Overview:
The pitch at Barsapara Stadium offers true bounce and fast outfield conditions, favoring batters once they are set.
India and New Zealand head into the third T20I at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati with the series finely poised in host nation’s favor. After two high intensity matches, India have established a clear advantage by winning both games through dominant batting and controlled bowling. New Zealand, meanwhile, have shown flashes of brilliance but have struggled to sustain momentum across all phases of the game.
The second T20I highlighted India’s batting depth and aggressive intent. Chasing a challenging target, India dismantled the New Zealand attack with authority, led by an explosive partnership between Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav. New Zealand’s bowlers found it difficult to contain the scoring rate, while their middle order failed to capitalize on promising starts. With the series now shifting to Guwahati, India aim to consolidate their dominance, while New Zealand face a must win situation to stay alive in the contest.
India Squad for T20I Series vs New Zealand
Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Shreyas Iyer (first three T20Is), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (vice captain), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Ishan Kishan (wk), Ravi Bishnoi.
New Zealand Squad for T20I Series vs India
Mitchell Santner (captain), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Bevon Jacobs, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Ish Sodhi.
India Probable XI for the 3rd T20I vs New Zealand
Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Suryakumar Yadav (c), Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy.
India are expected to persist with their aggressive top order combination while strengthening their bowling attack with the return of Jasprit Bumrah. The presence of multiple all rounders provides flexibility in both batting and bowling, allowing India to adapt to conditions in Guwahati.
New Zealand Probable XI for the 3rd T20I vs India
Tim Seifert, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner (c), Zak Foulkes, Jacob Duffy, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry.
New Zealand are likely to tweak their lineup to add more depth in both batting and pace bowling. The inclusion of Jamieson strengthens their seam attack, while Neesham adds balance in the middle order.
Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati – Key Details
Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati serves as the venue for the India vs New Zealand third T20I on January 25, 2026. Officially known as the Dr Bhupen Hazarika Cricket Stadium, the venue opened in 2012 and has since developed into one of the most prominent cricket grounds in northeast India. Operated by the Assam Cricket Association, the stadium features modern infrastructure, including floodlights, indoor practice facilities, training areas, gymnasiums, and advanced pitch maintenance systems.
The stadium has a seating capacity estimated between 40,000 and 55,000 spectators, making it one of India’s larger cricket venues. The boundary dimensions range from approximately 60 to 74 meters, with a fast outfield that encourages aggressive strokeplay. Over the years, Barsapara Stadium has hosted several high profile international matches and domestic fixtures, earning a reputation as a venue that produces entertaining and competitive contests. Its combination of infrastructure quality and playing conditions makes it a significant addition to India’s cricket landscape.
What Is the Pitch Like at Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati?
The pitch at Barsapara Stadium is widely regarded as one of the more batting friendly surfaces in India, especially in limited overs cricket. Prepared on black soil, the surface offers true bounce and good carry, allowing batters to play through the line with confidence. In the early overs, fast bowlers can extract some movement and bounce, particularly under lights when moisture in the air adds a hint of swing.
As the match progresses, the pitch tends to flatten out, becoming increasingly favorable for strokeplay. The relatively short boundaries and fast outfield further enhance scoring opportunities, making it a venue where high totals are often achievable. Spinners may find some grip in the middle overs, but dew in evening matches often reduces their effectiveness.
Historically, chasing teams have enjoyed an advantage here due to dew and consistent batting conditions in the second innings. Average first innings scores in T20Is at this venue hover around 160, although several matches have witnessed totals well beyond that mark. Overall, Barsapara Stadium offers conditions that reward aggressive batting while still providing opportunities for disciplined bowling.
Key Stats at Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati
Barsapara Stadium has produced several memorable T20 encounters, reflecting its reputation as a high scoring venue. India have played four T20Is at this ground, with one match ending in no result and only one victory, highlighting the unpredictability of results here. The highest team total at the venue remains India’s 237 for 3 against South Africa in 2022, a match that showcased the ground’s batting friendly nature.
One of the most remarkable chases in T20 cricket occurred here in 2023, when Australia successfully chased down 225 for 5 against India, underlining how conducive the conditions can be for chasing teams. Across T20 matches played at the venue, the highest aggregate score has touched 294, with an overall strike rate of around 133, reflecting the attacking style of cricket encouraged by the surface.
These numbers demonstrate that Barsapara Stadium is a venue where momentum can shift rapidly and where both teams must maintain high scoring rates to stay competitive. Bowlers who succeed here are usually those who rely on variation, accuracy, and tactical awareness rather than sheer pace.
IND vs NZ: Weather Forecast Will Rain Play a Role?
Weather conditions in Guwahati for the third T20I are expected to remain clear, with no threat of rain. January in Assam typically offers pleasant and dry weather, creating ideal conditions for uninterrupted cricket. Daytime temperatures are expected to remain comfortable, while evening conditions will be mild and conducive to high quality play.
Humidity levels may rise slightly during the night, which could lead to dew formation in the second innings. This factor often influences toss decisions, with captains preferring to bowl first to exploit easier batting conditions later. Wind speeds are forecast to be minimal and unlikely to affect play in any significant way.
Overall, weather conditions are set to provide a perfect backdrop for a full T20I contest, allowing both teams to focus entirely on execution and strategy without external disruptions.
India vs New Zealand: Pitch Advantage for Which Side?
The conditions at Barsapara Stadium appear to favor India slightly more than New Zealand. India’s batting lineup is well suited to high scoring surfaces, with players like Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Abhishek Sharma, and Rinku Singh capable of exploiting short boundaries and fast outfields. Their ability to accelerate quickly in the middle and death overs gives them a significant edge on such tracks.
India also possess a versatile bowling attack that can adapt to batting friendly conditions. Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav offer variation in the middle overs, while Bumrah and Arshdeep provide control at the death. New Zealand, meanwhile, rely heavily on their top order and pace bowlers. While players like Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra have shown potential, their bowling attack has struggled to contain India’s aggressive batters.
Given the conditions and recent form, the pitch appears to align more closely with India’s strengths, though New Zealand retain the capability to challenge if their top order fires and bowlers execute disciplined plans.
FAQs: Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati
Q1. What is the pitch report for Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati?
The pitch at Barsapara Stadium offers true bounce and fast outfield conditions, favoring batters once they are set. Fast bowlers can find some movement early, while dew in night matches often makes chasing easier.
Q2. What are India’s and New Zealand’s records at Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati?
India have played four T20Is at this venue, with one win and one no result. New Zealand have limited experience at this ground, making this match one of their rare appearances at the venue.