New Zealand Swaps Tickner for Fisher Ahead of Reduced 40‑Over Match

In a surprise move before the rain‑shortened third ODI, New Zealand announced that fast‑bowler Matthew Fisher will replace Tim Tickner in the playing eleven. The change was confirmed by captain Michael Satterthwaite during the pre‑match briefing at Sedon Park, Hamilton.

Fisher’s inclusion gives the Kiwis an extra pace option as the match will now be contested over 40 overs instead of the usual 50, following a two‑hour delay caused by heavy showers. The reduction also caps each bowler’s quota at eight overs, making the selection of specialists crucial.

India, having won the toss and elected to bowl first, will look to exploit any early moisture on the pitch. Shubman Gill, India’s skipper, reiterated that the side’s eleven remains unchanged and that the bowlers are ready to take advantage of the conditions.

The series has already been heavily impacted by weather. The second ODI was decided by the DLS method, granting India a win. With two consecutive victories, India leads the five‑match series 2‑0 and is poised to clinch the trophy if it secures this third encounter.

New Zealand’s revised XI now reads: Will Young, Tim Seifert, Henry Nicholls, Derick Michell, wicket‑keeper Tom Latham, Glen Phillips, captain Michael Satterthwaite, Nathan Smith, Kyle Jamison, Jacob Duffy and the newly added Matthew Fisher.

India’s squad remains: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Akshar Patel, KL Rahul (wk), Naman Dheer, Anshul Kambuj, Aaqib Nabi, Gurkeerat Barar and Arshdeep Singh.

Both teams now face a tactical battle within a shortened framework, with the weather likely to continue influencing decisions throughout the remainder of the series.