IND vs NZ 3rd Test Preview: Key Players And Stats, Live Streaming, Pitch Report, Probable XIs

IND vs NZ 3rd Test Preview [Source: @BCCI/x.com]

Come Friday, Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium will be a venue where pride, reputation, and a little bit of hope are all at stake as India takes in New Zealand in the third and final Test of the series. With the Kiwis winning the first two Tests comprehensively, India’s dreams of salvaging their pride by winning the final match might seem difficult, but stranger things have happened on the cricket field. Rohit Sharma’s men will be ready to roll up their sleeves one last time to stop a clean sweep.

IND vs NZ 3rd Test: Match Details & Live Streaming

IND vs NZ 3rd Test Preview: A Nightmare Start for India

The series opener in Bengaluru was a wake-up call that nobody expected. After a poor show with the bat in the first innings, India found themselves on the back foot, eventually falling by eight wickets. New Zealand’s bowlers were able supported by their players’ sensational fielding that made India’s celebrated batting lineup look surprisingly ordinary.

The next blow came in Pune. Washington Sundar’s impressive seven-wicket haul had given India a glimmer of hope, but the batters couldn’t capitalize. Rolled over for just 156 in the first innings, India found themselves chasing shadows. New Zealand made the most of their advantage, stacking up another 255 and putting India under pressure, eventually clinching a historic 113-run win. The series was now lost, and India’s pride bruised.

With one Test left to play, the stakes have never been higher for India. The players know they’ll need more than just skill – they need courage and purpose. Rohit Sharma, whose bat has gone unusually quiet, will need to bring his A-game to the crease. And, of course, the ever-reliable Virat Kohli will look to steady the ship and remind fans why he’s one of the best in the world.

The bowlers, too, have a big task ahead. Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep will be looking to make the new ball dance to their tune, especially with early morning swing expected. And with a turning track anticipated, India’s spin trio of Ashwin, Jadeja, and Sundar will be ready to spin a web and trap the Kiwis.

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IND vs NZ 3rd Test Preview: New Zealand’s Moment of Glory

The Kiwis have been the dark horses of the series as they have punched way above their weight to outclass India in every department. No one had given them a chance to compete against this formidable India side, especially after their drubbing against Sri Lanka recently, however, they have defied all odds and have played some world-class cricket.

Their batters have stepped up when it matters, with Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra leading the charge. The two have handled Indian spinners with relative ease, which has been one of the biggest factors for New Zealand’s dominance.

In the bowling department, Santner’s sensational performance in Pune proved to be the game-changer, as he bagged seven wickets in India’s first innings and six in the second to demolish the Indian batting line-up.

Captain Tom Latham’s spirited 86 in the second innings was the icing on the cake, with others chipping in crucial contributions along the way. The visitors will look to ride on the winning momentum and secure a historic whitewash.

IND vs NZ 3rd Test Pitch Report: Spin Friendly Conditions Await; Toss Will Be Crucial

With the Wankhede pitch expected to turn from the word go, this is likely to be a spinner’s surface. The Indian team management has reportedly requested a rank turner – a bold call, but one that could play right into their hands. History at Wankhede tells us that batters can score big if they apply themselves, but it’s also a track where spinners can rule the roost. The toss might well be crucial, with teams batting first generally holding the upper hand. Out of the 26 Tests played here, 11 have been won by teams batting first. But, with swing on offer in the first few overs, it’ll be interesting to see if either side’s pacers can make an early breakthrough. Expect captain winning the toss to bat first.

IND vs NZ 3rd Test: Key Players And Stats

• Yashasvi Jaiswal: 1084 runs in the last 10 matches, Average: 60.22, SR: 77.87
• Shubman Gill: 715 runs in the last 9 matches, Average: 47.67, SR: 61.69
• Rachin Ravindra: 846 runs in the last 8 matches, Average: 56.4, SR: 60.73
• Kane Williamson: 757 runs in the last 8 matches, Average: 50.47, SR: 51.07
• Ravichandran Ashwin: 43 wickets in the last 9 matches, ER: 3.89
• Jasprit Bumrah: 41 wickets in the last 9 matches, ER: 3.13
• Matt Henry: 31 wickets in the last 5 matches, ER: 2.89
• Mitchell Santner: 26 wickets in the last 5 matches, ER: 2.8

IND vs NZ 3rd Test: Probable Playing XIs

India’s Probable Playing XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep

New Zealand’s Probable Playing XI: Tom Latham (c), Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Ajaz Patel, Tim Southee, William O’Rourke

IND vs NZ 3rd Test: Winner Prediction

Considering how both teams have fared so far in the series and their current form, New Zealand start as favourites to win this clash.

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