The third and final match of the three-match ODI series between India and New Zealand is scheduled to be played on January 18 at the Holkar Stadium in Indore. With the series currently tied at 1-1, both teams will be looking to clinch the series victory. Team India won the first match by 4 wickets, while the Kiwi team made a strong comeback in the second match, winning by 7 wickets to level the series, while in this crucial encounter, two young Indian batsmen, Shreyas Iyer and Shubman Gill, have an opportunity to achieve a significant personal milestone, potentially etching their names in the record books.
Decisive Clash in Indore
Indore's Holkar Stadium is set to host the third ODI between India and New Zealand, while this match won't only decide the series winner but also present an opportunity for the Indian team to secure another series victory on home soil. Both teams will be playing with full intensity, as the pressure. To win the series will be equally high on both sides. The Indian team displayed a strong performance in the first match, but the Kiwi team retaliated in the second match, showcasing their capabilities. All eyes are now on Indore, where an exciting contest is expected.
Shreyas Iyer's Pursuit of a Major Milestone
For Indian middle-order batsman Shreyas Iyer, the first two ODI matches against New Zealand haven't been particularly outstanding with the bat. However, in the third match, he has a significant opportunity to achieve a major feat. Iyer played a crucial innings of 49 runs in the first ODI, but he was dismissed for just 8 runs in the second match. Now, he needs only 27 runs to complete 3000 runs in his ODI career, while if he manages to reach this figure in Indore, he will become one of the fastest Indian batsmen to score 3000 runs in ODI cricket.
On the Cusp of Breaking Dhawan's Record
Shreyas Iyer has so far scored a total of 2974 runs in 69 innings across 75 ODI matches, maintaining an impressive average of 47. 20. His career includes 5 centuries and 23 half-centuries, while to reach 3000 runs in ODI cricket, Shikhar Dhawan took 72 innings. If Shreyas Iyer succeeds in scoring 27 runs in the third ODI, he will achieve this milestone in. His 70th innings, thereby breaking Shikhar Dhawan's record and potentially becoming the fastest Indian in terms of innings played. This would be a significant achievement in his career and would boost his confidence.
Shubman Gill's Chance to Make History
Alongside Shreyas Iyer, young Indian opener Shubman Gill also has an opportunity to make history in the third ODI. Gill is also on the verge of completing 3000 runs in his ODI career. He needs just 70 runs to reach this milestone. Gill has been in excellent form in this ODI series so far, having played useful innings of 56 runs in both ODI matches, while given his current form, this target doesn't seem difficult for him.
Race to Become the Fastest Indian
Shubman Gill has accumulated a total of 2930 runs in 60 innings at an excellent average of 56. 34, while if he manages to score 70 runs in the third ODI, he will complete 3000 ODI runs in his 61st innings. In this scenario, he will become the fastest Indian batsman to score 3000 ODI runs in terms of innings played, surpassing both Shreyas Iyer (potentially 70 innings) and Shikhar Dhawan (72 innings). This is an exciting race between these two young batsmen, and it will be interesting to see who reaches this milestone first and how quickly.
A Crucial Match for Individual and Team Glory
The third ODI in Indore is extremely important for both Shreyas Iyer and Shubman Gill, both individually and from a team perspective. While they're on the verge of reaching significant career milestones, they also need to play a crucial role in helping their team win the series. Achieving these records won't only highlight their individual performances but also send a strong signal for the future of Indian cricket. This match presents a fantastic opportunity for young talents to leave their mark.
