India vs New Zealand 3rd T20 2025: India announces their Playing 11, as Team India Wins the Toss and Elects to Bowl First Against New Zealand

India are aiming for their 3rd win in the T20I series in the third India vs New Zealand match at Guwahati. India have dominated the first two games, while New Zealand has struggled and will need to put on a remarkable performance to stay in the series. For the third match, India have won the toss and they’ll be bowling first against New Zealand.

In the second T20I at Raipur, Suryakumar Yadav ended his long wait for a T20I fifty, and Ishan Kishan stepped in smoothly in place of Tilak Varma. Ishan Kishan scored 76 runs off 32 balls as India chased 209 with ease. Suryakumar Yadav went on to score even more and made the target look small. Based on current form, India continue to look like strong favourites heading toward the 2026 T20 World Cup.

India’s chase of 209 in the previous match was their joint-highest successful chase in T20Is. Kuldeep Yadav is now four wickets away from matching Yuzvendra Chahal as India’s highest wicket-taking spinner in T20Is. For New Zealand, Jacob Duffy has taken 22 wickets with good economy in the powerplay since the 2024 T20 World Cup.

India vs New Zealand 3rd T20 2025: Playing XIs for the 3rd T20

In the India vs New Zealand series, even without Jasprit Bumrah, who was rested, and Axar Patel, who is injured, India’s bowling stayed strong as Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy slowed New Zealand despite dew setting in early. 

For New Zealand, Rachin Ravindra showed positive signs in the last match by scoring 44 off 26 balls at a high strike rate, which was much better than his usual T20 numbers. New Zealand will hope he continues this aggressive approach.

New Zealand have not yet played their full-strength team. Finn Allen will join the squad after the Big Bash League final and is likely to be available only for the last T20I. Jimmy Neesham will also link up with the team after winning the Bangladesh Premier League. Lockie Ferguson has joined the squad but is still recovering from a calf injury.

Here is a look at the team lineup of India vs New Zealand for the 3rd T20:

Weather and Pitch Report for India vs New Zealand 3rd T20

The third India vs New Zealand T20I will be played at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, and the weather looks good for cricket. Clear to partly clear skies are expected through the day, with very little chance of rain, so a full match is likely.

The temperature during the day should be around 25 to 26 degrees, and it is expected to drop to about 13 to 15 degrees in the evening. The humidity will be moderate, and there will be a light breeze. These conditions should be comfortable for players, especially later in the night.

Dew could become a factor in the second half of the match, as Guwahati often sees light dew during night games in January. The captain who wins the toss may decide to bowl first because this could benefit the team batting second. The pitch at Barsapara Stadium is expected to be good for batting. The ball should come well onto the bat, making it suitable for another high-scoring T20 match.

FAQs

Q. What is at risk in the third T20 International between India and New Zealand?

A. In the third game at Guwahati, India hopes to win the T20I series.

Q. Who won the toss in the third T20 International?

A. India decided to bowl first against New Zealand after winning the toss.

Q. Where is the third T20 International taking place?

A. Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati will host the third game.

Q. What kind of weather is expected for the game?

A. The weather is expected to be clear with little chance of rain.

Q. What kind of pitch is expected in Guwahati?

A. The pitch should be suitable for a high-scoring game and good for batting.

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