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The India vs New Zealand caravan has reached a decisive point in the T20I series. After two high-octane matches, the action now shifts to Guwahati for the 3rd T20I, where the Men in Blue have a golden chance to seal the series.
India arrived in Guwahati with a commanding 2-0 lead. They started the series with a bang in Nagpur, winning by 48 runs, and followed it up with a clinical 7-wicket victory in Raipur. For Suryakumar Yadav and his men, this match is about closing the door on the series early. For New Zealand, it is a battle for survival.
The series opener in Nagpur saw India flex their batting muscles, posting a massive 238 courtesy of Abhishek Sharma’s fireworks. The bowlers then restricted the Kiwis despite a fighting knock from Glenn Phillips.
The second game in Raipur was a chase masterclass. After restricting New Zealand to 208, India chased it down with ease in just 15.2 overs. Ishan Kishan and Captain SKY were the architects of that win, making a mockery of the target.
Now, with the series on the line, the Kiwis, who recently made history by winning the ODI series, will be desperate to bounce back and keep the contest alive.
Key Players to Watch - India
Suryakumar Yadav: The Indian skipper is back to doing what he does best. After a match-winning 82 not out in the last game, SKY has found his rhythm. He will be keen to lead from the front and secure the series win.
Ishan Kishan: The pocket dynamo silenced his critics with a blistering 76 off just 32 balls in Raipur. His aggressive intent at number three adds a new dimension to India's top order.
Jasprit Bumrah: Expected to return after a rest in the second game, the pace spearhead will be fresh and raring to go. His four overs are often the difference between a good score and a manageable one.
Expected Playing XI - India
Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel/Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav
Key Players to Watch - New Zealand
Glenn Phillips: He has been the lone warrior with the bat for New Zealand in the first match and looked good in patches. On a high-scoring Guwahati track, his power-hitting will be crucial if the Kiwis want to challenge India.
Mitchell Santner: The Kiwi skipper played a handy knock of 47* in the last game, but needs to step up with the ball. As the leader, he needs to inspire his troops to stop the Indian juggernaut.
Rachin Ravindra: The young all-rounder showed intent with a quick 44 in the previous match. New Zealand will bank on him to provide a solid start and counter the Indian spinners.
Expected Playing XI - New Zealand
Devon Conway (WK), Tim Robinson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner (C), Zakary Foulkes, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy, Kyle Jamieson
Match Details: India vs New Zealand, 3rd T20I
Date: Tomorrow (Sunday, January 25, 2026)
Time: 7:00 PM IST
Venue: ACA Stadium (Barsapara Cricket Stadium), Guwahati
Pitch Report
The pitch in Guwahati is known to be a batter's paradise. Fans can expect a run-fest with the ball coming onto the bat nicely. Dew might play a role in the second innings, making the toss crucial. Bowlers will have to be very disciplined to avoid leaking runs.
Weather Forecast
Conditions in Guwahati are expected to be clear and pleasant. There is no forecast for rain, promising a full 40 overs of entertainment for the crowd.
Streaming Details
Fans can catch the live action on the Star Sports Network on television. For digital viewers, the match will be streamed live on the JioHotstar app and website.
