IND vs NZ 3rd T20I: Big Changes in Playing XI? Confirmed Team News & Prediction
IND vs NZ 3rd T20I
| New Zealand | India |
| Devon Conway | Sanju Samson |
| Tim Seifert | Abhishek Sharma |
| Rachin Ravindra | Ishan Kishan |
| Glenn Phillips | Suryakumar Yadav |
| Mark Chapman | Rinku Singh |
| Daryl Mitchell | Hardik Pandya |
| Mitchell Santner | Shivam Dube |
| Kyle Jamieson | Harshit Rana |
| Matt Henry | Ravi Bishnoi |
| Ish Sodhi | Kuldeep Yadav |
| Jacob Duffy | Jasprit Bumrah |
The stakes couldn’t be higher as the caravan of the New Zealand tour of India moves to the northeast. After dominant performances in Nagpur and Raipur, Team India has taken a commanding 2-0 lead in the 5-match T20I series. Now, the Men in Blue arrive at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati with a singular goal: seal the series on Sunday night.
For New Zealand, this is a do-or-die encounter. A loss here would not only cost them the series but also deal a severe blow to their confidence ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, which is just weeks away. Will Suryakumar Yadav’s men continue their ruthless run, or will Mitchell Santner’s Kiwis finally punch back?
Here is everything you need to know about the IND vs NZ 3rd T20I, including the pitch report, weather forecast, confirmed injury updates, and our match prediction.
Match Details
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Match: India vs New Zealand, 3rd T20I
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Date: Sunday, January 25, 2026
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Time: 7:00 PM IST (Toss at 6:30 PM)
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Venue: Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati
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Live Streaming: JioHotstar & Star Sports Network
Pitch Report: A Batting Paradise Awaits in Guwahati
The Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati is widely known as a batter’s ally. The surface is generally hard, offering true bounce that allows stroke-makers to hit through the line right from the start.
Key Pitch Stats:
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High Scoring Venue: History suggests that 200+ is a par score here. The boundaries are relatively small, and the outfield is lightning-fast.
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The Dew Factor: Since this is a night match in January, dew is expected to play a massive role in the second innings. Bowlers will struggle to grip the wet ball, making chasing the preferred option.
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Captain’s Call: The captain winning the toss will almost certainly choose to bowl first to utilize the dew advantage later in the game.
India: Axar Patel Injury Scare & Kuldeep’s Return
India has been clinical so far, but they do have a minor injury concern. All-rounder Axar Patel suffered a finger injury during the 1st T20I in Nagpur. While he played through pain, the team management might not risk him in a series they are already leading comfortably, especially with the World Cup around the corner.
If Axar is rested, chinaman spinner Kuldeep Yadav is the automatic replacement. He will join forces with the mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, who has been in sensational form this series.
In the batting department, Ishan Kishan has solidified his spot at No. 3 in the absence of Tilak Varma. The top order of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson will look to provide another explosive start, allowing skipper Suryakumar Yadav and hard-hitter Rinku Singh to dismantle the death bowling.
New Zealand: Desperate for Wickets
The BlackCaps have struggled to contain India’s batting lineup. Their bowling attack, led by experienced pacers, has leaked runs in the Powerplay. We might see a change in their pace battery, with Matt Henry possibly coming in for Jacob Duffy or Lockie Ferguson to add more control with the new ball.
Batting-wise, Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra need to convert their starts. The middle order, heavily reliant on Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips, has often been left with too much to do in the final overs.
1. Suryakumar Yadav vs Mitchell Santner: SKY has been in imperious form, but if there is one bowler who troubles him, it is the left-arm spin of Mitchell Santner. Santner’s ability to take the pace off the ball could be New Zealand’s best bet to silence the Indian captain.
2. Abhishek Sharma vs Trent Boult / Matt Henry: India’s young opener loves to attack from ball one. However, the swinging new ball has occasionally been his undoing. How he negotiates the first two overs will determine India’s Powerplay score.
3. Varun Chakaravarthy vs NZ Middle Order: Varun has been a revelation in this series. His mystery spin has completely baffled the Kiwi middle order. With the Guwahati pitch offering little help to bowlers, his variations will be crucial in the middle overs.
Match Prediction: Who Will Win?
While New Zealand is a dangerous side when cornered, the momentum is firmly with India. The “Men in Blue” have a more balanced attack suited for Indian conditions, and their batting depth is currently unmatched.
Prediction: India to win the match and seal the series 3-0.
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Scenario: If India chases, expect a comfortable win due to dew. If India bats first, they are likely to post a total of 210+, putting immense pressure on the Kiwi chase.
India vs New Zealand: T20I Head-to-Head Records
India and New Zealand share a fierce rivalry in the shortest format. While New Zealand has historically been a tough opponent in ICC tournaments, India has dominated them in bilateral series at home.
| Stat Category | Record Details |
| Total Matches Played | 29 |
| India Won | 15 |
| New Zealand Won | 11 |
| Tied / No Result | 3 |
| Last 5 Matches Form | IND: W W W L W |
Note: India is currently on a 3-match winning streak against the Kiwis in T20Is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Will rain affect the IND vs NZ 3rd T20I in Guwahati?
Ans: According to the latest weather report, the skies in Guwahati will be clear on Sunday evening. There is less than a 5% chance of rain, ensuring a full 40-over match. However, humidity will be high (approx 75%), leading to heavy dew in the second innings.
Q2: Which TV channel will telecast IND vs NZ 3rd T20I live?
Ans: In India, you can watch the live telecast on the Sports18 channel. For Hindi commentary, tune into Colors Cineplex.
Q3: Where can I watch the live streaming of the match?
Ans: Live streaming will be available on the JioCinema and JioHotstar apps and websites for free.
Q4: What is the average 1st innings score at Barsapara Stadium?
Ans: The average first innings score in T20Is at Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati is around 185-195 runs. It is considered a batting-friendly surface.
Final Verdict for Bettors & Fans
The 3rd T20I is India’s to lose. With the dew factor heavily favoring the chasing side, the toss will be the biggest game-changer. If India wins the toss and bowls first, a 3-0 series lead is almost guaranteed tonight.
