India and New Zealand (IND vs NZ) meet in the third T20I of their five-match series at Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati, on January 25. India lead 2-0 after winning the first two games and can seal the series with another victory, while New Zealand must win to keep the contest alive.
Conditions in Guwahati are expected to favour a full game, which is important for both teams as they tune up for the T20 World Cup. With rain chances low and a pleasant evening forecast, fans are likely to see uninterrupted action in this key third clash.
India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I weather and pitch outlook
The weather forecast for Guwahati on January 25 points to clear skies and bright sunshine through the day. During the evening match window, temperatures are set to remain around 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. Humidity is expected between 35 and 44 per cent, which could influence swing, grip and player fatigue.
India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I series stakes and World Cup build-up
The third T20I carries extra weight because of the upcoming T20 World Cup, with both sides seeking clarity on combinations. India will try to wrap up the series early and test bench options under low-pressure conditions. New Zealand, however, will chase a first win on this tour and aim to shift momentum.
India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I squads and key players
India have named a squad that mixes established stars and newer faces, with Suryakumar Yadav leading the side. New Zealand respond with a group built around all-round options and strong middle-order hitting. The full squads for the India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I are listed below for clarity.
| Team | Players |
|---|---|
| India squad | Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Shreyas Iyer (first three T20Is), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (vice-capt), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ishan Kishan (wk), Ravi Bishnoi |
| New Zealand squad | Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Bevon Jacobs, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Ish Sodhi, Kristian Clarke |
Given the mild temperature range and modest humidity, the ball may slide on under lights, which can aid stroke-making. Dew could appear later in the evening, so captains may prefer chasing. With India targeting a series win and New Zealand chasing a comeback, both sides will watch the conditions closely.
The India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I in Guwahati therefore offers a likely full match, favourable viewing conditions and clear series stakes. India plan to secure the five-game series on January 25, while New Zealand aim to extend the contest and test their T20 World Cup plans under pressure.