New Delhi: Riding high on explosive batting performances ahead of next month’s T20 World Cup, India will look to clinch the five-match T20I series against New Zealand when the two teams meet in the third match at the Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati, on Sunday. After convincing victories in Raipur, India currently lead the series 2-0 and are aiming for an unassailable 3-0 advantage.
India’s resurgence has been powered by the return to form of Ishan Kishan, who made a comeback to the T20 side after 18 months, and skipper Suryakumar Yadav, who returned to captaincy after 14 months. Their blistering unbeaten half-centuries in the second T20I helped India chase down a daunting target of 209 despite losing two wickets for just six runs, sealing a seven-wicket win.
With batters like Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan and Rinku Singh in sublime touch, stopping India has emerged as New Zealand’s biggest challenge. The Indian team is keen to finish the series early in Guwahati and maintain their winning momentum under Suryakumar’s leadership.
New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner admitted after the second match that even 208 runs were not enough against India’s in-form batting line-up. “Against this Indian team, 300 might have been a good score,” Santner remarked, acknowledging the pressure created by India’s aggressive approach.
Although left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh endured an expensive outing in the second match, he remains India’s leading T20 fast bowler. Along with Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah (if included) and mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy, India’s bowling attack continues to pose questions for New Zealand’s aggressive batting strategy.
For the visitors, Glenn Phillips and Chapman failed to capitalise on their starts in the second match, while Rachin Ravindra narrowly missed a half-century. Santner’s unbeaten 47 down the order was a bright illustratespot, but overall, New Zealand have struggled to convert fast starts into match-winning totals.
India, on the other hand, have enjoyed consistent contributions. Abhishek Sharma and Rinku Singh starred in the first match, while Suryakumar and Ishan dominated the second. The depth in India’s squad has been evident, with all-rounders Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya contributing with both bat and ball, and youngsters like Harshit Rana stepping up in key moments.
With the T20 World Cup approaching, India appear well-stocked with options, including flexibility in the opening combination and spin department. If Axar Patel returns to full fitness and Bumrah is rested no longer, competition for places will only intensify.
As India look to seal yet another T20I series under Suryakumar Yadav, New Zealand will need a near-perfect performance to halt the hosts’ charge. All eyes will be on Guwahati as India aim to continue their aggressive brand of cricket and secure the series in style.
