India vs New Zealand – 3rd T20 International Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is India vs New Zealand taking place? Sunday, November 21st, 2021 – 13:30 (UK)
Where is India vs New Zealand taking place? Eden Gardens, Kolkata
What is the expected weather for India vs New Zealand? 25-26c dry with clear skies, and light winds
What channel is India vs New Zealand on? The match will be televised live on Sky Sports Cricket (channel 404)
Where can I stream India vs New Zealand? The match can be streamed live the SkyGo app
LAST MEETING
India beat New Zealand by 7 wickets
THE TEAM NEWS
INDIA
- A seven-wicket victory for India in Ranchi sealed the three-match series after the hosts successfully chased down a target of 154 in just 17.2 overs after opening pair Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul put on 117 for the first wicket.
- An excellent all-round performance from the entire Indian bowling unit saw each of the five bowlers utilised pick up at least one wicket and restrict the Black Caps to a manageable total.
- It is a testament to the strength-in-depth of India that the likes of Ishan Kishan and Yuzvendra Chahal have not been utilised as of yet across the series so far, but now India have secured the Paytm Trophy, the temptation may be to rotate the side.
New Zealand
- Whilst the first T20i was a close affair, New Zealand were beaten more convincingly in the second T20i, after none of their batters were able to go on and record a significant score after gaining starts.
- The standout performance from New Zealand’s perspective came from experienced bowler Tim Southee, who picked up all three wickets taken by the Black Caps at an economy rate of just four runs per over.
- With the series now lost, it would be no surprise if New Zealand were to rest key players such as Southee and Trent Boult, with fast bowler Lockie Ferguson likely to come back into the team.
THE PREDICTION
India head to Eden Gardens seeking a series sweep and when taking into account how well they have played so far in this T20i series, they will be confident of achieving that goal. The sheer number of games they have played across the last month may just be starting to catch up to New Zealand now and motivation is likely to be low among their squad. For India however, they boast plenty of young players still looking to prove a point to their new captain, who himself is in outstanding form with the bat. Add that to their well-balanced bowling unit, all of whom are playing well and all the pieces are in place for the hosts to secure a third victory of the series in this one.
