India vs New Zealand Prediction: Who Will Win IND vs NZ 3rd T20 Match on 25th January 2026?
The India vs New Zealand prediction for the 3rd T20I of the New Zealand tour of India 2026 brings fans to an exciting decider-like clash at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Sunday, 25th January 2026. With India carrying strong momentum from the opening games and New Zealand fighting to stay alive in the series, this encounter promises high intensity and tactical battles. Cricketwebs continues to deliver detailed and reliable match prediction tips for every international fixture.
India have looked dominant in home conditions, especially with their deep batting order and versatile bowling attack. The Guwahati surface, known for producing high-scoring T20Is, further strengthens India’s case. The average first-innings score at this venue hovers around 185–190, and teams bowling first have enjoyed more success, winning two of the three T20Is played here. This adds an interesting layer to the India vs New Zealand prediction, particularly around the toss.
Suryakumar Yadav remains a central figure in this contest. The Indian skipper has scored 316 runs in just nine T20Is against New Zealand, making him a constant threat to the Kiwi bowling attack. Youngsters like Abhishek Sharma have also grabbed their opportunities, while the return of Ishan Kishan provides extra flexibility in the top order.
New Zealand, meanwhile, continue to search for balance in their batting lineup. With experimentation still ongoing, consistency has been elusive. While players like Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips have shown promise, others are under pressure to perform. The Kiwi bowling attack, though experienced, has struggled to contain India’s aggressive approach on flat Indian tracks.
Overall, this India vs New Zealand prediction tilts towards the hosts due to form, conditions, and squad depth. However, New Zealand’s resilience means they cannot be taken lightly, especially if their key players rise to the occasion under pressure.
- India carry strong momentum into the 3rd T20I
- Guwahati generally favors teams bowling first
- Suryakumar Yadav has an excellent record vs New Zealand
- New Zealand face pressure to settle their batting lineup
Match Details
| Match | IND vs NZ, 3rd T20I |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, 25 January 2026 |
| Time | 7:00 PM IST |
| Venue | Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati |
| Series | New Zealand tour of India 2026 |
Team Previews
India Preview
India will look to continue their dominance and seal the series with another authoritative performance. The batting lineup has shown both aggression and adaptability, a key strength in T20 cricket. Abhishek Sharma has been a revelation at the top, scoring 85 runs in the opening match and setting the tone early. Sanju Samson, despite a quiet start to the series, will be keen to capitalize on the batting-friendly surface at Guwahati.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav remains the lynchpin of India’s middle order. His ability to dismantle bowling attacks with unconventional stroke play makes him especially dangerous against New Zealand. Ishan Kishan’s presence adds left-handed variety and allows India to maintain a high scoring rate throughout the innings.
The all-round department looks solid with Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube. Dube’s recent success with the ball provides India with an additional bowling option, easing pressure on the frontline pacers. Rinku Singh’s finishing ability further deepens the batting lineup.
Bowling remains India’s biggest weapon. Arshdeep Singh has consistently troubled New Zealand’s top order with early swing, while Jasprit Bumrah has been exceptional in the middle and death overs. The inclusion of Varun Chakravarthy or Ravi Bishnoi adds spin variety, crucial on a surface that can grip slightly as the game progresses.
Overall, India appear well-settled, confident, and tactically sound heading into this match.
New Zealand Preview
New Zealand find themselves under pressure going into the 3rd T20I, needing a strong performance to stay competitive in the series. The biggest concern has been the lack of clarity in the batting order, particularly around the number three position. While Devon Conway and Tim Robinson have provided starts, consistency has been missing.
Rachin Ravindra has struggled for form, making this a crucial game for him to regain confidence. In contrast, Daryl Mitchell has been one of the more reliable batters and looks set to cement his role in the middle order. Glenn Phillips remains a dangerous floater, capable of changing the game in a few overs if he gets going.
Captain Mitchell Santner will be hoping for improved discipline from his bowling unit. Santner himself has struggled with line and length so far, while Ish Sodhi’s variations will be vital on Indian pitches. Kyle Jamieson, earmarked as a death-overs specialist, needs game time to find rhythm after replacing Adam Milne in the setup.
Pace bowlers like Jacob Duffy and Kristian Clarke have shown promise but will need to execute better plans against India’s aggressive batters. For New Zealand to challenge India, early wickets and tighter middle overs are non-negotiable.
Team Squads
India:
Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshith Rana / Ravi Bishnoi
New Zealand:
Devon Conway (wk), Tim Robinson, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (c), Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy, Kristian Clarke
Probable Playing XI
| India | New Zealand |
|---|---|
| Sanju Samson (wk) | Devon Conway (wk) |
| Abhishek Sharma | Tim Robinson |
| Ishan Kishan | Rachin Ravindra |
| Suryakumar Yadav (c) | Glenn Phillips |
| Hardik Pandya | Mark Chapman |
| Shivam Dube | Daryl Mitchell |
| Rinku Singh | Mitchell Santner (c) |
| Arshdeep Singh | Kyle Jamieson |
| Varun Chakravarthy | Ish Sodhi |
| Jasprit Bumrah | Jacob Duffy |
| Ravi Bishnoi | Kristian Clarke |
India vs New Zealand Today’s Dream11/Fantasy Prediction
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| Batters | Suryakumar Yadav, Abhishek Sharma, Glenn Phillips |
| All-rounders | Hardik Pandya, Daryl Mitchell, Shivam Dube |
| Wicketkeeper | Ishan Kishan |
| Bowlers | Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Ish Sodhi |
This fantasy XI focuses on form players and multi-skill cricketers. Suryakumar Yadav is a must-pick due to his exceptional record against New Zealand. Abhishek Sharma provides explosive starts, while Glenn Phillips offers high-risk, high-reward potential. Hardik Pandya and Daryl Mitchell are premium all-round options capable of contributing in both departments. Shivam Dube adds value with his recent wicket-taking form.
Ishan Kishan is selected as wicketkeeper for his batting upside. In bowling, Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh are essential picks given their ability to strike at crucial moments. Varun Chakravarthy’s mystery spin and Ish Sodhi’s leg-spin complete a balanced bowling attack.
Captain Options: Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya
Vice-Captain Options: Jasprit Bumrah, Daryl Mitchell
Players to Avoid: Tim Robinson, Kristian Clarke
Also Check: Get The Best Fantasy Prediction From Cricket Experts
Favourite Team Today – India
India are clear favorites in this contest due to their depth, home advantage, and current form. Their batting lineup is long and aggressive, capable of posting or chasing big totals at Guwahati. Additionally, India’s bowling attack, led by Bumrah and Arshdeep, has consistently applied pressure on New Zealand’s unsettled batting order. The familiarity with conditions and confidence from previous wins further strengthen India’s position. This India vs New Zealand prediction strongly favors the hosts continuing their dominance and securing another convincing victory.
India T20 History
| Matches | Won | Lost | NR | Tie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 265 | 183 | 73 | 8 | 1 |
India boast one of the strongest T20I records globally, excelling particularly in home conditions with depth in both batting and bowling departments.
New Zealand T20 History
| Matches | Won | Lost | NR | Tie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 248 | 128 | 108 | 11 | 1 |
New Zealand have remained competitive in T20Is through adaptability and all-round depth, though consistency in Asian conditions has been challenging.
Head-to-Head Stats
| Matches | IND Won | NZ Won | NR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27 | 16 | 10 | 1 |
India hold a clear edge over New Zealand in T20Is, especially in home conditions where their win percentage improves significantly.
Pitch Report
Barsapara Cricket Stadium generally offers a batting-friendly surface with true bounce. Power-hitters enjoy value for shots, especially in the first innings. As the match progresses, spinners can find some assistance. A par score is around 185–190.
Weather Report
Clear skies are expected in Guwahati with no significant rain threat. Conditions should remain warm and ideal for uninterrupted cricket.
Broadcast Details
The match will be streamed live on Jio Hotstar, Star Sports Network, providing complete digital coverage.
Toss Prediction
Considering venue trends, the toss-winning team may opt to bowl first, as chasing sides have enjoyed more success at this ground.
Probable Batsman & Bowler
Probable Batsman: Suryakumar Yadav – With 316 runs in nine T20Is against New Zealand, Suryakumar’s dominance and adaptability make him the most likely top-scorer in this clash.
Probable Bowler: Jasprit Bumrah – Bumrah’s accuracy, pace, and death-over expertise could be decisive on a high-scoring ground.
Match Prediction
Considering form, conditions, and squad balance, this India vs New Zealand prediction clearly favors India. New Zealand may show resilience, but India’s superior batting depth and proven bowling attack at home should allow them to control the match and secure another comfortable win in the series.
Winner: India Will Win
Also, once the toss takes place, we might modify the Today Match Prediction as per the playing XIs. Please check this blog after the toss for the updated Prediction.
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