The excitement of the five-match T20I series between India and New Zealand reaches its peak as. The two teams face off in the third encounter at the Baraspara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. With India leading the series 2-0, a win today would secure an unassailable lead and clinch the series for the Men in Blue.
Toss Update and Tactical Changes
Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and elected to field first, citing the potential dew factor later in the evening, while the big news from the Indian camp is the return of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who replaces Arshdeep Singh. Also, leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi has been brought in for Varun Chakravarthy. These changes indicate India's intent to test their best combinations while maintaining pressure on the Kiwis.
High Stakes in Guwahati
India is on the verge of history, looking to defeat New Zealand in their fifth consecutive T20I series, while the previous two matches were high-scoring thrillers, with scores consistently crossing the 200-run mark. The Guwahati pitch is renowned for being a batter's paradise, and with short boundaries, another run-fest is anticipated. New Zealand, led by Mitchell Santner, will be desperate to keep the series alive with a much-needed victory.
Playing XI for Both Teams
New Zealand: Devon Conway, Tim Seifert (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner (c), Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy, Ish Sodhi, and Matt Henry.
India: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya,. Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, and Jasprit Bumrah.
Pitch Report and Expectations
The Baraspara Stadium has historically favored teams batting second due to the heavy dew that settles on the grass, while india's decision to bowl first aligns with this trend. Fans are eager to see the explosive opening pair of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, while the return of Bumrah adds a lethal dimension to the bowling attack. For New Zealand, the form of Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway will be. Crucial if they're to post a challenging total on this flat deck.