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As the action moves to the Northeast, India find themselves on the brink of sealing yet another home series. Comprehensive victories in Nagpur by 48 runs, followed by a record chase in Raipur, have handed the Men in Blue a commanding 2–0 lead in the five-match contest. For New Zealand, the third T20I shapes up as a do-or-die clash, with the visitors desperate to revive the momentum gained from their landmark ODI series triumph earlier this month.
India’s batting unit has been nothing short of ruthless. Ishan Kishan’s blistering 76 off just 32 deliveries, combined with Suryakumar Yadav’s unbeaten 82 off 37, left the Kiwi bowlers searching for answers in Raipur. With the series advantage firmly in hand, the hosts could once again opt to rest Jasprit Bumrah, keeping a close eye on his workload with the T20 World Cup scheduled for February.
Despite posting totals in excess of 190 and 200 in the opening two matches, New Zealand have failed to close out games. Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra have shown encouraging form with the bat, but the bowling attack—particularly its execution in the death overs—will need a significant improvement to halt India’s momentum.
IND vs NZ, 3rd T20I: Guwahati Weather Forecast
Conditions in Guwahati for the 3rd T20I match are expected to be ideal for cricket, with the daytime reaching a high of 26°C under sunny skies. As the match progresses into the evening, the temperature will drop to a low of 14°C with clear conditions, while a steady 4 mph wind from the north and a humidity level of 50% will keep the air relatively comfortable. Fans and players can expect a dry outing, as the chance of precipitation during the night is 0%.
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IND vs NZ, 3rd T20I: Dew Factor
The dew factor at the Barsapara Stadium is expected to be a decisive tactical element. In the humid January conditions of Guwahati, moisture typically settles on the outfield by mid-evening, making the ball slippery and difficult for bowlers, especially spinners to grip it. This neutralized friction often allows the ball to slide onto the bat, favouring the chasing side and turning even massive totals into manageable targets. Consequently, the toss becomes a critical “half-win”; the captain who wins will almost certainly bowl first to avoid the disadvantage of a wet ball during the second innings.
IND vs NZ, 3rd T20I: Toss Prediction
In Guwahati, the toss winner will likely elect to bowl first, driven by three critical factors:
Ground Dimensions: Unlike Raipur, Barsapara features relatively short boundaries and a lightning-fast outfield. This high-scoring nature puts immense pressure on the defending side, as even mistimed shots can clear the ropes, making a set target much easier to navigate for the chasing team.
Pitch: The surface is a traditional batting paradise made of hard clay that offers true bounce and consistent pace. While it may offer a hint of swing under lights initially, it remains incredibly flat throughout the game, allowing the chasing side to play through the line with total confidence.
Dew Advantage: Heavy evening dew is the ultimate game-changer in the Northeast. It makes the ball greasy and difficult to grip, neutralizing the threat of spinners. This skidding effect helps the ball come onto the bat faster, giving a massive edge to the side batting second.
Also READ: Top 5 highest successful chases by Team India in T20I cricket
