India Vs New Zealand Live Score, 3rd T20I: IND Opt To Bowl First, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Gets Another Opportunity

New Zealand (Playing XI): Tim Seifert(w), Finn Allen, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Bevon Jacobs, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner(c), Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne, Jacob Duffy, Matthew Fishe

India (Playing XI): Sanju Samson(w), Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Shreyas Iyer(c), Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Naman Dhir, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav

India captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and opted to bowl first.

Wellington's gusty conditions could pose an additional challenge for India at the Basin Reserve, potentially influencing bowling plans and fielding positions. Morne Morkel has backed comeback pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar to regain his rhythm, stressing the importance of giving the experienced bowler time to settle in without unnecessary pressure. With Bhuvneshwar having struggled with his economy in the first two T20Is, India's bowling attack will hope he adapts better to the conditions and delivers a more controlled spell.

New Zealand have reshuffled their squad for the third T20I against India, with Matt Henry ruled out of the remaining matches and Lockie Ferguson unavailable for the Wellington clash as part of workload management. Kyle Jamieson will feature in the third T20I, while Matt Fisher has joined as cover for this match only. Blair Tickner will also join the squad for the final three games. With India leading the series 2-0, the Black Caps will need their revamped pace attack to deliver under pressure as they look to keep the series alive.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar has endured an expensive start to his international comeback, conceding 99 runs in 8 overs at an economy rate of 12.37 across the first two T20Is against New Zealand. After leaking 49 runs without a wicket in the series opener, the experienced pacer gave away another 50 runs in the second match, managing just one wicket, that of Daryl Mitchell. With India struggling for bowling control despite their 2-0 series lead, Bhuvneshwar will be eager to rediscover his rhythm in the third T20I.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was included in the playing XI in the 2nd T20I as he replaced injured Ishan Kishan, however, the 15-year-old failed to capitalise the opportunity, scoring just 2 runs. The left-handed batter might get another chance today as Kishan hasn't recovered and is out again.

Rain is unlikely to interrupt play, with clear skies forecast in Christchurch. Temperatures are expected to reach 24°C during the day before dropping to around 10°C by evening.

With no rainfall predicted and humidity rising to 77% in the evening, dew could play a crucial role. The conditions may favour chasing, making bowling first a tempting option for the captain winning the toss.

Total matches: 33

India won: 21

New Zealand won: 11

India Predicted Playing XI: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Shreyas Iyer (C), Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Naman Dhir, Axar Patel, Prince Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Ishan Kishan ruled out of the 3rd T20I as well after missing the 2nd match as he continues his recovery from an injury.

The India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I will be telecast live on Sony Sports Network’s TV channels in India. Live streaming of the match will be available on the SonyLIV app and website from 12:30 PM IST onwards.

New Zealand Squad: Tim Seifert(w), Finn Allen, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Bevon Jacobs, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner(c), Nathan Smith, Jacob Duffy, Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne, Blair Tickner, Matthew Fisher, Devon Conway

India Squad: Sanju Samson(w), Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Shreyas Iyer(c), Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Naman Dhir, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kumar Kushagra, Mayank Yadav

Greetings, everyone! How are you all doing? We are back with another live blog, this time for the India Vs New Zealand 3rd T20I. Stay tuned for all the live updates as we find out whether 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi gets another opportunity or not. Bhuvneshwar Kumar's place is also under scanner? Let's find out!