The stage is set for a thrilling decider, as India prepare to face New Zealand in the third ODI at Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore, on Sunday, January 18. With the series levelled at 1-1, both teams will be eager to clinch victory.

India made a strong start to the series with a dominant win in Vadodara, but faltered in Rajkot. While their batting has been solid, the bowling unit requires significant improvement. Ahead of Sunday’s clash, the hosts could make at least one change to strengthen their attack. With an unbeaten record in Indore, India will look to maintain their flawless ODI record at the venue.

After a tough start with a close loss in the opening ODI, New Zealand, guided by Michael Bracewell, made a strong recovery in the second game, with Daryl Mitchell’s brilliant century leading the charge. Now, they will aim to turn the tables and claim the series, hoping to spoil the celebrations for India.

Pitch report

Holkar Cricket Stadium is a known haven for batter, and Sunday’s game promises to be no different, with a run-fest likely on the cards. However, the surface has a tendency to slow down as the match unfolds, making high chases more challenging. The crowd will certainly be treated to a display of big hitting and boundary-laden cricket.

IND vs NZ: Head-to-Head ODI Record

The head-to-head record favors India, who have won 63 out of the 122 meetings, while New Zealand has secured 51 victories, with 8 matches ending in no result and 1 tied game.

IND vs NZ probable top performers

Watch out for key batter: Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill has been in outstanding form throughout the series, with two half-centuries already to his name. The attacking opener will now be aiming for a century to cap off his strong performance. With a solid record in ODIs at Indore, Gill will look to maintain his momentum and deliver a match-winning knock.

Watch out for key bowler: Kyle Jamieson

Kyle Jamieson has been a standout performer for New Zealand, picking up five wickets and being their most successful bowler in the series. With Indore’s pitch likely to offer bounce, Jamieson will look to use his height to full advantage and help his side clinch the series.

IND vs SA Match Prediction: Team batting first to win the match

Scenario 1
India win the toss and opt to bowl first
70-75: Powerplay
330-350: Final score
India Women win the match

Scenario 2

South Africa win the toss and opt to bowl first
70-80: Powerplay
330-350:Final score
South Africa win the match

IND vs NZ: Predicted Playing XIs

New Zealand: Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell (captain), Will Young, Mitchell Hay (wicketkeeper), Zak Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Kristian Clark, Jayden Lennox.

India: Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Shubman Gill (captain), Ravindra Jadeja, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh.