Deodhar Trophy 2019-20, Match 3: India B v India C – Preview, prediction, likely XIs

India B and India C both thrashed India A in their respective opening matches of the 2019-20 Deodhar Trophy to qualify for the final. Before the final, however, they will face off in the last league match, a “dead rubber” of sorts.

Thanks to hundreds from Ruturaj Gaikwad and Baba Aparajith, India B had posted 302/6 in their first match. Roosh Kalaria and Mohammed Siraj then rocked the India A top order. They folded for 194.

India C’s victory was even more comprehensive. While the hundreds came from Mayank Agarwal and Shubman Gill, the course of the innings altered when Suryakumar Yadav launched a furious onslaught, racing to 72 not out from 29 balls. His last 54 took just 13 balls, and India C added 61 in the last 3 overs to post 366/3. Helpless against Jalaj Saxena (7/41), India A slumped to 134.

It is this firepower down the order that will probably give India C an advantage. India B do have Kedar Jadhav and Vijay Shankar at five and six, but their top order is more solid than explosive.

Key players

Shahbaz Nadeem (India B): Less than a fortnight ago, Nadeem was rewarded for years of toil with a Test cap; he responded with 4 wickets. It is now time for him to demonstrate his capability in the shorter formats.

Jalaj Saxena (India C): Yet another domestic giant, Saxena has perhaps been the finest all-rounder in Indian domestic cricket for some time. With a 7-wicket haul under his belt, he will now try to contribute with bat as well.

Likely XI

India B: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Priyank Panchal, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Baba Aparajith, Kedar Jadhav, Vijay Shankar, Parthiv Patel (c & wk), Shahbaz Nadeem, Roosh Kalaria, Mohammed Siraj.

India C: Mayank Agarwal, Shubman Gill (c), Priyam Garg, Suryakumar Yadav, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Jalaj Saxena, Mayank Markande, Dhawal Kulkarni, Axar Patel, Ishan Porel, Anmolpreet Singh.

Prediction

The teams are evenly matched. India C perhaps hold a slight edge.