New Zealand, led by Mitchell Santner will face India, led by Shreyas Iyer in the third T20I of the five-match series at Hnry Stadium in Wellington on Tuesday, October 27.

Shreyas Iyer's side will aim to extend their lead and secure a series victory. India have made a strong start to the tour, chasing targets of 226 and 181 in Christchurch. Their batting lineup has delivered under pressure.

New Zealand, meanwhile, need a win to keep their hopes of winning the series alive. Mitchell Santner's side have posted competitive totals in both matches but failed to defend them.

The hosts will look to make better use of their bowling options in Wellington, while India will aim to continue their aggressive approach. With both teams capable of scoring quickly, the third T20I could produce another high-scoring contest.

IND vs NZ Match Preview and Recent Form

New Zealand began the series with a strong batting display in the first T20I on October 22, posting 225/4 in 20 overs. Glenn Phillips led the innings with an unbeaten 82 off 40 balls, while Finn Allen scored 45 off 24 deliveries and Daryl Mitchell added 28.

However, India chased down the target in 19.4 overs, winning by four wickets. Samson scored 67 off 33 balls, Iyer contributed 42 off 28, and Naman Dhir finished unbeaten on 42 off just 15 deliveries.

During the second T20I on October 24, New Zealand scored 180/5 after being asked to bat, with Phillips making 70 off 43 balls and Bevon Jacobs adding 50. India lost early wickets during the chase.

However, Tilak Varma's unbeaten 51 off 26 balls and Naman Dhir's 31 off 17 deliveries helped them recover. Nitish Kumar Reddy also remained unbeaten on 26 off 13 balls as India reached 181/6 in 19.5 overs to win by four wickets.

Phillips has been New Zealand's most consistent batter in the series, scoring 152 runs across the first two matches. Jacobs has provided useful support in the middle order. Santner also made an impact in the second T20I, taking four wickets for 21 runs to put India under pressure.

New Zealand's main concern remains their bowling, as they have failed to defend totals of 225 and 180. Santner's performance offered encouragement, but the hosts need greater control during the powerplay and death overs.

IND vs NZ Live Streaming and Live Telecast: Where to Watch the 3rd T20I?

Cricket fans in India can watch the IND vs NZ third T20I live on the Sony Sports Network, with digital streaming available on the SonyLIV app and website.

In New Zealand, viewers can follow the match through Sky Go and Sky Sport Now. The match is scheduled to begin at 12:30 PM IST (8:00 PM local time), with the toss at 12:00 PM IST.

IND vs NZ Pitch Report: How Will Hnry Stadium Play?

Hnry Stadium in Wellington has traditionally offered a good batting surface, with consistent pace and bounce that allow batters to play their shots. The average first-innings score in men's T20Is at the venue is around 174, although teams can post bigger totals when conditions favour batting.

The pitch can offer some assistance to fast bowlers with the new ball, while spinners may need to rely on variations and the dimensions of the ground. Dew could also affect the second innings and make it easier for the chasing team to bat. The captain winning the toss may prefer to bowl first, depending on the conditions.

Hnry Stadium, Wellington: T20 Stats

• Total matches: 26

• Matches won batting first: 12

• Matches won bowling first: 14

• Average first-innings score: 153

• Average second-innings score: 133

• Highest total: 219/6 (New Zealand vs India)

• Lowest total: 73 (Australia Women vs New Zealand Women)

• Highest successful chase: 216/4 (Australia vs New Zealand)

• Lowest total defended: 128/9 (England Women vs New Zealand Women)

• Highest individual score: 97* (Tim Seifert, New Zealand vs Pakistan, 2025)

• Best bowling figures: 6/30 (Ashton Agar, Australia vs New Zealand, 2021)

IND vs NZ Weather Forecast and Rain Threat at Hnry Stadium, Wellington

Wellington is forecast to experience windy conditions on Tuesday, with temperatures reaching around 16°C during the day before dropping to 10°C at night. AccuWeather predicts morning rain, followed by clear to partly cloudy skies later in the day.

There is no clear indication of rain at the scheduled start time, reducing the immediate threat of rain interruptions. However, strong winds and chilly evening temperatures could affect playing conditions. The forecast may change closer to the match.

IND vs NZ Team News and Squad Updates

New Zealand have made several changes to their squad for the third T20I against India as part of planned workload management. Matt Henry will miss the remaining matches, while Lockie Ferguson will sit out the Wellington fixture before returning for the final two games.

Blair Tickner has joined the squad for the last three matches, and Matt Fisher will travel as cover for the Wellington game.

India are likely to retain a settled combination after winning the first two matches by four wickets each. The visitors lead the five-match series 2-0 and will look to extend their advantage in Wellington. However, the final playing XI will be confirmed at the toss.

IND vs NZ Predicted Playing 11 Today

New Zealand Predicted Playing XI:

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

India Predicted Playing XI:

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

IND vs NZ Key Player Battles to Watch

Sanju Samson vs Mitchell Santner:

Sanju Samson will be important to India's top order, but Mitchell Santner could challenge him with his left-arm spin. Santner has dismissed Samson twice in 23 balls, conceding 21 runs.

Glenn Phillips vs Arshdeep Singh:

Glenn Phillips has been New Zealand's standout batter in the series, scoring 82 off 40 balls in the first T20I and 70 off 43 in the second. Arshdeep Singh dismissed him in the second match and will look to trouble him again at the death.

Abhishek Sharma vs Michael Bracewell:

Abhishek Sharma will aim to give India an aggressive start, but Michael Bracewell has already shown he can trouble the left-hander. Bracewell dismissed Sharma for 29 off 12 balls in the first T20I, catching him out while attempting an attacking shot.

IND vs NZ Key Players to Watch

• New Zealand: Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Bevon Jacobs

• India: Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Arshdeep Singh