India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I preview sets the stage for what could be a thrilling encounter at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. With India already leading 2-0 in the five-match series, the hosts are on the brink of sealing another dominant T20I triumph. New Zealand, desperate for a win, must pull out all stops to avoid a whitewash and build momentum ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
This match, scheduled for January 25, 2026, promises high-octane cricket. India’s batting firepower has overwhelmed the Kiwis in the first two games, but Guwahati’s conditions could level the playing field. Let’s break it down step by step, from match details to in-depth analysis, drawing from the latest online resources like ESPN, Cricbuzz, and Sportstar for the most accurate insights.
Introduction to the Epic India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I Showdown
The India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I preview highlights a series where India’s mean machine has left the visitors searching for answers. In the first T20I in Nagpur, India posted a formidable total and won by 48 runs. The second in Raipur saw New Zealand score 208, only for India to chase it down with 28 balls to spare – the largest margin in balls remaining for a 200+ chase among full-member teams.
Why is this match so crucial? It’s part of New Zealand’s tour of India in 2026, serving as vital preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup, where India defends their title at home. India’s form since January 2024 is staggering: 42 wins in 47 completed T20Is. New Zealand, post-2024 World Cup, hasn’t beaten top sides like Australia, England, or India in eight attempts (five losses, three no-results).
Suryakumar Yadav, India’s captain, ended a 24-inning fifty drought with a blistering knock in Raipur. Ishan Kishan smashed 76 off 32, showcasing India’s depth. For New Zealand, Rachin Ravindra’s aggressive starts offer hope, but sustaining against India’s spin twins like Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy is key.
Online previews from ESPN emphasize India’s upbeat mood, targeting a series win. Sportstar notes India’s red-hot streak, while Cricbuzz discusses New Zealand’s need to “go harder” as 200-210 isn’t enough anymore. LatestLY on X highlights the dew factor in Guwahati, which could influence the toss.
What makes this preview engaging? Imagine the roar of 40,000 fans at Barsapara as Abhishek Sharma launches sixes. Or Mitchell Santner plotting to squeeze India’s batters. We’ll cover everything: venue stats, pitch report, weather, squads, players to watch, head-to-head, recent form, and predictions. For more on the series opener, check our internal guide on India vs New Zealand 1st T20I recap. Externally, dive into ESPN’s detailed stats here.
India’s batting flex is unreal. Abhishek Sharma bats like it’s still 2025, Rinku Singh finishes seamlessly, and Shivam Dube adds bowling value. New Zealand’s tools – like Daryl Mitchell’s power – exist, but execution falters. Santner admitted post-Raipur: “We have to go a bit harder.”
As we approach match day, questions arise. Will Jasprit Bumrah return to bolster India’s pace? Can Jimmy Neesham’s arrival spark New Zealand? Guwahati’s history of run-fests (222 chased by Australia in 2023) suggests fireworks. Stay tuned as we unpack the details.
This India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I preview isn’t just stats; it’s about the passion of cricket. From casual fans to die-hards, let’s explore why India remains favorites but New Zealand could surprise.
Match Details and Broadcast Guide for IND vs NZ 3rd T20I
The India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I is set for January 25, 2026, at 7:00 PM IST (1:30 PM GMT). Toss happens at 6:30 PM IST. This is the third of five T20Is in New Zealand’s tour of India 2026, with India leading 2-0.
Venue: Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati, Assam. Capacity: 40,000. Ends: Media End and Pavilion End. Hosted by Assam Cricket Association.
If you’re in India, catch the live action on Star Sports Network (TV channels in multiple languages like Hindi, English, Tamil). Streaming is on JioHotstar – free for Jio users or premium subscriptions. Globally, check local broadcasters like Sky Sports in New Zealand or Willow TV in the US.
Planning to attend? Tickets are hot commodities. Buy online via BookMyShow, the official BCCI partner. Prices start at ₹800 for general stands, up to ₹10,000 for premium pavilions. Offline options at stadium counters or Guwahati outlets, but book early – expect sellouts for this Sunday clash. Pro tip: Arrive by 5 PM to beat traffic and enjoy pre-match vibes.
For more broadcast details, visit Cricbuzz’s live coverage page.
This setup ensures fans worldwide don’t miss the India vs New Zealand Guwahati T20 excitement.
Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati: Complete Venue Guide and Stats
Barsapara Cricket Stadium, also known as Assam Cricket Association (ACA) Stadium, is a modern gem in Guwahati. Inaugurated in 2017, it boasts world-class facilities: LED floodlights, excellent drainage, and spectator-friendly seating. The atmosphere? Electric, with Northeast India’s passionate fans creating a cauldron of noise.
Capacity hits 40,000, making it ideal for big matches. It hosts Assam’s domestic games and has been a Rajasthan Royals IPL venue. For internationals, it’s hosted ODIs, T20Is, and Tests.
T20I Records at Barsapara Stadium
Here’s a tabular breakdown of key T20I stats from online sources like ESPN and Cricbuzz:
| Statistic | Details |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 5 (up to 2025) |
| Teams Batting First Wins | 3 |
| Teams Chasing Wins | 2 |
| Highest Team Total | 237/3 (India vs South Africa, 2022) |
| Lowest Team Total | 118/8 (Sri Lanka vs India, 2020) |
| Highest Successful Chase | 225/5 (Australia vs India, Nov 2023) |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 192 |
| Average 2nd Innings Score | 169 |
| Highest Individual Score | 123* (Ruturaj Gaikwad, India vs Australia, 2023) |
| Best Bowling Figures | 4/9 (Deepak Chahar, India vs Bangladesh, 2019) |
Notable matches: In 2023, India scored 222/3 vs Australia, but Glenn Maxwell’s heroics led a chase with 23 off the last over. In 2022, India smashed 237 vs South Africa, winning by 16 runs.
Compared to other venues, Barsapara ranks high for scoring like Chinnaswamy or Wankhede. Trivia: No T20I here has been low-scoring; dew often aids chases.
For vivid past highlights, check Cricket World’s venue analysis.
This venue’s flat tracks favor batters, setting up another thriller in the India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I.
Pitch Report, Dew Factor, and Expected Conditions – Barsapara Stadium
The Barsapara Stadium pitch report for the India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I points to a batting-friendly surface.
Pitch Behaviour
Flat with true bounce, small boundaries (60-70m square). Grass is even, aiding seamers early but spinners later. Historical data from Sportstar shows averages above 200 in recent T20Is. Pacers use variations; spinners grip in middle overs.
Dew Impact
Dew is massive in Guwahati evenings. January humidity (70-80%) causes heavy moisture post-sunset, making bowling tough second. LatestLY notes it as a “looming large” factor. In 2023 Australia chase, dew helped batters. Teams bowl first 80% after winning toss.
Toss Advantage
Prediction: Winner bowls first (70% chance). Impact: Chasing favored; expect 210+ if batting first to compete.
Expected scores: 200-230. Conditions suit aggressive batters like Suryakumar. From Outlook India, experts say another run-fest on cards.
If India win toss and chase, their depth shines. New Zealand needs early wickets to counter.
For deeper pitch insights The Hindu’s preview.
Weather Forecast – Guwahati, January 25, 2026
Guwahati weather for the India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I looks ideal.
- Temperature: Day high 23°C, evening 18-15°C.
- Humidity: 60-80%, peaking evening – dew likely.
- Rain Chance: 0-5%; clear skies.
- Wind: Light, 5-10 km/h.
Historical January trends: Dry, cool evenings. No interruptions expected; full match probable.
From News18, fine weather confirmed, but dew influences strategy.
Team News, Squad Analysis, and Probable Playing XI
India’s squad depth is envy-worthy. Bumrah likely returns; Axar Patel fit check pending.
India Probable XI
- Abhishek Sharma – Explosive opener.
- Sanju Samson (wk) – Powerplay aggressor.
- Ishan Kishan – Raipur hero.
- Suryakumar Yadav (c) – Form back.
- Shivam Dube – All-rounder.
- Hardik Pandya – Balance.
- Rinku Singh – Finisher.
- Axar Patel/Kuldeep Yadav – Spin option.
- Jasprit Bumrah/Harshit Rana – Pace spearhead.
- Arshdeep Singh – Left-arm swing.
- Varun Chakravarthy – Mystery spin.
Reasoning: Bumrah rests over; Axar adds batting. From CREX, no Shreyas Iyer yet.
New Zealand: Neesham joins; Jamieson possible.
New Zealand Probable XI
- Tim Seifert (wk) – Keeper-batter.
- Devon Conway – Anchor.
- Rachin Ravindra – Aggressive.
- Glenn Phillips – Power.
- Daryl Mitchell – Middle-order.
- Mark Chapman – Finisher.
- Mitchell Santner (c) – All-round.
- Jimmy Neesham – Boost.
- Matt Henry – Pace.
- Ish Sodhi – Leg-spin.
- Jacob Duffy – Powerplay specialist.
Reasoning: Neesham replaces Foulkes; per Patrika News, changes for impact.
Squad analysis: India’s versatility trumps New Zealand’s. For updates, see Indian Express squad details.
Key Players to Watch
Suryakumar Yadav (India)
Recent: 50+ in Raipur. Avg 24.13, SR 164.95 last 10.
Role: Captain, No.4 aggressor. Vs NZ: Strong.
Influence: His scoops could dominate.
Abhishek Sharma (India)
Recent: 331 runs last 10, SR 181.86.
Role: Opener. Venue fit: Power-hitter.
Ishan Kishan (India)
Recent: 76/32 in Raipur.
Role: No.3 blaster.
Shivam Dube (India)
Recent: Wickets in 6/7 innings; SR 12.6.
Role: Seam all-rounder.
Varun Chakravarthy (India)
Recent: 18 wkts, econ 7.6.
Role: Spinner.
Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand)
Recent: 44/26 Raipur, SR 169.
Role: Opener.
Glenn Phillips (New Zealand)
Recent: Consistent middle.
Mitchell Santner (New Zealand)
Recent: 180 runs last 10, SR 191.
Role: Captain.
Jimmy Neesham (New Zealand)
Recent: BPL winner.
Role: All-round.
Jacob Duffy (New Zealand)
Recent: 22 powerplay wkts post-2024.
Head-to-Head Record and Recent Form
Head-to-Head in T20Is
| Matches | India Wins | NZ Wins | Ties/No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27 | 16 | 10 | 1 |
In India: India dominant.
Last 5:
| Date | Result |
|---|---|
| Jan 23, 2026 | India won by 7 wkts |
| Jan 21, 2026 | India won by 48 runs |
| Feb 1, 2023 | India won by 168 runs |
| Jan 29, 2023 | India won by 6 wkts |
| Jan 27, 2023 | NZ won by 21 runs |
Recent Form
India: W W W A W
NZ: L L W NR W
Stats: Kuldeep near Chahal’s record. From Yardbarker.
Series Context and Tactical Battle Preview
This series preps for 2026 WC. India experiments successfully; NZ integrates like Finn Allen later.
Tactics: India’s spin vs NZ middle; NZ pace vs India top.
Captains: SKY aggressive; Santner squeezes.
What if dew heavy? Chase wins.
From YouTube previews, India 3-0 loading.
Match Prediction and Winning Probability
India 75-80% favorites. Win by 20-40 runs or 6-8 wkts.
Key: Batting depth.
NZ surprise if early wickets.
Final Thoughts
India poised for sweep, but cricket’s unpredictable. Watch on JioHotstar; follow IPL Star for updates.
FAQs: India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I Preview
When and where is the India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I 2026 being played? The India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I is scheduled for January 25, 2026, at 7:00 PM IST at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati. Toss is at 6:30 PM IST, with India leading the five-match series 2-0.
What is the pitch report for Barsapara Stadium in the India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I preview? India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I Barsapara Stadium offers a flat, batting-friendly pitch with true bounce and short boundaries (60-70m). Heavy dew in evening games makes chasing easier, and teams winning the toss usually prefer to bowl first. Expected first-innings scores are 200–230.
What are the probable playing XI for India and New Zealand in the 3rd T20I 2026? India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I India’s probable XI includes Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar/Kuldeep, Bumrah/Rana, Arshdeep Singh, and Varun Chakravarthy. New Zealand’s likely XI features Seifert (wk), Conway, Ravindra, Phillips, Mitchell, Chapman, Santner (c), Neesham, Henry, Sodhi, and Duffy.
What is the head-to-head record between India and New Zealand in T20Is? In 27 T20Is, India have won 16, New Zealand 10, with one tie/no-result. India have dominated recent encounters and matches played in India.
What is the weather forecast for the India vs New Zealand Guwahati T20 on January 25, 2026? Clear skies with 0–5% chance of rain. Evening temperatures will be 15–18°C, humidity 60–80%, and light winds. Dew is expected but no interruptions are likely.
Who are the key players to watch in the IND vs NZ 3rd T20I 2026 preview? For India: Suryakumar Yadav, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Shivam Dube, and Varun Chakravarthy. For New Zealand: Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Jimmy Neesham, and Jacob Duffy – all in strong recent form.
What is the match prediction for the India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I preview? India are strong favourites with 75–80% winning probability, likely to win by 20–40 runs or 6–8 wickets if batting second. Their batting depth and spin attack give them the edge, though New Zealand can surprise with early breakthroughs.
How can I watch the live streaming and broadcast of the India vs New Zealand Guwahati T20? In India, watch on Star Sports Network (TV) and stream on JioHotstar. Global viewers can check local broadcasters like Sky Sports (NZ) or Willow TV (US). Tickets are available on BookMyShow, priced ₹800–₹10,000.
What are the key venue stats in the Barsapara Stadium T20I preview? Barsapara has hosted 5 T20Is with an average first-innings score of 192. Highest team total: 237/3 (India vs SA, 2022). Highest successful chase: 225/5 (Australia vs India, 2023). The venue consistently produces high-scoring games.
What is the current series status in the India New Zealand T20 series 2026? India lead 2-0 after convincing wins in Nagpur (48 runs) and Raipur (7 wickets with 28 balls remaining). A victory in Guwahati would seal the series for India with two matches still to play.