Barsapara Cricket Stadium (Guwahati) is hosting the third game of the five-match T20I series between the hosts India and the visitors New Zealand on Sunday night (January 25). While the Men in Blues are leading this series by 2–0, the Blackcaps can't afford any other defeat in this series, as the hosts need one more to win to seal this series. 

India won the T20I series opener by 48 runs at Nagpur last Wednesday night, where they defended the 238 total. While Abhishek Sharma and Rinku Singh thrashed the visiting bowlers, Indian pacers provided a strong start before controlling the late overs strongly. 

In the second game at Raipur, despite losing both the openers in the 209-run chase, India comfortably won the game by seven wickets with 28 balls remaining, as Ishan Kishan and captain Suryakumar Yadav dominated that chase.

This T20I series is a crucial practice for both teams before the beginning of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, which is about two weeks away to begin. 

Weather Report: IND vs NZ 3rd T20I, will rain spoil the Guwahati clash?

IND vs NZ, 3rd T20I: Pitch Update

The pitch has old grass covering, as the ball is expected to come nicely onto the bat. While there are a few cracks, dew is expected to play an important role in the match. So, winning the toss and fielding first is expected.

This international cricket venue is known for high-scoring matches in the recent white-ball formats. In the last T20I at this venue, in November 2023, Australia successfully chased the 223-run target against the hosts. Meanwhile, in October 2022, India scored 237/3 in the T20I match against South Africa, which they won by 16 runs. 

IND vs NZ, 3rd T20I: Toss Update

Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and chose to field first

IND vs NZ, 3rd T20I: Playing XI

India made two changes in the playing XI. Pacer Jasprit Bumrah and leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi have replaced Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakravarthy, respectively.

India playing XI

Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Suryakumar Yadav (Captain), Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi

Visitors New Zealand have made one change in the playing XI. Kyle Jamieson has replaced Zak Foulkes. 

New Zealand playing XI

Tim Seifert (wk), Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner (Captain), Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy