India enter the third encounter in Guwahati with a commanding 2-0 lead in the five-match series. After a high-scoring 48-run blitz in Nagpur and a clinical seven-wicket victory in Raipur, the Men in Blue are one win away from sealing the trophy. For Mitchell Santner’s New Zealand, this is a must-win “do or die” battle to keep the series alive before heading to Visakhapatnam.
With the T20 World Cup 2026 starting next month, India is using this series as a final dress rehearsal. The emergence of Abhishek Sharma as a powerhouse at the top and the return of Ishan Kishan have bolstered an already formidable batting lineup led by Suryakumar Yadav.
IND vs NZ 3rd T20I: Probable Playing 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, Kristian Clarke, Ish Sodhi, Kyle Jamieson.
Barsapara Cricket Stadium Pitch Report
The pitch at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium is a traditional batting paradise, characterized by its flat surface and hard, red soil that offers true bounce and carry. While the initial few overs might provide seamers with some swing due to the evening moisture and light grass cover, the track quickly settles into a “belter,” rewarding stroke-play and aggressive intent. Short boundaries and a lightning-fast outfield further tilt the scales in favour of a high-scoring encounter. However, the most decisive factor will be the significant evening dew, which makes the ball slippery and difficult for spinners to grip, often making chasing the preferred tactical choice.
Also READ: Top 5 highest successful chases by Team India in T20I cricket
Barsapara Cricket Stadium Stats & Records
- Total T20I Matches: 7
- Matches won batting first: 3
- Matches won bowling first: 3
- Average 1st Innings Score: 161
- Average 2nd Innings Score: 153
- Highest Total Recorded: 237/3 (20 Ovs) by India vs South Africa
- Lowest Total Recorded: 118/10 (20 Ovs) by India vs Australia
- Highest Score Chased: 225/5 (20 Ovs) by Australia vs India
- Lowest Score Defended: 119/6 (20 Ovs) by England vs India
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