India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I: Who will win the match?

On 25th January 2026, the stage is set for the third T20I at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati, where India, who lead the series 2-0, aim to continue their winning run against New Zealand in the ongoing five-match series.

In the previous match, New Zealand batted first and posted 208/6 in 20 overs. While Devon Conway and Tim Seifert provided a solid foundation, both were dismissed at key moments. Rachin Ravindra contributed with a quickfire 44, and Mitchell Santner added 47 runs from 27 balls, helping New Zealand reach a strong total.

India’s chase faced early setbacks with the wickets of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma. However, Ishan Kishan (76 off 32 balls) and Suryakumar Yadav (82* off 37 balls) launched a counterattack. Shivam Dube’s 36 from 18 balls helped India chase down the target in just 15.2 overs, winning by 7 wickets.

IND vs NZ Match details

Pitch report

Barsapara has earned a reputation as a high-scoring venue. The surface remains firm, providing true bounce and minimal help for fast bowlers. As the game wears on, dew could affect grip, making it difficult to defend totals. Captains winning the toss are likely to prefer chasing, with conditions expected to favour the side batting second.

IND vs NZ head-to-head record

The head-to-head record slightly favours India, who have won 16 out of the 27 encounters, while Blackcaps have secured 10 victories, with 1 match ending in a tie

IND vs NZ probable top performers

Watch out for key batter: Suryakumar Yadav

After a lean run through 2025 that saw his numbers dip sharply, Suryakumar Yadav appears to have rediscovered his spark against New Zealand. A quick-fire cameo in the series opener hinted at improvement, but it was the second T20I where he truly dominated, compiling an explosive 82 not out off 37 balls, laced with nine fours and four towering sixes.

Watch out for key bowler: Shivam Dube

With conditions largely assisting batters,Shivam Dube has managed to make an impact with the ball. Across two appearances, he has picked up three wickets while maintaining an economy of 8.75, with best figures of 2/27. His ability to break partnerships makes him one to keep an eye on.

IND vs NZ: Match prediction

India has been in great form, with both their batting and bowling clicking together. New Zealand will need a big effort to turn things around. So, we’re tipping India to win the third T20I and seal the series.

IND vs NZ : probable XIs

India: Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Arshdeep Singh, Sanju Samson (wk), Suryakumar Yadav (c), Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Shivam Dube, Varun Chakaravarthy

New Zealand: Tim Seifert (wk), Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy