The India vs New Zealand 3rd ODI match will be played at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore on January 24. The first 2 one-days were won by team India by 12 runs and 8 wickets respectively. So far in the 3-match ODI series against New Zealand, every department of the Indian cricket team has stood up and delivered at crunch moments that suggest the 2-0 scoreline. Although a dead rubber, the 3rd one-day international match will be important for both sides in their preparation for the ICC men’s 50-over world cup.
While New Zealand will be desperate to end the ODI series with a victory to salvage some pride, India will have its eyes firmly on the number 1 ICC men’s ODI rankings spot. If India manages to win the final ODI match, they will replace the Kiwis at the top of the ODI rankings table.
India vs New Zealand 3rd ODI: Expected Pitch Conditions in Indore
The Holkar Cricket Stadium pitch traditionally favors batsmen as is suggested by the previous records. The average 1st innings ODI total in Indore is 307 (last 5 games). The boundaries are small and the outfield, as with the other Indian pitches, is lightning-quick. No rain forecast for the match day so spectators will enjoy a full 100-over contest. Captains winning the toss prefer batting second due to the dew factor.
India vs New Zealand 3rd ODI: Expected Playing 11s
India, having won the series, might be tempted to test their bench strength. If that happens, a few key bowlers could be rested for the final ODI match. Umran Malik might get a game considering Siraj has played in all the ODI matches since the beginning of 2023. Shahbaz Ahmed might also get a game in place of Washington Sundar.
No changes are expected in the batting department unless the team management wants to take a look at KS Bharat’s abilities before the start of the Australia series.
India: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan/KS Bharat, Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar/Shahbaz Ahmed, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammad Siraj/Umran Malik, Mohammad Shami
The Kiwis have a lot to ponder upon after losing the previous 2 ODIs and the series. So far, the Kiwi batters have not put up their hands which resulted in two back-to-back defeats. The bowling unit, except for Santner, has not looked potent as well. New Zealand might want to give another go-ahead to its batting line up but some changes are expected in the bowling department. Expect Ish Sodhi to come in and Doug Bracewell to replace either Shipley or Tickner.
New Zealand: Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (Captain), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Henry Shipley/Doug Bracewell, Lockie Ferguson, Blair Tickner/Ish Sodhi
India vs New Zealand 3rd ODI: Dream 11 and Fantasy Team
Rohit Sharma (Bat), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Devon Conway, Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips (All), Michael Bracewell, Mohammad Siraj/Umran Malik, Kuldeep Yadav (Bowl), Lockie Ferguson, Mohammad Shami