India vs New Zealand, 3rd T20I Preview: India aim to clinch series in Guwahati
The ACA Stadium in Barsapara, Guwahati, gears up to host the third T20I as India and New Zealand clash at the venue for the first time in the shortest format.
24 January, 2026
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India head into the third T20I of the five-match series brimming with confidence after racing to a 2-0 lead and will be eager to seal the series when they take on New Zealand at the ACA Stadium, Barsapara, Guwahati on Sunday, January 25.
Suryakumar Yadav’s Men in Blue sent out a strong statement of intent in the second T20I at Raipur, producing a jaw-dropping chase of 208 in just 15.2 overs.
The emphatic victory underlined India’s growing momentum as preparations intensify for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to be hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Batting first, New Zealand endured a shaky start before Rachin Ravindra steadied the innings with a counter-attacking 44 off 26 deliveries.
India’s bowling unit shared the spoils, with Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy, Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube picking up a wicket apiece, while Kuldeep Yadav impressed with a two-wicket haul.
Kiwi skipper Mitchell Santner then took charge in the latter half of the innings, smashing an unbeaten 47 off 27 balls to propel New Zealand to a competitive 208/6 at the end of 20 overs.
India’s chase began on an uncertain note as Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson departed early. However, Ishan Kishan turned the tide with a blistering knock of 76, laced with 11 fours and four sixes, striking at an astonishing rate of 237.50.
The left-hander was well supported by captain Suryakumar Yadav, who rediscovered his best touch after 468 days with a sensational unbeaten 82 off just 37 balls.
Alongside Shivam Dube’s composed 36*, the trio ensured India cruised home with seven wickets to spare.
With the series firmly in their grasp, India will look to assert their dominance once again and wrap up the contest in Guwahati.
Sunday’s match will mark the fifth T20 International hosted at the Barsapara Stadium and notably, the first T20I encounter between India and New Zealand at this venue.
Players to watch out for
Suryakumar Yadav:The Indian skipper appears to have hit peak rhythm at the perfect time. SKY ended a 468-day wait for a T20I fifty with his explosive 82* against New Zealand on January 23, dismantling the bowling attack with trademark innovation. Another match-defining innings could be on the cards.
Kuldeep Yadav: India’s premier wrist-spinner once again proved his value in the middle overs, breaking New Zealand’s momentum by dismissing key batters. His figures of 2 for 35 showcased both control and penetration, and he could play a crucial role again on Guwahati’s surface.
India vs New Zealand head-to-head record in T20Is
India enjoy a clear advantage over New Zealand in T20 Internationals. Of the 27 matches played between the two sides, India have emerged victorious on 14 occasions, while New Zealand have claimed 10 wins. Three matches have ended in ties.
New Zealand’s T20I squad: Mitchell Santner (captain), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway (wicket-keeper), Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Bevon Jacobs, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Ish Sodhi
Upcoming milestones to keep an eye on
Kuldeep Yadav is eight wickets away from completing 100 wickets in T20Is.
Our very own Titan Glenn Phillips is four catches away from 150 catches in T20s.
Rinku Singh is 59 runs away from 3,500 runs in T20s.
Suryakumar Yadav is 602 T20I runs away from scoring 1000 runs against New Zealand.
Where to watch India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I live
The India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I will be telecast live on the Star Sports Network’s TV channels.
Live streaming of the IND vs NZ 3rd T20I will be available on the JioHotstar app and website.
