New Zealand vs India, 3rd ODI, Preview: Kiwis' proud home record at stake as the visitors aim another series win

Will Hardik Pandya play this game or Vijay Shankar will get another opportunity?

Published - 27 Jan 2019, 13:04 IST | Updated - 27 Jan 2019, 13:04 IST

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If the first ODI was a damp squib, the second turned out to be even more one-sided as India have trounced New Zealand so far in the series. The Kiwis are in a must-win situation now and will have to beat the visitors to keep the series alive. For that to happen though they have to find answers to a lot of questions with the major one being how to face the Indian wrist spinners.

Kuldeep Yadav was once again their nemesis and has taken his tally of wickets to eight. Nothing is working for the Black Caps at the moment. Their bowling has surprisingly looked toothless and though New Zealand came back well at the fag end of the innings to restrict India, the damage was already done. They will have to try and skittle India’s top three quickly to put any pressure on the other batsmen.

India, on the other hand, will be strangely worried about not being tested enough. They have proved to be too good so far for the hosts and look the favourites to seal the series. With Virat Kohli rested after the third ODI, a lot of changes will be made later in the series it seems. The current playing XI looks perfect to go for the World Cup with Jasprit Bumrah rested and this side is a team to beat now.

Team Combinations

New Zealand

There won’t be any changes in the batting order mostly for New Zealand. Ish Sodhi did a fair job in the second game which might pave the way for Santner’s inclusion in the side. Colin de Grandhomme should make way for him after a poor outing. With the pace bowlers doing a decent job, the trio of Lockie Ferguson, Doug Bracewell and Trent Boult should continue to play.

Probable XI: Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson (c), Ross Taylor, Tom Latham (wk), Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Doug Bracewell, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult.

India

India also don’t have any reason to change the winning combination. Their openers Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan are doing well while the middle-order has done well in the last few matches. Ambati Rayudu still looks rusty and he needs a big innings to regain the lost confidence. Hardik Pandya must’ve joined the squad by now and if he is ready to play then Vijay Shankar will be the unlucky one to be left out.

Probable XI: Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli (c), Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni (wk), Kedar Jadhav, Vijay Shankar/Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal.

Have you Read? NZ v IND 3rd ODI Dream 11 Fantasy Tips

Focus will be on

Kane Williamson (New Zealand)

It is strange to see Williamson not notching up big scores. He chopped on after scoring sublime 18 runs in just four balls of Shami in the previous game. With the first wicket falling very early, the Kiwi skipper might be coming under too much pressure to perform and lay the platform. But he is the rock of the team and if he crumbles early, the team leaves all the hopes it seems. The time has come for him to lead from the front.

Virat Kohli (India)

Another captain who has had an ordinary tour so far. Virat Kohli now has a couple of 40s in two matches which is very unlike him. He has set high standards for him and 39 centuries in this format is the testament to the same. With this being his final match, Kohli is surely due a big knock and would be itching to leave the country by entering in the 40s as far as his centuries are concerned.