India vs New Zealand Prediction & Match Preview – 3rd T20I, Guwahati
Match summary
Preview of India vs New Zealand, 3rd T20I at Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati: form, likely XIs, pitch, weather and expected scores.
Match details
| Match | India vs New Zealand, 3rd T20I |
|---|---|
| Series | New Zealand tour of India 2026 |
| Date | 25 Jan 2026 |
| Start time | 1:30 pm GMT / 7:00 pm local |
| Venue | Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati |
| Status | Played |
| Our pick | India |
| Toss pick | New Zealand |
Matches in this series
Match preview
India will want to build on the momentum from the first two T20Is. Abhishek Sharma set the tone with 85 in the opener, while Sanju Samson is still waiting for a big innings and will fancy his chances on a good batting surface in Guwahati. Captain Suryakumar Yadav has shown glimpses with a handy 32 and has scored 316 runs in nine matches against New Zealand, so a first fifty of the series feels due. Ishan Kishan, at number four, is getting valuable game time as he looks to secure his place ahead of the marquee tournament.
In the bowling department, Arshdeep Singh has troubled the New Zealand top order with swing, and Jasprit Bumrah has been outstanding through the middle overs and at the death. Shivam Dube’s recent success with the ball gives India depth and a seventh bowling option alongside Abhishek.
New Zealand are still experimenting with their batting, particularly at number three, and the return of Finn Allen and Tim Seifert adds to the competition. Daryl Mitchell has made a strong case for the role with consistent form, particularly with Rachin Ravindra going through a lean patch and needing a score. Mitchell Santner has struggled with his line and length so far, and Kyle Jamieson’s selection in the World Cup squad ahead of Adam Milne suggests he will get more chances as a death-overs specialist.
Barsapara in Guwahati usually offers a balanced contest. Fast bowlers can get seam movement and bounce early, making the new-ball phase testing, but the surface settles and becomes more batting-friendly as the game goes on. Bounce stays true, helping batters score steadily through the middle overs, and spinners rely on variations rather than sharp turn.
Around 7:00 pm local time on 25 January, Guwahati is expected to be pleasant and mostly dry at roughly 27 to 28°C, with mild winds and very little chance of rain.
Expected scores
| Innings | Predicted | Actual |
|---|---|---|
| First innings | 165–180 | – |
| Second innings | 160–170 | – |
India
India have momentum from the first two T20Is, a strong top order and a varied bowling attack, while New Zealand are still settling their batting.
Toss pick: New Zealand
FAQ
Who is favoured in India vs New Zealand, 3rd T20I?
Our preview picks India, who have built momentum from the first two matches of the series.
What is a strong total in Guwahati?
Anything above 175 should put real pressure on the side batting second, though dew could slightly favour chasers.
Which India batter has started well?
Abhishek Sharma set the tone with 85 in the opening match, while Suryakumar Yadav has a record of 316 runs in nine T20Is against New Zealand.
Probable XIs
Expected line-ups from our preview. c = captain, wk = wicketkeeper.
India
- Sanju Samsonwk
- Abhishek Sharma
- Ishan Kishan
- Suryakumar Yadavc
- Hardik Pandya
- Shivam Dube
- Rinku Singh
- Harshit Rana
- Arshdeep Singh
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Varun Chakaravarthy
New Zealand
- Devon Conway
- Tim Seifertwk
- Rachin Ravindra
- Glenn Phillips
- Mark Chapman
- Daryl Mitchell
- Mitchell Santnerc
- Zakary Foulkes
- Matt Henry
- Ish Sodhi
- Jacob Duffy
Head-to-head
Earlier meetings of India and New Zealand that we covered.