New Zealand vs India - 3rd T20I: Match Preview and Predicted XI

In a space of three days, Indian team emerged winners twice to take a 2-0 lead against New Zealand in the five-match T20I series. It was the batting performance that scripted India's win in the first T20I, however, in the second T20I, the bowlers stepped up to the mark and ruled out every chance for Kiwis to make a comeback.

On the back of a superb bowling performance, Indian managed to restrict the home side to paltry score of 132 in their 20 overs, making it easier for their batting line-up to chase down the modest total with ease inside 18 overs.

Kane Williamson and his boys found themselves at the back foot in the every department of the game in last two matches so far. They had no ways to get better of this Indian line-up, which features a number of potential match-winners who can inflict a turnaround at any moment in the match.

It is usually about seizing the moment in a game of cricket, and BlackCaps have failed to grab such moments in both games. In another two day's time, both teams will once again go against each other in the third T20I at Seddon Park in Hamilton.

The third ODI at Hamilton will not only be a test of Kiwis' skills against a top-notch side like India, but will also indicate about their willingness to grab moments that could lead them to victory.Williamson will have a lot of thinking to do ahead of the Wednesday clash in picking the best suited team to stay alive in the series.

With series on the line, New Zealand will hope to put up a great show at Hamilton and stop this Indian caravan from attaining more success on their tour ahead.

Predicted XI

India:

India won't think of making any changes and disturb their winning combination ahead of the third T20I. In the post-match presentation after winning in Auckland, even Virat Kohli alluded to the thought of not tinkering with their winning combination for the Hamilton T20I.

India Predicted XI: Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul (Wk), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mohammad Shami, Jasprit Bumrah

New Zealand: 

The Kiwi camp has a lot of thinking to do before the third T20I. It will be ado-or-die encounter for the home team if they want to stay alive in this series. They will have to put their best foot forward and might ponder over selecting the best XI from the available options.

New Zealand Predicted XI: Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Colin de Grandhomme, Tim Siefert (Wk), Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, Blair Tickner, Tim Southee, Scott Kuggeleijn

Cover Image Credits: NDTV Sports