Bumrah Returns as India Win Toss, Opt to Field Against Kiwis in Guwahati

Guwahati: India captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and elected to field first in the third and final T20 International against New Zealand at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Sunday, banking on dew to aid batting conditions later in the evening.

Pitch conditions were assessed favourably by former cricketers Deep Dasgupta and Simon Doull, who noted that despite its dry appearance, the surface has a healthy grass covering. “This strip plays much better than it looks. The grass should help the ball come nicely onto the bat, and with dew expected, batting in the second half could be easier,” the duo said during the on-air pitch report, reinforcing India’s decision to chase.

Bumrah Back as India Ring in Changes

India have made two changes to their Playing XI, with Jasprit Bumrah returning to the side after missing the previous match. The premier pacer replaces Arshdeep Singh, while leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi comes in for Varun Chakravarthy, with both Arshdeep and Chakravarthy rested.

The hosts are aiming to complete a clean sweep, having already taken an unassailable 2–0 lead in the three-match series. Indian batters and bowlers have dominated proceedings so far, leaving New Zealand searching for momentum.

Series at Stake as World Cup Nears

With the T20 World Cup less than two weeks away, the final match in Guwahati offers India another opportunity to fine-tune combinations and extend their dominance against top international opposition. New Zealand, meanwhile, will be desperate to salvage pride and finish the tour on a positive note.

Playing XIs

India: Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Harshit Rana, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah

New Zealand: Devon Conway, Tim Seifert (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (c), Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy

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