New Zealand vs India, 2020: 3rd T20I: Match Prediction – Weather Report, Pitch Conditions, Playing XIs and Live Streaming Details

The last times these two teams played a T20I at the Seddon Park, New Zealand won by four runs after scoring 212.

Published - 28 Jan 2020, 16:19 IST | Updated - 28 Jan 2020, 16:19 IST

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New Zealand have found themselves in a precarious position in their ongoing three-match against India. Kane Williamson and Co have lost both their matches at the Eden Park in Auckland and are 0-2 down in the series. The third T20I on Wednesday at the Seddon Park in Hamilton is a must-win affair for the Kiwis. On the other hand, India haven’t done much wrong thus far in the shortest format.

Last year, the Men in Blue lost 2-1 in New Zealand and now it’s a chance for them to make amends. In both their previous game, Virat Kohli’s men chased down targets courtesy KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer’s brilliance. The Black Caps have won seven out of nine T20Is in Hamilton. Moreover, New Zealand beat India at the Seddon Park by four runs last year after positing a colossal 212 in 20 overs.

Pitch and Conditions

The pitch in Hamilton is an absolute belter. In nine matches, the average score has been in excess of 180. Four out of those games have been won by the team, batting second. But in the last two matches, the chasing teams lost by 2 and 4 runs respectively while chasing over 190. There are chances of rain in the day with clouds hovering around. During game-time, it’s not expected to rain.

Team Combination

New Zealand

The Kiwis may think about giving Scott Kuggelejin a chance. Blair Tickner and Hamish Bennett have gone for plenty and including both of them together may backfire. Kuggelejin can also wield the willow to good effect. Santner gave away 50 in the first contest, but made amends in the second.

Ish Sodhi has been their standout bowler with three wickets at an economy of 8.62. Tim Southee hasn’t been all that bad either. In batting, Guptill and Munro have given starts on both instances. Taylor may be promoted up the order after De Grandhomme’s failure. Kane’s role will also be key.

Probable XI

Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson (c), Tim Seifert (wk), Ross Taylor, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Hamish Bennett/Blair Tickner, Scott Kuggelejin.

India

The visitors are unlikely to change their lineup. Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah have economy rates in the 6s. In fact, Jadeja is their leading wicket-taker with three wickets. Shivam Dube has been hard to pounce on as well. Yuzvendra Chahal hasn’t picked up wickets, but has been economical.

It remains to be seen if India persist with Shardul Thakur or not. In the batting department, KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer are the leading run-scorers. They have a combined tally of 215 runs. Rohit Sharma has to up his game after a couple of low scores. Virat Kohli’s role in the middle will also be crucial.

Probable XI

Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul (wk), Virat Kohli (C), Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, Shardul Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah