India will look to seal the five-match T20 series against New Zealand when the two teams face off in the third T20I on Sunday in Guwahati. After winning the opening two matches comfortably, the hosts are just one win away from taking an unassailable 3-0 lead, with momentum firmly on their side.
The third T20 comes at a crucial time, with the T20 World Cup just two weeks away. For India, this series is not just about results but also about fine-tuning combinations and assessing form under match pressure.
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India in command after dominant start
Led by the India national cricket team, the hosts have ticked most boxes so far. The batting unit has shown intent and depth, while the bowlers have kept things tight in the middle and death overs. Chasing in the previous game, India made light work of the target, underlining their current confidence.
However, there are still a few selection calls to be settled. All eyes will once again be on Sanju Samson, whose form remains a talking point. The wicketkeeper-batter has struggled for runs in recent outings, including the first two matches of this series, raising questions ahead of the World Cup.
World Cup build-up adds extra pressure
With only three matches left before the global tournament, India’s core looks largely settled. Both batting and bowling departments have delivered consistently, but the team management will be keen to see clarity around a couple of positions. Samson’s recent struggles against pace, including earlier series, make the next few games important from a selection perspective.
New Zealand aim to bounce back
The New Zealand national cricket team, led by Mitchell Santner, will be desperate to stay alive in the series. Tactical tweaks are expected, including the possibility of promoting Daryl Mitchell up the order to add stability.
Fielding, usually a New Zealand strength, has been a concern so far. Dropped catches and missed chances have hurt them in key moments, and improvement in this area will be critical if they are to challenge India in Guwahati.
IND vs NZ 3rd T20: Match details
- Date: Sunday, January 25
- Venue: Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati
- Match start time: 7:00 PM IST
- Toss: 6:30 PM IST
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IND vs NZ 3rd T20: Live streaming and telecast
The third T20I will be broadcast live on Star Sports channels. Fans can also watch the live streaming on the JioHotstar app and website. Live scores and ball-by-ball updates will be available on leading sports platforms.
