Suryakumar Yadav looks to extend series lead in Guwahati
Cricket fever has gripped the Northeast as the Men in Blue prepare for another showdown. India, led by the dynamic Suryakumar Yadav, is all set to lock horns with Mitchell Santner’s New Zealand in the third T20 International of the five-match series. The action unfolds on Sunday evening at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, where the hosts aim to consolidate their dominant 2-0 lead.
Batting Firepower on Display
Indian fans have been treated to spectacular batting displays in the first two games. Captain Suryakumar Yadav has returned to form in style, smashing a ballistic 82 runs off just 37 balls in the previous match to secure a comfortable victory. He hasn't been the only one dismantling the Kiwi attack; Ishan Kishan also showcased his prowess with a blistering 76 off 32 balls in the second T20I.
While New Zealand’s batters have managed to put some runs on the board, their bowling unit has struggled to contain the Indian onslaught. They will need a drastic change in strategy to keep the series alive.
Pitch Report: A Batter's Dream
Fans heading to the stadium can expect fireworks. The pitch at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium is known for being extremely conducive to batting. It is a true surface where the ball comes onto the bat nicely, allowing stroke-makers to trust the bounce.
Fast bowlers might find some movement with the new ball early on, but the conditions overwhelmingly favor the batsmen. Furthermore, the ground dimensions in Guwahati are relatively small compared to Raipur. This suggests that the IND vs NZ 3rd T20 Guwahati clash could very well be a high-scoring run-fest.
Weather and the Dew Factor
Weather conditions will play a significant tactical role on Sunday. Temperatures are expected to hover around 26 degrees Celsius during the day, dropping sharply to about 13 degrees in the evening.
This temperature drop brings the dew factor into play. Fielding second could become difficult due to the wet ball, which might tempt the captain winning the toss to elect to bowl first.
