India Enter the third match in Guwahati with a 2-0 lead in the five-match series. After a high-scoring 48 runs at Nagpur and a A clinical seven-wicket win in RaipurThe Men in Blue are one win away from sealing the trophy. for Mitchell Santnerof New Zealandthis is a must-win or die battle to keep the series alive before heading to Visakhapatnam.
with T20 World Cup 2026 from next month, India is using this series as a final dress rehearsal. the emergence of Abhishek Sharma as a powerhouse at the top and comeback Ishan Kishi have bolstered the already formidable batting line-up he led Suryakumar Yadav.
IND vs NZ 3rd T20I: Probable XI
India: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel (vc), Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh.
New Zealand: Finn Allen, Devon Conway (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Christian ClarkeIsh Sodhi, Kyle Jamieson.
Barsapara Cricket Stadium Pitch Report
The pitch at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium is a traditional batting paradise characterized by a flat surface and hard, red clay that offers real bounce and carry. While the initial few overs may provide some swing to the setters due to the evening dampness and light grass cover, the track quickly turns into a ‘belt’, rewarding stroke play and aggressive intent. The scales are tipped further in favor of short boundaries and a lightning fast encounter. However, the most decisive factor will be the significant evening dew, which makes the ball slippery and difficult for the spinners to catch, often forcing them to chase the preferred tactical option.
Also READ: Top 5 most successful chases by Team India in T20I cricket
Barsapara Cricket Stadium Stats & Records
- Total T20I Matches: 7
- Matches won in first innings: 3
- Matches won in bowling: 3
- Average 1st Shot Score: 161
- Average 2nd Shot Score: 153
- Highest total recorded: 237/3 (20 Ovs) India vs South Africa
- Lowest Overall Record: 118/10 (20 Overs) India vs Australia
- Highest Score Pursued: 225/5 (20 Overs) Australia vs India
- Lowest score defended: 119/6 (20 Ovs) England v India
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