Punjab Newsline,Sports:
Confident India aim for 3-0 lead after record-breaking chase; toss and dew likely to play key role at Barsapara Stadium
Riding high on confidence after a dominant start to the series, India will look to wrap up the five-match T20I series when they take on New Zealand in the third T20I at the ACA Stadium, Barsapara, Guwahati, on Sunday. Having taken a 2-0 lead, the hosts are firmly in control and will be keen to maintain momentum ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
India delivered a massive statement in the second T20I at Raipur, producing a stunning chase of 208 in just 15.2 overs. It was India’s second-highest successful run chase in T20I history and underlined their aggressive intent in the shortest format. The win was also the biggest victory by balls remaining for a full-member nation while chasing a target of over 200.
New Zealand, after being put in to bat, showed flashes of promise but lacked consistency. Rachin Ravindra played a counterattacking knock of 44 off 26 balls to stabilise the innings, while captain Mitchell Santner anchored the finish with an unbeaten 47 off 27 deliveries, guiding the visitors to 208 for 6. India’s bowlers shared the spoils, with Kuldeep Yadav standing out through two crucial wickets.
India’s response was clinical despite early losses. Ishan Kishan set the tone with a blazing 76, while skipper Suryakumar Yadav played a captain’s knock, remaining unbeaten on 82 off 37 balls to seal a seven-wicket win. The innings marked Suryakumar’s first T20I half-century after a long gap and highlighted India’s batting depth.
The Barsapara Cricket Stadium has offered a balanced contest so far, with teams batting first and second enjoying similar success. However, dew is expected to play a decisive role in the night game, making bowling difficult in the second innings. The toss-winning captain is likely to opt to bowl first.
Several milestones are also on the horizon. Kuldeep Yadav is just eight wickets away from 100 T20I wickets, while Rinku Singh needs 59 runs to reach 3,500 T20 runs. Glenn Phillips, meanwhile, is closing in on 150 T20 catches.
With no major changes expected in India’s playing XI, the hosts will aim for a 3-0 lead. New Zealand, on the other hand, will be desperate for a stronger bowling effort and a more consistent batting display to stay alive in the series.