New Zealand vs India, 3rd T20I, Hamilton: Preview, likely XIs, predictions

So far, India have everything to be optimistic about on their tour of New Zealand, and indeed, their prospects at the T20 World Cup this year. Ahead of the third T20I in Hamilton against New Zealand on Wednesday, there is excitement at how the team will fare.

India have happened on a good combination. Their age-old middle order problem seems to be on the mend, with KL Rahul taking the wicketkeeping gloves and adding that extra dimension. He’s in stellar form as well, with his 57 in the last T20I being his second in a row, and third in five T20Is. He’s been superb.

Just as important for India has been how Shreyas Iyer has slowly grown into his role, given he is now offered some security of his place in the side. The faith is bearing fruit – his unbeaten 58 in the first T20I was followed up by a supportive 44 in the second, and India’s batting order finally looks reliable outside of the top three.

New Zealand will hope some of their own players can hit such form tomorrow. They have a decent side, but India have largely outplayed them, especially with Jasprit Bumrah taking strides on his recovery. The home side will need all-round development – their batsmen just haven’t been able to get going, and their bowlers haven’t been able to find India’s weakspots.

Can they in Hamilton?

Head to head

Overall, India haven’t had the greatest record in T20Is against India. They’ve played 13 times, and India have only won five of those matches, with New Zealand winning eight.

Key players

KL Rahul (India): Rahul has emerged has India’s most important member to this T20I side, simply because of the balance he brings with his versatility. He’s also in stellar form, and he’ll be the first wicket New Zealand will hope to take.

Tim Southee (New Zealand): The New Zealand pacer has had his abilities in limited-overs matches doubted recently, but he was the Black Caps best bowler in their last outing, taking 2/20 in his 3.3 overs. Can he deliver more?

Likely XIs

New Zealand: Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson (c), Colin de Grandhomme, Ross Taylor, Tim Seifert (wk), Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Blair Tickner, Hamish Bennett

India: Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul (wk), Virat Kohli (c), Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, Manish Pandey, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah

Prediction

India to make it 3-0.