High scoring ground awaits intense final showdown today
History is on the line at the Holkar Stadium as the highly anticipated India vs New Zealand 3rd ODI gets underway. For the visiting Black Caps, this match represents a massive opportunity to break a long-standing jinx. Despite visiting India for ODI cricket on 16 different occasions - including World Cups and Champions Trophies - New Zealand has never walked away with a series victory on Indian soil.
This decider is particularly significant given the recent form of the visitors. After securing a stunning 3-0 Test whitewash last season, the Kiwis are hungry to add an ODI trophy to their cabinet. What makes their current position even more impressive is the inexperienced nature of their squad, featuring eight players touring India for the first time.
However, the Indian team remains a formidable force at home, despite recent stumbles. While the "Men in Blue" have been strong, the conditions in Indore could level the playing field. The toss is expected to play a crucial role, as dew and lighting conditions change drastically from afternoon to evening.
Key Battles and Team News
All eyes will be on the contest between Kuldeep Yadav and Daryl Mitchell. In the previous encounter, Mitchell dominated the Indian spinner, turning a tricky chase into an easy win. Kuldeep will be eager to bounce back and prove his worth in this high-stakes environment.
regarding team selection, India has some decisions to make. All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy played the second game but bowled limited overs, which opens the door for a potential debut for Ayush Badoni. However, with Indore’s small boundaries, fielding a spin-heavy attack could be risky. Fans are also keen to see if pacer Arshdeep Singh finally gets a game in this series.
Pitch Report: A Batter’s Paradise
The Holkar Stadium is famous for being a graveyard for bowlers. This is the very ground where Virender Sehwag smashed his iconic 219 runs over a decade ago. In their last two outings here, India posted massive totals of 399 and 385. With cold weather and a flat deck, Odisha cricket fans following the game can expect a flurry of boundaries and sixes.
Stats Watch
Star opener Shubman Gill is on the verge of a major milestone. He needs just 70 runs to become the second-quickest player in history to reach 3000 ODI runs, chasing the record held by Hashim Amla.
