New Zealand vs India: Mitchell Santner declared fit for the Hamilton T20I

New Zealand will be looking to end the home series on a high when they take on in-form India in the third and final T20I in Hamilton on Sunday. The three-match series is currently locked at 1-1 after India won the second T20I by seven wickets to keep the series alive. It was New Zealand’s first defeat against India in T20Is at home. The hosts were thoroughly outplayed by India in all the departments of the game In Auckland.

The focus now shifts to the much-anticipated series-decider. New Zealand will be desperate to avenge their heavy 4-1 loss in ODIs by winning the T20Is while India will be keen to end their stay in the Southern Hemisphere on a winning note. Having won a game each comprehensively in the series, both the teams are more than capable of winning the decider.

And ahead of the game, New Zealand have received a huge injury boost. Their left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner has been declared fit for the series. He was doubtful for the game after picking up a knock in the second game. Missing him would have been a big blow for the hosts.

Santner, who recently returned to international cricket from a long injury layoff, has done well in the series so far. While he has picked up just two wickets, he has been very economical so far, conceding just 24 and 16 runs in the first two games.

Guptill also declared fit

New Zealand Cricket confirmed the news on Sunday while also stating that opener Martin Guptill is fit too for the first ODI against Bangladesh. Guptill was ruled out of the fifth ODI and the ongoing T20Is after aggravating a back injury during a training session.

“Mitchell Santner has passed his fitness test today so will be available for selection in tonight’s final T20I against India. In Auckland, Martin Guptill has also been declared fit ahead of the 1st ODI against Bangladesh on Wednesday,” read a statement from New Zealand Cricket.

Meanwhile, New Zealand have enjoyed a terrific record in T20Is at Hamilton’s Seddon Park. Out of the 8 T20Is they have played at this venue so, they have ended up on the winning side on 6 occasions. However, they lost their last T20I at the venue against England last year.  India, on the other, have won their last 10 T20I series and will be looking to register a historic T20I series.

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