IND vs NZ Playing 11 Today, Live Streaming, Pitch & Weather: India tour of New Zealand 2026, 3rd T20I

India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I: Match Preview, Prediction, Pitch Report and Probable XIs

India and New Zealand meet in the third T20I at Hnry Stadium in Wellington on Tuesday, October 27, with the five-match series at a decisive point. India, captained by Shreyas Iyer, have won the first two matches and lead 2-0. A third straight victory would secure the series for the visitors, while Mitchell Santner’s New Zealand must win to keep their hopes of a comeback alive.

The opening games have delivered high-scoring chases, late-innings pressure and several standout performances. New Zealand have shown they can build competitive totals, but India’s batters have repeatedly found a way through. Wellington could bring another run-filled contest, although the hosts will be eager to turn their promising starts into a complete performance.

IND vs NZ 3rd T20I: Match Details

Match: India vs New Zealand, third T20I of five

Venue: Hnry Stadium, Wellington

Date: Tuesday, October 27

Start time: 12:30 PM IST (8:00 PM local time)

Toss: 12:00 PM IST

IND vs NZ Recent Form: India Hold the Advantage

New Zealand began the series with an imposing 225/4 in the first T20I. Glenn Phillips struck an unbeaten 82 from 40 balls, Finn Allen added 45 off 24, and Daryl Mitchell helped keep the scoring rate high. India’s reply was just as forceful: Sanju Samson made 67 from 33 deliveries, while Shreyas Iyer scored 42 off 28. Naman Dhir then supplied a rapid, unbeaten 42 from only 15 balls to guide India to a four-wicket win with two deliveries remaining.

The second match followed a similar pattern. Phillips again led New Zealand, scoring 70 from 43 balls, while Bevon Jacobs contributed 50 as the hosts reached 180/5. Santner briefly gave New Zealand hope by taking four wickets for 21 runs, putting India under pressure during the chase. But Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 51 from 26 balls, supported by Naman Dhir’s 31 off 17 and Nitish Kumar Reddy’s 26 not out from 13, carried India to 181/6 with one ball to spare.

Phillips has been New Zealand’s most reliable run-scorer, accumulating 152 runs across the first two games. Jacobs has offered valuable middle-order support, while Santner’s second-match spell showed that New Zealand can disrupt India’s batting. The larger concern for the home side is their inability to defend totals of 225 and 180. Better execution with the ball, especially in the powerplay and final overs, will be essential.

Pitch Report: What to Expect at Hnry Stadium

Hnry Stadium has generally provided a surface with dependable pace and bounce, allowing batters to play through the line. Fast bowlers may find some assistance with the new ball, but the ground’s conditions can also reward confident stroke-makers. Spinners are likely to need changes of pace, accuracy and smart use of the boundary dimensions rather than relying on turn alone.

Venue figures point to a mixed record for teams batting first: of 26 T20 matches listed at the ground, 12 have been won by the side setting a target and 14 by the chasing team. The average first-innings score is reported at around 153, though the recent India–New Zealand series has shown how quickly totals can rise when batters settle in. Dew could make the ball harder to grip later in the evening, potentially favouring the chasing side. The toss-winning captain may therefore consider bowling first, but conditions on the night should guide the decision.

Hnry Stadium T20 records

Matches: 26 | Average first-innings score: 153 | Average second-innings score: 133

Matches won batting first: 12 | Matches won bowling first: 14

Highest total: 219/6 (New Zealand vs India) | Highest successful chase: 216/4 (Australia vs New Zealand)

Highest individual score: 97 not out by Tim Seifert | Best bowling figures: 6/30 by Ashton Agar

Weather Forecast and Rain Outlook

Wellington is expected to be cool and windy, with temperatures around 16°C during the day and falling to roughly 10°C at night. The forecast indicates possible morning rain, followed by clearer or partly cloudy conditions later. There is no clear sign of rain at the scheduled start, so a major interruption does not currently appear likely. However, strong winds could influence high catches, boundary hitting and the bowlers’ control. As always, the forecast may change closer to match time.

Team News and Probable Playing XIs

New Zealand have made changes to their squad as they manage player workloads. Matt Henry will miss the remaining matches, while Lockie Ferguson is set to sit out the Wellington fixture before returning for the final two games. Blair Tickner has joined the group for the last three T20Is, and Matt Fisher is travelling as cover for this match.

India are expected to keep faith with a settled side after winning both opening games by four wickets. The confirmed XIs will be announced at the toss.

New Zealand probable XI

Finn Allen, Tim Seifert (wicketkeeper), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Bevon Jacobs, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (captain), Nathan Smith, Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy, Blair Tickner.

India probable XI

Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Shreyas Iyer (captain), Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Naman Dhir, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav.

Key Player Battles to Watch

Sanju Samson vs Mitchell Santner

Samson’s aggressive start in the first T20I was a major factor in India’s successful chase. Santner, however, has a useful record against him, dismissing the batter twice in 23 balls while conceding 21 runs. If the New Zealand captain can bring himself on early, this contest could shape India’s powerplay and middle overs.

Glenn Phillips vs Arshdeep Singh

Phillips has scored freely in both matches, combining power with the ability to find gaps. Arshdeep Singh dismissed him in the second T20I and will again be important when New Zealand’s leading batter is at the crease, particularly in the closing overs.

Abhishek Sharma vs Michael Bracewell

Abhishek’s attacking intent can put New Zealand’s bowlers under pressure from the outset. Bracewell has already found a way to remove him, dismissing the left-hander after he scored 29 from 12 balls in the series opener. New Zealand may look to use that matchup if Abhishek gets an early opportunity to attack.

IND vs NZ 3rd T20I Prediction

India enter the match as favourites on recent form. Their batting has shown depth, with different players stepping up in each chase, and their composure under pressure has been a clear strength. New Zealand have the firepower to challenge them, particularly through Phillips and Jacobs, but their bowlers need to convert promising positions into wickets and control the final overs.

The match prediction leans towards India, though a strong performance from Santner and an improved bowling effort could make the contest close. If New Zealand bat first and post another substantial total, the pressure will be on India’s top order. If India chase, their confidence from the first two games could prove decisive.

Where to Watch the IND vs NZ 3rd T20I

In India, the match will be televised on the Sony Sports Network, with live digital streaming available through the SonyLIV app and website. Viewers in New Zealand can follow the game on Sky Sport Now and Sky Go.