India and New Zealand clash in the third T20 International of the five-match series at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Friday, with NZ losing 3 wickets in the first 5 overs stand at 35/3. India, leading the series 2-0, opted for minor but strategic changes to manage player workloads and strengthen their bowling attack.
To accommodate recovery and rotation, India have brought in Jasprit Bumrah and spinner Ravi Bishnoi, resting Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakravarthy. The move adds experience and variety to India’s attack, aiming to maintain dominance over a New Zealand side seeking redemption after back-to-back losses.
The Guwahati pitch is expected to favor strokeplay, reminiscent of the November 2023 encounter when India posted 222 before Australia narrowly chased it down. Short boundaries and a high-scoring surface suggest that batters from both sides could dictate the pace of the game if conditions remain similar.
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India’s lineup may receive a further boost with the return of Axar Patel, racing against time to recover from a finger injury sustained in Nagpur. While Sanju Samson’s recent struggles as an opener have raised questions, Shivam Dube’s consistent bowling form offers India a key advantage in balancing the side.
New Zealand, meanwhile, are expected to refresh their pace department, with Kyle Jamieson replacing Zakary Foulkes. The tall pacer’s experience and bounce could provide an edge on a pitch conducive to quick scoring and sharp bounce, giving the visitors a fighting chance to disrupt India’s rhythm.
With India winning 42 of their last 47 T20Is since January 2024 and New Zealand still searching for a win against top teams in this period, the third T20I promises thrilling action. Fans can catch the live telecast on Star Sports Network and live streaming via the JioHotstar app, keeping a close eye on how India aims to seal the series.
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