India vs New Zealand, 3rd T20I, Match Preview, Playing XI and broadcast details

New Zealand will be looking to avoid a whitewash when they take on the ‘Men in Blue’ in the final rubber.

Published - 20 Nov 2021, 15:44 IST | Updated - 20 Nov 2021, 15:44 IST

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India will enter the final T20I of the series on a high. The ‘Men in Blue’ have already taken a 2-0 lead in the three-match series, and Rohit Sharma and Co. will enter the third T20I with an aim to whitewash their opponents.

For India, the openers have been the game changers in the series. In the first T20I, the Rohit-Rahul duo forged a 50-run partnership, and in the second T20I, they bettered their effort from the first rubber, and notched up a century stand to help India make light work of a target of 154 set by the Kiwis.

And, the openers’ superb display with the willow has been the main reason why India have bossed this series. Harshal Patel experienced a scintillating debut for India, scalped a 2-wicket haul with the ball for the hosts, and ended up as the Player of the Match as well in the second rubber.

For the Kiwis too, it is the top order that has fired. In the first T20I, Martin Guptill and Mark Chapman forged a superb 109-run partnership for the second wicket, while in the second rubber, the Black Caps’ openers put on a whirlwind partnership of 48 runs in 4.2 overs. But then, the middle order has let the Kiwis down. In the final rubber, New Zealand will hope that the middle order steps up to the task.

New Zealand will be looking to avoid a whitewash when they take on the ‘Men in Blue’. Will the Black Caps succeed in doing so, or will India continue with their ruthless run in the series?

Pitch and Conditions

The pitch at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata is a good one for batting. The batters will be rewarded for their shots, while the spinners will also get some turn. The side chasing has won 5 out of the 7 completed matches at this venue.

Playing Combinations for IND vs NZ

India

India have got almost everything right in this series. And, having already won the series, the ‘Men in Blue’ might want to indulge in some experimentation. Ruturaj Gaikwad might get a chance in the side and India might opt to rest KL Rahul. Also, Ishan Kishan is likely to get a chance as well. Avesh Khan might also make his debut.

Predicted XI: KL Rahul/Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rohit Sharma (C), Venkatesh Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav/Ishan Kishan, Rishabh Pant (WK), Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Deepak Chahar/Avesh Khan, Harshal Patel

New Zealand

New Zealand are likely to go in with the same side from their previous match. The Kiwis already made 3 changes to their side in the second match and will stick to the same side for the final rubber.

Predicted XI: Martin Guptill, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Tim Siefert (WK), James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Adam Milne, Tim Southee (C), Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult