IND vs NZ Match Analysis
The third ODI at Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore arrives as a decisive moment in the New Zealand tour of India, with both teams keenly aware that momentum, not reputation, will dictate the outcome. The afternoon start removes ambiguity around conditions, placing the emphasis squarely on execution.
India enter this contest nursing both urgency and introspection after letting the second ODI slip in Rajkot. Despite posting 284/7, their inability to apply sustained pressure with the ball exposed familiar middle-overs concerns. The leadership of Shubman Gill now carries a clear subtext: recalibrate bowling plans quickly or risk conceding the narrative entirely.
New Zealand, meanwhile, arrive buoyed by clarity of role and confidence earned, not gifted. Chasing 285 with 15 balls to spare showcased composure, depth, and tactical discipline. Daryl Mitchell’s match-defining century was not just prolific but psychologically assertive, reinforcing New Zealand’s belief that Indian conditions no longer intimidate them.
India vs New Zealand Match Details
Match | India vs New Zealand | 3rd ODI | New Zealand tour of India 2026 |
Date | 18/01/2026 (Sunday) |
Time | BDT 2:00 PM / PKT 1:00 PM / INR 1:30 PM |
Format | ODI |
Venue | Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore |
Recent performance | India – W L W W L |
Live Streaming Details | Click here to watch the Live Stream on Sports Live Hub (SLH) |
Holkar Cricket Stadium Pitch Report
Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore
The Indore surface remains one of India’s most batting-centric ODI venues, with its black-soil wicket offering consistent bounce and minimal lateral movement. Stroke-makers thrive once set, and bowlers are punished for marginal errors in length. Par scores trend high, making powerplay containment and death-over precision essential rather than optional.
Weather Report
Conditions in Indore are expected to be sunny and pleasant, with stable temperatures and no immediate threat of rain. Dew is unlikely to play a disruptive role in this daytime fixture, ensuring an even contest for both innings. As a result, tactical decisions will lean more on match-ups than on atmospheric advantages.
IND vs NZ Head-to-Head Records
Matches Played | 121 |
IND Won | 63 |
NZ Won | 50 |
Tied | 1 |
No Result | 7 |
First-ever Fixture | June 14, 1975 |
Most-recent Fixture | January 14, 2026 |
India vs New Zealand Team Preview & Squads
India
Shubman Gill’s captaincy now faces its first genuine stress test of the series. Calm leadership must translate into sharper in-game bowling rotations, especially during transition phases. Gill’s own batting anchors India’s approach, but his broader influence will be measured by how decisively India corrects their tactical drift from Rajkot.
India’s batting structure is formidable on paper, blending experience and adaptability. Virat Kohli’s role as the stabilizing force in high-scoring conditions becomes central, while KL Rahul’s power-hitting offers acceleration in the latter overs. The challenge lies not in scoring runs, but in ensuring momentum does not plateau post-powerplay.
Bowling remains India’s most scrutinized department. Mohammed Siraj’s new-ball effectiveness is critical in Indore, where early breakthroughs are the rare currency of control. Ravindra Jadeja’s all-round value adds balance, but support bowlers must execute with discipline to avoid repetition of Rajkot’s defensive lapses.
India Squad
India Squad
Shubman Gill (c), Shreyas Iyer (vc), Arshdeep Singh, Ayush Badoni, Harshit Rana, Ravindra Jadeja, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Virat Kohli, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Prasidh Krishna, KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma
New Zealand
Michael Bracewell’s captaincy continues to reflect New Zealand’s understated leadership philosophy: clarity over charisma. His tactical flexibility, especially in rotating bowlers during batting-friendly phases, has allowed New Zealand to punch above perceived limitations in Indian conditions.
Batting is New Zealand’s strongest currency heading into the third ODI. Daryl Mitchell’s authority against both pace and spin anchors the middle order, while Devon Conway and Will Young ensure structural stability up top. This lineup thrives on calculated aggression rather than reckless acceleration.
The bowling unit, while not overwhelming on paper, operates with discipline. Kyle Jamieson’s bounce and seam movement provide wicket-taking options even on flat decks, and Glenn Phillips’ all-round skills allow New Zealand to extend batting depth without compromising balance.
New Zealand Squad
New Zealand Squad
Michael Bracewell (c), Adithya Ashok, Kristian Clarke, Josh Clarkson, Devon Conway, Zak Foulkes, Mitchell Hay, Kyle Jamieson, Nick Kelly, Jayden Lennox, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Michael Rae, Will Young
IND vs NZ Prediction
Event | India | New Zealand |
Toss Winner | India | – |
Player of the Match | – | Daryl Mitchell |
Top Run Scorer | Virat Kohli | Daryl Mitchell |
Top Wicket Taker | Mohammed Siraj | Kyle Jamieson |
Most Sixes | KL Rahul | Michael Bracewell |
Predicted Score | 290+ | 300+ |
Win Probability | 49% | 51% |
India vs New Zealand Winning Prediction
India are likely to push for early dominance through aggressive batting intent and sharper new-ball spells, attempting to erase Rajkot’s inefficiencies. New Zealand, however, will counter with composure, trusting their middle-order solidity and Jamieson-led bowling discipline to absorb pressure. The clash hinges on whether India’s adjustments outpace New Zealand’s confidence carried forward.
According to the above cricket analytical data, New Zealand have a 51% chance of winning.
FAQ: New Zealand tour of India 2026, 3rd ODI
Who is the captain of India in the 3rd ODI against New Zealand?
Shubman Gill is leading India in the third ODI.
Which stadium is hosting the third ODI between India and New Zealand?
The match is being played at Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore.
What are the options for watching IND vs NZ 3rd ODI online?
The match will be streamed live on Sports Live Hub (SLH).
Disclaimer: This cricket prediction reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. We encourage readers to review the points shared and draw their own conclusions.
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