Guwahati, India - India and New Zealand are set to face off in the third T20I of their five-match series today at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. India currently leads the series 2-0, after convincing victories in Nagpur and Raipur. A win today would seal the series for the Suryakumar Yadav-led side, allowing them to experiment in the remaining matches. For New Zealand, this is a must-win game to keep the series alive.
India's dominance in the first two matches has been built on strong batting performances and disciplined bowling. In the second T20I in Raipur, India chased down a target of 209 with ease, thanks to explosive innings from Ishan Kishan (76 off 32) and Suryakumar Yadav (82 not out off 37). Kishan's return to form after a long hiatus was particularly impressive. Suryakumar Yadav, who hadn't scored a half-century since late 2024, has also found his rhythm, allaying concerns about his form.
The conditions in Guwahati are expected to favor batting, with a true bounce and fast outfield. Dew could also play a role in the second innings, making chasing easier. The weather forecast is clear with temperatures around 23 degrees Celsius. Winning the toss and opting to bowl first could be an ideal move.
For India, the only expected change in the playing XI is Jasprit Bumrah replacing Arshdeep Singh, who was expensive in the previous match. Bumrah was rested in the second match.
New Zealand will need their top order to fire and their bowlers to execute their plans effectively to bounce back. The Kiwi bowling attack has looked ordinary so far, and their batters need to convert starts into substantial scores. In the second T20I, Rachin Ravindra (44 off 26) and Mitchell Santner (47 not out off 27) contributed well, but it wasn't enough to contain the Indian batting lineup.
With India's batting depth, bowling variety, and home advantage, they hold a significant edge. A victory in Guwahati would not only secure the series but also provide an opportunity to fine-tune their strategies and combinations ahead of the T20 World Cup. The match promises an electrifying night of T20 cricket for fans.
