England Tour of India 2025, with the game scheduled for January 28 at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. The match will begin at 7:00 PM IST, and cricket enthusiasts can look forward to a thrilling encounter between these two powerhouses. As always, we bring you expert analysis, Dream11 predictions, fantasy cricket tips, and all the crucial match details that will help you create a winning fantasy team.
IND vs ENG 3rd T20 Match Overview: India vs England – 3rd T20I
India comes into this match with a commanding 2-0 lead in the five-match T20I series after a thrilling two-wicket victory in the second game. In that match, England batted first and set a target of 165 runs. Jos Buttler played a captain’s knock, scoring 45 runs, and was supported by Brydon Carse, who added a quick-fire 31 off 17 balls. However, India’s bowlers, particularly Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel, were pivotal in containing the English batting line-up and taking crucial wickets.
In response, India chased down the target in 19.2 overs, thanks to a brilliant, unbeaten knock of 72 runs from Tilak Varma. Despite Brydon Carse’s strong bowling performance, where he claimed three wickets, India managed to cross the line, thanks to Varma’s calmness under pressure.
Looking ahead to the third T20I, India will be aiming for another win to seal the series, while England will be hoping to bounce back and keep the series alive. Both teams are likely to make strategic adjustments, with India relying on their strong batting and spin attack, and England possibly focusing on improving their batting depth and addressing the challenges posed by India’s bowlers.
Head-to-Head Record: India vs England
When it comes to head-to-head records of IND vs ENG 3rd T20, India holds a slight edge with 15 wins compared to England’s 11 victories in T20Is.
Weather and Pitch Report
The weather in Rajkot for the upcoming match looks clear, with the temperature expected to be around 22°C. The pitch is expected to be batting-friendly, and teams will likely favor pace bowlers early on. Chasing could be challenging, with the historical trend showing a poor record for teams batting second in Rajkot, where they’ve only won about 10% of the time.
IND vs ENG Predicted Playing XIs
Now, let’s talk about the predicted playing XIs for both teams. For India, Sanju Samson will take the wicketkeeping gloves, while Suryakumar Yadav will captain the side. The team will likely feature key players like Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, and Axar Patel, with Varun Chakravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi providing options in the spin department. England will counter with their experienced captain, Jos Buttler, and aggressive players like Ben Duckett, Harry Brook, and Liam Livingstone. The bowling department will be spearheaded by Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, and the ever-reliable Adil Rashid.
Dream11 Tips and Fantasy Cricket Tips
When selecting your Dream11 team, consider players who are in good form and likely to play key roles in the game. Hardik Pandya, for instance, is an excellent all-rounder who can make an impact with both bat and ball. His recent performance shows his ability to contribute in all phases of the game. Similarly, Abhishek Sharma, who has shown promising all-round skills, can be a great choice for your team as both a batsman and a bowler.
Jos Buttler is another player to watch out for, as he has been in solid form, scoring consistently for England. Varun Chakravarthy is another strong contender, with his leg-spin skills proving essential in taking wickets and building pressure on the opposition.
Budget-Friendly Picks for Dream11
If you’re working with a limited budget, players like Jamie Overton and Mark Wood could prove to be valuable additions, as both can contribute with both bat and ball. Overton’s versatility and Wood’s express pace make them crucial in key moments of the match.
Captain and Vice-Captain Selections
As for captain and vice-captain selections, Hardik Pandya and Abhishek Sharma are ideal choices for captaincy. Pandya’s ability to deliver under pressure, coupled with his match-winning abilities with both bat and ball, makes him a top pick. For vice-captain, Varun Chakravarthy is an excellent option, given his potential to pick up crucial wickets in the middle overs.
Dream11 Prediction Team Suggestions
For your Dream11 team, we suggest a balanced lineup with a mix of both top-order batsmen and reliable bowlers. Here’s a possible selection:
- Wicketkeepers: Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson
- Batsmen: Tilak Varma, Abhishek Sharma (Captain)
- All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Liam Livingstone
- Bowlers: Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy (Vice-Captain), Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse
In case you’re working with a different combination or budget, here’s an alternative team:
- Wicketkeepers: Jos Buttler (Vice-Captain), Sanju Samson
- Batsmen: Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav
- All-rounders: Hardik Pandya (Captain), Axar Patel, Jamie Overton
- Bowlers: Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Brydon Carse, Mark Wood
IND vs ENG 3rd T20 Players to Avoid for Dream11
Lastly, it’s important to avoid players who have been struggling in recent matches or are uncertain to feature in the playing XI. For example, Dhruv Jurel has not had a significant impact in the series so far and might not be a top pick. Additionally, keep an eye on the team composition after the toss, as any last-minute changes could affect the fantasy selections.
Match Winner Prediction
India is currently the favorite to win this match, considering their strong form and dominance in the series so far. However, England could pull off an upset if they manage to bounce back and tackle India’s strong bowling lineup.
Conclusion
Stay tuned for the final team update after the toss! As the match gets closer, ensure your Dream11 team is set with the best picks based on the toss and final playing XI updates. Keep an eye on the changes, and may your team lead you to victory!
