In a bid to wrap up the T20 series with a flourish, India won the toss and elected to field first against New Zealand in Guwahati’s Barsapara Stadium on Sunday. The series already in their pocket at 2-0, the Men in Blue are eyeing a clean sweep.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav’s squad features Jasprit Bumrah’s return alongside Ravi Bishnoi, benching Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakaravarthy for rotation. New Zealand counters with Kyle Jamieson’s inclusion over Zachry Foulkes.
‘Dew will be a factor tonight on this batting-friendly track,’ Suryakumar noted. ‘Bumrah and Bishnoi are back to bolster our attack.’ Santner, undeterred, said, ‘Our last innings was solid; we’ll apply those lessons. Jamieson adds seam bite.’
Context underscores India’s T20 supremacy: just four losses in 47 games since early 2024. New Zealand’s post-World Cup form is dire—no victories in eight T20s versus elite sides, with five defeats and three no-results.
Recap of India’s romp: 41-run win in the opener, followed by a 48-run thrashing in the second. The Kiwis must win this and the remaining two to salvage pride.
Confirmed lineups:
India: S Samson (wk), A Sharma, I Kishan, SKY (c), S Dube, H Pandya, R Singh, H Rana, R Bishnoi, K Yadav, J Bumrah.
NZ: D Conway, T Seifert (wk), R Ravindra, G Phillips, M Chapman, D Mitchell, M Santner (c), K Jamieson, M Henry, I Sodhi, J Duffy.
All eyes on Bumrah’s rhythm and India’s chase under dew.
