IND v NZL, 3rd T20I Preview: Rankings hang in balance as India and the Blackcaps prepare for the decider

The ODI series between India and New Zealand went all the way down to the final over and the suit is continuing in the T20 series. Tom Latham’s heroics pairing up with some poor decision making and silly mistakes on the field from the hosts ensured the Kiwis thumped them comprehensively. With the series tied at 1-1, the focus now shifts to the God’s own country, where the decider will be played.

After registering the highest partnership in India T20I history, Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan got out inside the first five overs in the second game. Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer got great starts with the bat, but couldn’t have a match-winning impact. Barring Bhuvneshwar and Bumrah, every other bowler had a forgettable outing in Rajkot.

The Blackcaps were quick to learn from their mistakes and with a little favor coming from the Indian fielders, they piled up a huge score on the board. Munro showed what he’s capable of and Guptill played some great shots before getting out. They need their skipper to fire in the final game of the tour to ensure they get back on their flights with all smiles.

Toss: New Zealand won the toss and opted to field

Overs: 8 per side

Kane Williamson – We will bowl first. Not sure about the surface, it’s an 8-over game, but at the end of the day, the better team will win. It’s a decider, we have to show plenty of intensity with the ball. One change, Tim Southee replaces Adam Milne.

Virat Kohli – We would have bowled first, looks like a damp wicket, there was no sun and there’s some moisture on the surface. We will have to put up a big score and then restrict them. The crowd has waited patiently and deserve to see a game. Two changes, Axar and Siraj miss out, Manish Pandey and Kuldeep are in

New Zealand (Playing XI): Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson(c), Tom Bruce, Glenn Phillips(w), Henry Nicholls, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult

India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Manish Pandey, Shreyas Iyer, Virat Kohli(c), Hardik Pandya, MS Dhoni(w), Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal

Focus will be on

Virat Kohli (India)

The King of run chases celebrated his 29th birthday in the presence of all his teammates. Although the previous game was a forgettable one, Kohli will take positives from his brilliant innings, which included some stellar cricketing shots. These days, people are getting a feeling that Kohli is on a mission to do something impeccable and the fans would love it if his unknown source of motivation gets him going in the decider.

Trent Boult (New Zealand)

Arguably the best Kiwi player on the tour, Trent Boult keeps getting better and better with every passing day. Defending a mammoth target in the Rajkot game, he removed both the openers in his first over and India never really was in the hunting post then. The left-arm seamer might not be the quickest bowler in the side but in terms of consistency, there are very few across the globe who are as good as him.

Playing combinations

India

Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma’s opening combination has been lethal for a long time now and no changes are expected there. Virat Kohli didn’t bat at number 3 in the last two games but will have to in this crucial game. Shreyas Iyer, MS Dhoni, and Hardik Pandya will follow, and Axar might get another game as they need an all-rounder at number 7.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah have been outstanding this series. Mohammad Siraj had an off game but he will get another chance in Trivandrum. The spinners were taken for a lot of runs but Kuldeep Yadav will have to wait for his place as Axar and Chahal will play. Pandya will be the sixth bowling option for the skipper.

New Zealand

Colin Munro and Martin Guptill were made to open by their skipper as he knows how lethal this pair can be. Kane Williamson had a forgettable tour, but he will be batting in the all-important number 3 position. Tom Bruce, Glenn Phillips, Henry Nicholls, Colin de Grandhomme, and Mitchell Santner will form the middle order.

Trent Boult is the go-to man once again for Williamson. Adam Milne’s pace can come in handy and the other seam bowlers in the side are part-timers Colin de Grandhomme and Colin Munro. Williamson will once again go with two spinners as Santner and Ish Sodhi will once again pair up to haunt the Indian batters.

StatAttack

1 – This will be the first T20 International game hosted at the University Stadium, Trivandrum.

23 – Rohit Sharma needs 23 runs to complete 1500 runs in T20Is.

57 – Virat Kohli is 57 short of 2,000 runs in T20Is.