Guwahati erupted with excitement as India clinched the toss in the decisive third T20I against New Zealand at Barsapara Cricket Stadium. Captain Suryakumar Yadav made the strategic call to bowl first, citing the dew factor that often plays a pivotal role under the floodlights.
The hosts, already leading the five-match series 2-0, introduced two key changes to their lineup. Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah makes a highly anticipated return, replacing Arshdeep Singh, while leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi steps in for Varun Chakaravarthy. New Zealand, desperate to stay alive in the series, brought in Kyle Jamieson for the unavailable Zachry Foulkes.
Suryakumar explained his decision post-toss: ‘The wicket looks good, and dew will come into play later. We’ve rested Arshdeep and Varun, bringing back Bumrah and Bishnoi for freshness.’ Kiwi skipper Mitchell Santner reflected on their recent batting effort: ‘We batted well last game; we’ll build on that. Jamieson replaces Foulkes.’
India’s dominance in T20s is staggering—42 wins from 47 matches since January 2024. Post their T20 World Cup triumph, New Zealand has struggled, winless in eight outings against top teams like Australia, England, and now India.
With a series sweep in sight, the Barsapara pitch promises a thriller. Playing XIs:
India: Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Harshit Rana, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah.
New Zealand: Devon Conway, Tim Seifert (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (c), Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy.
Can the Black Caps pull off a miracle, or will India seal the deal tonight?