Overview:
India hold a slight edge due to their record at Indore and deeper batting lineup. However, New Zealand’s confidence after the second ODI makes this a closely contested decider.
The India vs New Zealand ODI series comes down to a decisive third match after New Zealand produced a strong comeback in the second ODI to level the series 1-1. India won the opening game by holding their nerve in a tense chase, but New Zealand responded emphatically in Rajkot with a dominant batting display. With both teams having won one game each, the third ODI at Holkar Stadium in Indore becomes a winner takes all contest.
The series has showcased high quality batting from both sides, along with moments where bowlers have struggled to control scoring on flat surfaces. India will rely on their experience and familiarity with conditions in Indore, while New Zealand will draw confidence from their tactical superiority in the middle overs during the previous match. With the series on the line, both sides are expected to field their strongest possible elevens.
What is the Context of the Match
New Zealand’s seven wicket win in the second ODI shifted momentum firmly back in their favor. India managed to post 284 for 7 largely due to KL Rahul’s unbeaten century, but the total proved insufficient on a batting friendly surface. New Zealand’s chase was controlled and decisive, led by Daryl Mitchell’s unbeaten 131 and strong support from Will Young.
India will be concerned by how their bowling attack struggled to contain New Zealand’s batters, particularly against spin. Dropped chances and lack of penetration proved costly. The decider at Indore presents a different challenge, with even higher scoring conditions expected. India must address their middle overs bowling, while New Zealand will look to replicate their sweep heavy strategy against spin. Execution under pressure will determine who takes the series.
India Probable XI for the 3rd ODI vs New Zealand
Rohit Sharma: Rohit has looked close to a big score in this series without converting his starts. He has produced match winning hundreds in recent series and will see Indore as an ideal venue to deliver. His ability to dominate the powerplay could set the tone for India. He has 11,566 runs in 281 ODIs with 33 hundreds and 61 fifties.
Shubman Gill (c): Gill has fond memories of this venue, having scored a century here against New Zealand in the past alongside Rohit Sharma. As captain, he will look to lead from the front in the decider. His composure and timing make him a major threat at the top. He has 2,930 runs in 60 ODIs with 8 hundreds and 17 fifties, averaging close to 60.
Virat Kohli: Kohli missed out in the second ODI and will be eager to make a statement in the series decider. His hunger for runs in pressure games remains unmatched. On flat pitches, Kohli’s ability to pace an innings becomes even more valuable. He has 14,673 runs in 310 ODIs with 53 hundreds and 77 fifties.
Shreyas Iyer: Iyer is under pressure after failing to make an impact in the previous match. With competition for middle order places increasing, he needs a substantial score to reinforce his value in the setup. He has the ability to dominate spin on true surfaces. He has 2,974 runs in 75 ODIs with 5 hundreds and 23 fifties.
KL Rahul (wk): Rahul has been India’s standout batter in the series so far. After closing out the first ODI, he followed it up with a superb unbeaten 112 in the second match to rescue India from a collapse. His form and composure make him crucial in the decider. He has 3,359 runs in 92 ODIs with 8 hundreds and 20 fifties.
Ravindra Jadeja: Jadeja has not had the impact expected of him with either bat or ball in this series. However, his experience and ability to control the middle overs remain important. He will be keen to contribute decisively in the final match. He has 2,893 runs and 232 wickets in 209 ODIs.
Ayush Badoni: Badoni is expected to make his ODI debut after replacing Nitish Kumar Reddy, who failed to make an impact in the second ODI. Known for his fearless strokeplay, Badoni adds flexibility to the batting order. His domestic form suggests he can handle pressure situations. He has 1,681 runs in 21 first class matches, averaging close to 60.
Harshit Rana: Rana has contributed consistently across both games, picking up wickets and providing handy runs down the order. His aggression and pace add balance to the side. He will be trusted to deliver breakthroughs in the decider. He has 23 wickets from 13 ODIs so far.
Kuldeep Yadav: Kuldeep remains India’s main wicket taking spinner but was heavily targeted by Daryl Mitchell in the second ODI. Despite that, his variations and experience make him crucial in breaking partnerships. He has 193 wickets in 119 ODIs.
Arshdeep Singh: India are likely to bring in Arshdeep Singh in place of Prasidh Krishna to add variety and left arm pace. On flat surfaces, Arshdeep’s ability to bowl yorkers and slower deliveries can be effective. He has 22 wickets in 14 ODIs.
Mohammed Siraj: Siraj continues to lead the pace attack with intensity and effort. Although New Zealand countered him well in the second ODI, his experience and control make him vital in a high pressure game. He has 75 wickets in 49 ODIs.
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New Zealand Probable XI for the 3rd ODI vs India
Devon Conway: Conway provided a strong start in the first ODI but failed in the second. His experience and adaptability make him one of New Zealand’s most reliable batters. India will aim to dismiss him early. He has 1,687 runs in 42 ODIs with 5 hundreds and 6 fifties.
Henry Nicholls: Nicholls played a stabilizing role in the opening match but could not make an impact in the second ODI. His role remains to anchor the innings while others attack. He has 2,252 runs in 83 ODIs with 1 hundred and 16 fifties.
Will Young: Young played a crucial knock of 87 in the second ODI, allowing Mitchell to attack freely at the other end. His ability to absorb pressure makes him an important top order batter. He has 1,793 runs in 54 ODIs with 4 hundreds and 11 fifties.
Daryl Mitchell: Mitchell has been New Zealand’s most influential batter in the series. After scoring 84 in the first ODI, he followed it up with a match winning unbeaten century in the second. His counterattacking ability makes him the key figure in the decider. He has 2,553 runs in 55 ODIs with 8 hundreds and 11 fifties.
Mitch Hay (wk): Hay has had limited opportunities with the bat so far in the series. His role remains to support the main batters and provide stability in the lower middle order. He has limited ODI experience.
Michael Bracewell (c): Bracewell delivered an excellent spell in the second ODI, conceding just 34 runs in his ten overs and picking up a wicket. As captain, he will need to contribute with the bat as well. He has 928 runs and 38 wickets in 41 ODIs.
Glenn Phillips: Phillips finished the chase in the second ODI with an unbeaten 32 and brings explosive power to the middle order. His ability to change momentum quickly makes him a key player. He has 1,156 runs and 16 wickets in 45 ODIs.
Zak Foulkes: Foulkes picked up a wicket in the second ODI and has been a useful supporting bowler throughout the series. Indore will test his consistency and discipline. He has 10 wickets in 8 ODIs.
Kyle Jamieson: Jamieson remains New Zealand’s biggest bowling weapon. After a four wicket haul in the first ODI, he followed it with a key breakthrough in the second. His bounce continues to trouble Indian batters. He has 29 wickets in 22 ODIs.
Kristian Clarke: Clarke bounced back strongly in the second ODI after a difficult debut, picking up three wickets including Rohit, Kohli, and Iyer. He will look to build on that performance. He has 3 wickets in 2 ODIs.
Jayden Lennox: Lennox enjoyed a solid debut, conceding just 42 runs and picking up a wicket. His control adds depth to New Zealand’s bowling attack.
Top Batters for Dream11
Virat Kohli remains a prime fantasy pick due to his ability to deliver in pressure matches. Rohit Sharma is due a big score and thrives on flat pitches like Indore. Daryl Mitchell is in outstanding form and has been New Zealand’s best batter in the series. Devon Conway’s technique makes him a reliable option if he gets through the early overs.
Best All Rounders to Boost Points
Michael Bracewell offers value through economical bowling and potential contributions with the bat. Glenn Phillips provides explosive scoring and part time spin. Ravindra Jadeja remains a high impact fantasy option despite a quiet series so far, as his all round ability can produce points in multiple ways.
Bowlers to Watch in Dream11
Kuldeep Yadav remains India’s main wicket taking spinner despite recent setbacks. Kyle Jamieson is a proven match winner with the ball. Zak Foulkes has shown consistency as a supporting seamer. Harshit Rana continues to offer wickets and useful lower order runs.
Captain and Vice Captain Picks
Virat Kohli is the safest captain choice given his experience and temperament in deciders. Rohit Sharma is another strong option due to the conditions. Kuldeep Yadav offers wicket taking potential as vice captain, while Kyle Jamieson can deliver big fantasy returns with a single impactful spell.
Pitch Report and Venue Conditions
Holkar Stadium offers a flat pitch with true bounce and short boundaries. Batters are expected to dominate, with first innings scores above 320 being competitive. Dew in the second innings can aid chasing teams, making toss decisions crucial.
Match Prediction: Who Has the Upper Hand
India hold a slight edge due to their record at Indore and deeper batting lineup. However, New Zealand’s confidence after the second ODI makes this a closely contested decider. Execution in the middle overs will likely decide the winner.
FAQs about IND vs NZ Playing XI
Who are the key players in the IND vs NZ clash?
Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Daryl Mitchell, and Kyle Jamieson are expected to play defining roles.