Ishan-Kishan-and-Matthew-Wade. (Photo by BIJU BORO/AFP via Getty Images)
The ongoing five-match T20I series between India (IND) and Australia (AUS) is intriguingly poised at 2-1 in favour of the ‘Men in Blue’. The fourth game is set to be played at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur, on Friday, December 1.
After losing the first two matches, Australia bounced back commendably to record a famous five-wicket win in the third game in Guwahati. India posted 222/3 in 20 overs on the back of Ruturaj Gaikwad’s classy century. However, his effort went in vain as Glenn Maxwell produced a T20 batting masterclass to help the tourists win the nail-biting contest off the last ball. The stage is set for the fourth T20I in what has been a riveting series so far.
No threat of rain during the India versus Australia 4th T20I match
The temperature is expected to be in the early-20s during the match hours. Humidity will be in the range of 50% in what is going to be a hazy evening. There is no chance of rain interrupting the match and that is great news for cricket enthusiasts as the series is on a knife-edge.
Bowlers might get some respite in Raipur
So far in the series, the average score is 215. Five out of the six innings have seen scores in excess of 200. Bowlers have had to toil very hard during the three matches but they could be in for some respite in Raipur, as the venue is not known for being a batting paradise. The wickets are quite balanced and only once has a team scored more than 200 in the T20 format here.
Chasing teams have won 16 out of the 29 T20 matches played at this venue. Dew could also play a vital role and the captain who wins the toss could be inclined to bowl first.