New Zealand vs India IND in NZ, 5 T20Is, 2026, Full Score Card

FOUR! An anticlimactic end to the match, but India beat New Zealand by 6 wickets and 40 balls to spare. A good-length delivery bashed hard into the pitch by Jamieson. Naman Dhir waits back and looks to punch it to the off side, but the ball straightens up a bit, takes a good chunk of the outside edge and rifles behind to the deep third fence. A famous, famous win for the Men in Blue as they made chasing 199 look like a stroll in the park.

India aren't quite there yet as they lose another wicket. Naman Dhir is the new batter in.

OUT! YOU MISS, I HIT! Some late joy for New Zealand before they head to Auckland. Kyle cannons in a very full ball, aimed at the stumps. Sanju Samson exposes the sticks by backing away and looking to loft it over the off side. But he gets a tad late to bring his bat down and misses to connect as the ball makes an absolute mess of the timber behind. India are 195/4, needing 4 more.

Slowish and shortish, on middle, Samson rocks back and punches it to deep extra cover for a single. India need 4 runs to win.

Slides across the batter, short in length, Varma opens the bat face by hanging back and eases it to short third. Duffy overruns and slips a bit while trying to stop the ball and it gets deflected away for a single.

The next batter is Tilak Varma.

OUT! CAUGHT! Santner, who is yet to concede a boundary, picks up a wicket. He dishes out a full toss that drifts into the batter. Iyer sinks his back knee into the pitch and tries to slog it over deep mid-wicket, but his bat gets twisted at the point of contact while dragging it across. Hence, his timing goes all wrong and he offers a straightforward catch to deep mid-wicket. Phillips is not dropping those at all. India are 193/3, needing 6 more to win.

Slower and shorter, outside off, Iyer waits on it and cus it on the bounce to short third.

A bit more round-armish on a fuller length, Samson mistimes the shot towards long on for a single.

Floated up, full on middle, Iyer creates room by shuffling to the leg side and shovels it to deep cover for a single.

FOUR! Lovely hands from Samson. Hard length around off, Sanju makes his own width by backing away and smacks it down past the right of the backward point fielder for a boundary.

Back of a length again, angled into the batter. Iyer misses the tuck off the hips and the ball goes off his thigh pad to short fine leg for a leg bye.

Back of a length and outside off, Iyer rocks back and opes the bat face, hitting it down to the backward point fielder. Three dots in a row now.

Length again, a smidge fuller than the last one, and angled back into the off pole. Iyer jams it out in front of point.

A beauty from Kyle. Good length, in the channel, and seaming away late. Shreyas Iyer presses back to guide it away but the ball breezes past the outside edge.

Hard length, slanting it into the body of the batter. Samson slogs it away without much timing and to deep mid-wicket for a run.

One more to end the over, just 7 off it. Very full and angled in on leg stump. Samson stabs it out towards wide mid off for a run.

Tossed up at the stumps, caressed away through extra cover for a single by Iyer.

Another loopy delivery, taking the ball above the eyeline of the batter, and getting it to dip right on the crease. Samson waits back before lifting it inside-out to deep cover for a run more.

Tossed up on off, this is eased down to long off for a single.

Flighted up around off, not all that full. Shreyas Iyer is nearly beaten in the flight as he looks to drive, but adjusts and cuts it late to the left of short third for a couple of runs.

Looped up, landing it full on middle, drifting it in. Sanju Samson stays leg side of the ball and squeezes it away to the right of the diving point fielder for a single.

DRINKS! Time for a breather as Abhishek Sharma walks back to rousing applause from the crowd, and he gives a hug to the incoming Shreyas Iyer on his way back to the dugout. Right then, in terms of this contest, India need just 21 more off 60 balls and have a series win in their sights. Shouldn't be much of a fuss, but the Kiwis will look to delay the inevitable for as long as possible. The Indian skipper, Shreyas Iyer, is the new batter in.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND CAUGHT! This time, GP makes no mistake with a comparatively simple catch. The crowd rises up to applaud a tremendous knock from Abhishek. India are 178/2. Full and outside off, Abhishek advances but fails to get to the pitch of it. He tries to heave it across the line, the bat turning slightly in his hands as he connects off the inside half towards deep mid-wicket. Glenn Phillips settles under it and takes a safe catch.

DROPPED AND FOUR! A Superman effort by Phillips. Full marks for the effort. Short of a length on leg stump and angled across the left-hander. Abhishek backs away and pulls it to the left of deep mid-wicket but gets it a bit mistimed off the inner half of the bat. Glenn Phillips launches himself full stretch to his left, almost like a Superman, but cannot hold on. He gets fingertips to it, but it deflects and lands just short of the rope. The umpires check the replay before signalling four. Only Phillips could have got anywhere near that one.

SIX! In a hurry to finish things off now! A juicy half-volley, on the stumps, Abhishek swings it effortlessly over deep square leg. Targets the smallest boundary and clears it with ease.

FOUR! Top edge, but that won't matter. HUNDRED FOR ABHISHEK SHARMA! Off just 35 balls, graced with ten sixes and four boundaries. That's his 4th T20I century. Astonishing batting from him as he has set Wellington on fire. Seems to be an off-pace delivery, on a good length, Abhishek Sharma is early into the pull shot and top edges it over the short fine leg for a boundary to get to his milestone. After all that mayhem, he folds himself into a yoga pose, perfectly calm, before breaking out an Erling Haaland-style celebration. The crowd is on its feet, roaring in appreciation of a truly special knock. They have surely got their money's worth.

Bangs it short and angles it into the body as Samson backs to the leg side. He plays off the back foot and tucks it through mid-wicket for a single. The crowd is boisterous as Abhishek is on strike now.

Very full at the toes, Abhishek flicks it to deep square leg for a single. He is on 99 now.

Very full on the leg stump, Abhishek clips it through mid-wicket for an easy single and moves to 98! India need just 37 runs from 66 balls.

Wide! Slanted way across the batter, on a good length. Abhishek reaches out to cut it away, but misses out. Seifert collects it sharply to his left.

Slows it up, full on middle and leg, Samson presents full face of the bat and drills it down to long off for a single.

Spears in a full toss, on middle, Abhishek drags it across to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Darts it on the leg stump, following Samson who moves away. He lofts it inside out over cover for a single.

A touch short and drifting across, Sharma cuts it through cover-point for a single.

Starts with a yorker outside the off stump, from around the stump. Abhishek fails to dig it out.

Will Mitchell Santner take a risk and finally bring himself on against the left-hander? Yes, he does, but it's all a bit too late.

FOUR! That is such a sweetly timed shot! Slightly back of a length and around the off stump, Sanju makes room by backing away and thumps it over the mid off fielder for a cracking boundary. Excellent backlift and balance on that shot. Absolutely no respite for the bowlers here in Wellington. Despite a wicket, 23 runs come off Fisher's first over.

Wide! Sprays it far down leg, on a fuller length, Samson misses his flick.

A bit of a hold-up as the umpires think the over is done. But, there was a No Ball and also a Wide in the over, so they are concurring with the third umpire, and it seems like there is one more ball to go.

Overpitched, on middle, Sharma carves it powerfully through covers for a single.

In the air and PUT DOWN! Santner never looked comfortable under it and spills a big chance. 150 comes up for India! Full and outside off, Abhishek goes for the big hit straight down the ground but gets it off the toe end. The ball climbs high into the night sky over and between cover and mid off and swirls in the air. Santner tracks it to his right but misjudges the flight, forced into a desperate late dive, and cannot get there. The ball bursts through his hands and drops down on the ground. Two runs taken. Not an easy chance at all.

SIX! High and long enough. That was a teaser for Phillips, who can only let out a wry smile. Abhishek moves to 92! Back of a length and on the stumps. Abhishek picks it up early and launches it towards deep mid-wicket. The ball hangs up in the air forever, and Phillips, right on the fence, can do nothing to stop it. He sticks out his right hand over his head to pluck it, but it just sails over him and drops behind the ropes.

Wide! Tries to keep it away from the hitting arc, but sprays it beyond the tramline on the off side, Abhishek leaves it alone.

SIX! Number 9 for Abhishek tonight. The leg-cutter on a good length, on middle and off, Abhishek Sharma waits for it to arrive and nails the pull shot behind deep mid-wicket for a huge six. That's gone many a mile and Abhishek gallops to 86 off just 26.

Back of a length, climbing on the batter with extra bounce, outside off. Sanju guides it on the bounce to deep third for a single. Oh, dear! Fisher has overstepped and it is a No Ball. Abhishek will face the Free Hit.

A bit of respite for the hosts, but not quite, as Sanju Samson walks out to bat next.

OUT! CAUGHT! Fisher breaks a belligerent opening stand and has his maiden T20I wicket as well. He spears in a full-length delivery, on the off stump, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi gets the front foot out of the way to resume business by sending it into the stands down the ground, but cannot get the timing right this time. Goes through the shot but gets more height than distance on this one. Daryl Mitchell runs in off the ropes, a bit to his right from long on and takes a fantastic diving catch. India are 133/1, needing 66 runs to win in 77 balls.

Matthew Fisher comes on to bowl now.

Into the blockhole, on the stumps. Sooryavanshi tries to drive it inside out to the off side but gets an inside edge and the ball gets squirted away through wide mid on for a single. Just 15 runs off the over. Just.

Darts it full and on off, Abhishek carves it away to deep cover-point for a single.

Wide! Full but sliding down leg, Abhishek goes for an aggressive sweep but misses out on connection.

Outside off and short, Sharma hangs back and cuts it to backward point.

Fires it in, full and outside off, Abhishek advances down the track, but gets cramped up for space and can only carve it back to the bowler.

SIX! They are making it look so easy! Pitched fuller and around the off stump. Abhishek Sharma jumps down the track to get to the pitch of the ball and slams it over deep cover for six more.

SIX MORE! There's no way to hide. Fractionally full and drifting in, Abhishek Sharma rocks back and effortlessly pulls it behind deep mid-wicket for a mammoth six.

Well, the fielding restrictions are finally over, but so are the chances of New Zealand making a comeback, at least, it seems that way. Michael Bracewell is back into the attack as well. He went for 21 runs in his first over.

SIX! This one goes the distance. Just audacious hitting, this. A record-breaking Powerplay as India hammer 118 runs off it. Short of a length and outside off, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi frees his arms, leans back a bit and powers it over deep backward point for a huge six.

FOUR! Up and over! The fielders are just running away to pick the ball up from the fence. On a length, outside off, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi throws his bat at it and powerfully cuts it over backward point for a boundary.

A bit too full on the leg stump, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi powerfully drives it away but finds the fielder at cover.

Beaten! Short of a length, angled across the batter, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi stays leg side and tries to play the uppercut but the ball springs up to whiz past his angled bat. Sooryavanshi curses himself for missing out.

FOUR! Even the edges are flying away! Absolutely nothing going right for New Zealand right now. Very full and outside off, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi clears the front leg and tries to smoke it downtown, but gets a massive outside edge and the ball flies between the keeper and short third for a boundary.

FOUR! This is insane ball-striking. Back of a length, around off, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi backs away to create room and ferociously smacks it over extra cover for a cracking boundary.

Jacob Duffy returns and will wrap up the Powerplay.

FOUR! Streaky, but the 100 is up for India in just 5 overs - quite remarkable. Hard length, darting it across off. Sharma throws his hands at it and gets a thick outside edge that flies fine of the short third fielder and into the fence.

Swing and a miss, a real rarity in this chase. Skiddy short ball over middle, comes in around shoulder height. Abhishek Sharma looks to smash the pull over mid-wicket but misses out.

Wide! Too short! Banged in halfway down the pitch, over middle and leg, and the ball sails over Sharma's head.

FOUR! Up and over, as India inch closer to the three-figure mark, and it's only been 4.4 overs so far. Overpitched delivery, on the fifth-stump line. Sharma hangs back and hammers it over extra cover for a boundary, taking Indian to 95/0.

Hard length, right at the batter. Sooryavanshi gets cramped form room and ends up dabbing it past square leg for a single.

SIX! Just a flick of the wrists, and away she goes. Length ball on the pads, Sooryavanshi flicks it away down to deep square leg, where the fielder leaps up to his left but the ball sails over his fingertips.

Pitched full and straight at the stumps, Sooryavanshi takes out the front leg and drills it back to the bowler, a tad uppishly too. Adam Milne gets a hand on it in his followthrough.

Adam Milne is back on, replacing Michael Bracewell. So far the most economical bowler for New Zealand with his economy reading 17.

Well, he had to miss out sometime, but it's on a freebie. Slower ball, full and dipping on the batter. It turns out to be a full toss and Sharma fails to get it away.

FOUR! There are no fielders, it seems. Hard length, slanted back into the batter. Abhishek Sharma heaves it off the inside half of the blade and gets it well behind square leg for a boundary.

SIX! That's a joke of a shot, and Abhishek Sharma gets to FIFTY off just 15 balls. Shorter now and at the batter. Sharma seems to have gotten tucked up but manages to just flick it up in the air, and the ball sails over the square leg fence. That's the third-fastest fifty by an Indian batter in T20I cricket. The quickest belongs to Yuvraj Singh, with Abhishek himself second on the list.

SIX! Too much room to free the arms, and Sharma doesn't miss out. Full and wide outside off, Sharma extends his arms and hammers it high and long over deep point for another six. He's now on 49 off just 14 balls.

Good carry! Jamieson sees Sharma advancing towards him and bangs it into the deck, over middle and extracts some extra bounce. Sharma tries to go over the off side again but is beaten.

FOUR! Pitched up full and around off, in the zone to be hit. Abhishek Sharma stays put and smears it away between mid-wicket and mid on for a boundary.

The current run rate is an outrageous 21.33 for India. Yes, you read it right. And the asking rate has dropped to a mere 7.94. Kyle Jamieson is introduced into the attack. He replaces Adam Milne.

A dot ball, but 21 runs come off that over. Good length on off and middle, cut away straight to covers by Sooryavanshi, and he's distraught not to have put it away.

SIX! That's been launched into orbit by the youngster. Dragged well short over middle, enough time for the batter to attack it. Sooryavanshi rocks back and tonks it deep into the stands over long on for a biggie.

Fuller one, sliding it into the batter. Sharma steps out and drives it along the turf to long off for a single.

FOUR! This is turning into a bit of a joke now. Slow and short as Bracewell sees Sharma advancing, but the latter has enough time to rock back as he forces it up and over the point region for four more.

SIX! Super strike, and the 50 is up for India in just 2.2 overs. Tossed up on off, Abhishek Sharma dances down the track and lofts it over deep extra cover for a biggie.

FOUR! Abhishek just keeps finding a way to clear the off side. Shorter and on off, angling it in. Sharma makes room and forces it over cover-point for another boundary.

Kill the game in the Powerplay itself. That is exactly the approach India have adopted, smashing 43 in the first two overs of the chase. That has forced Santner to go back to the drawing board, and he now brings Michael Bracewell into the attack.

That's sharp from Milne. A quick bumper over middle, and darting it away. Sooryavanshi reaches up to uppercut but is well beaten. Vaibhav wants a wide call but won't get it.

Very full and outside off, angling away. Abhishek Sharma squeezes it down to deep backward point and rotates strike.

FOUR! Width on offer, not much, but still Sharma manages to get it away. Hard length outside off, Sharma stands tall and scythes it over square covers for a boundary. 16 off this over already.

SIX! That's been nailed, making it a third six for Abhishek Sharma already. Banged in a short and around off, Sharma stays on the front foot and flat-bats it over the ropes at wide long off.

SIX! Just over the fielder in the deep. Pitched a bit fuller and outside off, Sharma slices it away over deep point and picks up six runs.

Swing for Milne right away. He hits a good length, getting the ball to go from leg to off, just pushing it past the left-hander. Abhishek Sharma has a feel for it but the ball goes past the outside edge.

A very forgettable start for Duffy. India are in the ascendancy already with a massive opening over. Adam Milne will operate from the other end.

Pace off, on a good length and Sharma just eases it past point for a single. 26 off the first over, what a rollicking start for India.

FIVE WIDES! Oh my, this is a disaster of a start for Jacob Duffy. Short ball, into the pitch and over middle and leg. The ball sails over Sharma's head and past the leaping keeper for a boundary.

SIX! Wow, what a shot! 20 off the over with a ball to go. Duffy hits the deck hard and tries to angle it across the left-hander. Abhishek Sharma skips down the track and lifts it from around waist height and launches it over wide long off for a huge six.

Back of a length, in and around off. Sooryavanshi throws his hands at it again, but gets an under edge this time, and the ball rolls down to long leg for a single.

SIX! That's right off the meaty part of the bat. Short ball outside off, Sooryavanshi backs away a bit and lays into the shot, thwacking it over deep point for a biggie.

Hard length outside off, Sooryavanshi goes after it and slices it high and down to deep point. A couple of fielders from inside the ring go after it and keep it down to two runs.

Duffy goes short now, banged in outside off. Sooryavanshi throws his hands at it, but the ball flies over. Uh, oh! Duffy has overstepped here, and a No Ball is called. Free Hit loading...

FOUR! Walloped down the ground, and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has hit the ground running. Duffy serves it on a good length and in the channel around off. Sooryavanshi sets up deep inside the crease and forces it over mid on for four runs.

Excellent from Prince as he doesn't concede a single boundary in the last over, and New Zealand finish with 198/3 on the board. Full and straight, Yadav gets the yorker in on leg stump. Bevon Jacobs jams the drive back past the non-striker and picks up a couple of quick runs as the ball rolls down to long on.

Cheeky attempt by Mitchell, but it doesn't come off. Full toss on off, Mitchell goes to reverse lap it away, gets it off the leading edge of the blade and to the leg side for a single.

Full-pitched delivery around off, Daryl Mitchell shuffles to the off side and laps it on the full, getting it down to fine leg. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi loses the ball in the lights, allowing the batters to come back for the second run.

Full and angled into the pads, Jacobs misses the flick and the ball thuds off the pads to square leg. Sanju Samson runs after the ball and keeps it down to a single run as Jacobs picks up a leg bye.

Yadav gets the length spot-on this time, bowling it in the blockhole and all Mitchell can do is jam it down the ground for another single.

Mitchell calls for two again, and does get it as well. The fielder, Axar Patel, is furious at the bowler for not getting back to the stumps quicker. Full toss on off, Mitchell mistimes it down to long off and races back for the second run.

Righto, time for the final over. Prince Yadav (3-0-36-0) to wrap it up. Can the Kiwis hop past 200?

FOUR! There's class written all over that one. Pitched full and wide, Bevon Jacobs stays back, gets on one knee and opens the bat face to play a checked drive over the point region, picking up a boundary.

Mitchell looks for two here, but there's no way he's getting it, and Jacobs sensibly sends him back. Hard length on middle, hit away down into the outfield and towards long on for a single.

Good stop from the fielder. Full and outside off, hit away with an angled bat and to the right of point, where Vaibhav Sooryavanshi puts in a dive and makes the stop. Just a single.

Good length, wide of the off stump, there to be hit. Mitchell stays leg side of the ball, has to reach for it and slaps it towards long off for just a single.

Full and on off stump, Mitchell goes back and across in his crease, drilling it wide of long on. Naman Dhir over there gets across to his right and cuts it off, managing to avoid making contact with the ropes and keeping it down to two runs.

SIX! This time, Daryl Mitchell makes no mistake. A juicy full toss on middle, Mitchell goes deep inside the crease, setting a good base and whacks it straight back down the ground for a biggie.

Nitish Kumar Reddy (3-0-23-1) will bowl the penultimate over.

Mitchell is unable to put the full toss away yet again. A low full toss, on middle, Mitchell leans on and just half-sweeps it down to long on for another single.

Full and outside off, Jacobs walks down the pitch, gets it on the full and pushes it off the toe end of the blade to extra cover for a single.

Immaculate length again, so hard to get underneath. Full and on off, there's a hint of tail back into the batter. Mitchell inside-edges the ball onto the pads and squeezes it to the off side, for a single.

A wide yorker now, Jacobs looks to open the bat face again and slice it away but gets an inside edge that rolls towards short fine leg for a single.

FOUR! Lovely hands from Jacobs. Very full and on off, Bevon Jacobs hangs deep and uses his wrists to open the bat face and smack it away through extra cover for a boundary.

Wide! Bhuvi sees Jacobs backing away and goes full and wide, but just pushes it a wee bit outside the tramline.

Perfection from Kumar. Yorker-length on off, this one tails back in as well and lands right on the popping crease. Jacobs has to jam the bat down to keep it out.

Last 3 overs to go. India have managed to keep things a bit quiet in the last three overs, conceding just 23 runs. But New Zealand are still in a good position to get past 200 with two set batters ready to launch. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (3-0-31-0) is back on and will bowl out.

Singh goes back to the reliable yorker and lands it outside off. Jacobs digs it out in front of cover for a single.

SIX! Just enough on it to sail over the ropes. A surprise short ball now, around off. Jacobs goes deep in the crease and forces the lofted shot over the long off fielder and picks up six runs. Very difficult to generate power off the back foot like that.

Beaten! Very full and wide outside off, landing it right on the popping crease. Jacobs stays leg side of the ball and has to reach for it but the ball goes past the outside edge.

Top stuff from Arshdeep Singh here. A full ball, jammed in at that front boot and Mitchell only manages to squeeze it away down to long on for a single.

Mitchell isn't happy with the call, but it is probably fair. Full and well wide outside off, Mitchell moves early to the off side and tries the reverse lap, unable to make contact as the ball continues to angle away.

A bit of yes and no, and the batters eventually decide against the second run. Pitched up on leg stump, Bevon Jacobs drills it back past the bowler towards long on, where there is a slight fumble, but the batters only get one.

Arshdeep Singh (3-0-24-1) is back on, replacing Nitish Kumar Reddy.

Geez, that was hit hard. Full and at the toes, Mitchell takes the front leg out and pummels it just wide of deep mid-wicket. Nitish Kumar Reddy makes a sharp stop in the deep and keeps it down to two runs.

FOUR! There's that scoop shot from Mitchell, releasing the boundary pressure. Good length around off, Mitchell walks inside the line and flicks it fine of the fine leg fielder and picks up four runs.

The timing has been off for the Kiwi batters in the last couple of overs. Another juicy full toss, but Jacobs cuts under it, slicing it down to long off for a run. 150 up for New Zealand.

Full again and around off, Mitchell uses his feet to step out and nearly yorks himself, squeezing it out to mid off for just another single.

Full and speared in towards the toes, Jacobs backs away and heaves it off the toe end of the bat to deep mid-wicket for one more.

A knee-high full toss at the stumps, angling back in. Mitchell swats it down to long on and picks up a single.

Axar Patel has finished his quota of overs. Prince Yadav (2-0-26-0) is back into the attack.

What a fantastic over by Nitish, just four runs off it. Very full and outside off, Mitchell fetches it off the toe end and hits it on the bounce to long on for a single.

Play and a miss! Mitchell lets out a huge grunt in frustration for missing out on this one. Spears it full and outside off, Mitchell shapes up for a reverse lap but fails to get any connection.

Excellent execution! Another pinpoint yorker by Nitish, outside off, Daryl Mitchell moves across in the crease and tries to smoke it over long on, but the ball dips below his bat and Samson has to leap to pluck the ball behind the stumps.

A full toss now, on the off stump, Jacobs fails to get under it and drills it along the ground to long off for a single.

Nails the yorker in, outside off, Mitchell shuffles a bit and drags it across to the deep square leg region for a single.

Laser-straight, full and on off, Bevon carves it down the ground, to the right of long off for a single.

Nitish Kumar Reddy is back on, replacing Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

Pulls the length back, on off, Jacobs stays leg side of the ball and steers it through cover for a single. Just 7 off the over and 1/36 for Axar in four overs.

Overpitched on the stumps, Mitchell shimmies down the track and flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

An in-drifter on a length, outside off, Jacobs rocks back and stabs it through cover-point for a single.

Drags it short on off, Mitchell goes back and across and hammers it down to long on for a single. Mitchell is keen for the second but Jacobs sends him back.

Quicker and flatter, around off, Bevon smears the full ball to deep cover for a single.

In the air but lands safely! Pushed through, full and outside off, Bevon Jacobs moves across and goes down on a knee to sweep but gets a massive top edge. But luckily for him, the ball clears short fine leg and drops in the safe zone. Two runs taken.

Hits the length hard, around off, Bevon rocks back and steers it to deep point for a single. Another expensive over from Bhuvneshwar Kumar and his figures read 3-0-31-0 so far.

FOUR! WHAT A SHOT! Too full by Bhuvi, outside off, Bevon Jacobs lets the ball come on, opens the bat face late and carves it wide of backward point for a boundary.

FOUR! Off the mark in some style! On a good length and outside off, Jacobs strides forward and middles it beautifully. With a straight bat, he launches it over mid off and well beyond the fielder, and there is no one patrolling the deep to stop it.

Goes for the yorker, but slips in a low full toss, Daryl Mitchell drags it down to the right of long on for a single.

Good work in the deep! It's Axar there and he saves a couple of runs too. The replay confirms that it is a clean save. On a length, outside off. Mitchell stands tall and drags it across towards cow corner, but Axar produces a brilliant effort at deep mid-wicket as he sprints to his left and dives to pull the ball back just inside the rope. Reddy collects the relay from long on and returns it. Two runs taken.

Fuller and outside off, carved away to cover, but straight to the fielder.

A timely wicket for Axar Patel and India. Bevon Jacobs walks out to bat next. Also, Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2-0-19-0) returns to the attack.

OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! A soft dismissal and Axar has the last laugh as he breaks the 33-run partnership. Pitched fuller and quicker, on the off stump. Phillips takes a step forward and tries to bludgeon it over the bowler's head, but fails to get under it properly. Ends up hitting it off the inner half and offers a simple return catch to Axar. He drags both hands to his left and plucks it around his chest. New Zealand are 123/3, with the dangerous Phillips gone.

Fires in a full toss, on off, Mitchell works it down to long off for a single.

Short on the off stump. This is punched off the back foot to deep cover for a run.

FOUR! That's gone like a rocket! Too full and outside off by Axar, Phillips reaches out in front and smacks it over extra cover for four more. No need to run for that.

Short and outside off, punched off the back foot to cover.

FOUR! Nicely played! Fuller and tossed outside off, Glenn Phillips presses forward and excellently lofts it inside out over cover for a boundary.

SIX! FIFTY FOR DARYL MITCHELL! A rapid innings and it has taken him just 26 balls to get to his 9th T20I half-century. He has led the counterattack magnificently for the hosts and will look to bat till the end. Another half-volley by Nitish, outside off, Mitchell clears the front leg and smokes it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

FOUR! Hit powerfully! Long half-volley by Reddy, outside off. Mitchell stays deep in the crease and maintains great shape before thumping it down the ground, beating long on to his left for a boundary.

Oh, trying to be a bit adventurous there. Phillips shuffles across to scoop the full ball, but Nitish follows him so he tries to reverse scoop, and ends up getting an underedge to the left of short third. A single taken.

Slips in a low full toss, on off, Mitchell drills it to long on for a single.

Another full delivery and angling in at 130 kph, Glenn flicks it neatly to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Full and straight, around off, Phillips strokes it straight to the mid off fielder.

Drinks Break! We are halfway through the first innings, and what an entertaining first half it has been. New Zealand are cruising at a good pace but India, with Allen's dismissal, have managed to pull things back a bit in the last two overs, conceding just 12 runs. However, with Mitchell well set now and Phillips, featuring in his 100th T20I, the platform is very much set for these two to keep hammering runs. Conditions look pretty good for batting so it looks like another 200-plus total is on the cards.

One more to end the over, and that also brings up the 100 for New Zealand. Good length on the pads, tucked away off the back foot and past square leg for a run.

On a length and at the stumps, worked away in front of square leg for a single.

Quicker one, at 96 kph, and darting it down leg. Phillips tries to get inside the line and flick it fine but gets it off the pads to short fine leg. Prince Yadav dives to his right and makes a stop as the batters pick up a leg bye.

Floated up outside off, Mitchell skips down the track and punches it away to long off for one more.

Bowled with a high arm, fuller and sliding it into the stumps. Glenn Phillips eases it down to long on and rotates strike.

Flatter one around off, Mitchell strides ahead and smothers it away through covers for a quick single.

Change? Yup. Axar Patel (1-0-14-0) returns. He replaces Prince Yadav.

That's a jaffa, and even Phillips lets out an 'ooh.' Full of a good length and on off, Phillips looks to drive straight but the ball nips away late and breezes past the outside edge. 6 runs and a wicket off Reddy's first over.

FOUR! Just a hint of width on offer, and Phillips picks his spot perfectly. Back of a length and wide outside off, dabbed away down between backward point and short third for a boundary.

Skiddy length on off, darting back in. Glenn Phillips plays with a vertical bat but gets it off the inside half of the bat to mid on.

The bowling change has worked for the Men in Blue. A timely breakthrough for them. In walks the man in form, Glenn Phillips. Two back-to-back high scores of 82 not out and 72 in the series so far. And the platform is very much set for him to go bang-bang.

OUT! CAUGHT! That's a fine catch in the deep, and the 86-run stand is finally broken. Nitish Kumar Reddy keeps bowling it full, but angles it into the batter this time. Finn Allen looks to whip it off his toes but ends up hitting it flatter and wide of long on. Naman Dhir at long on attacks the ball well, runs in a bit to his right and lunges ahead to grab it with both hands. New Zealand are now 90/2.

Full-pitched delivery, slightly straighter and banged away from inside the crease by Mitchell, towards long on for one more.

Pitched up on the fourth-stump line, Allen stays back before driving it hard and down to long off for just a single.

The Kiwis are galloping at 11 runs per over now. As India hunt for a wicket desperately, Nitish Kumar Reddy is brought into the attack, replacing Axar Patel.

Another good yorker, but 16 runs come off that over. Full and straight, right in the blockhole. Allen toe-ends it towards mid on and picks up a single.

Good comeback delivery from Yadav, but the damage is already done. Prince nails the yorker at the toes, and Mitchell jams it down to long on for a single.

SIX! Wow, Daryl Mitchell has climbed into that one and sent it a long way into the stands. Banged in short and at the batter, Mitchell reaches up to pull and clobbers it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie. It is raining sixes right now in Wellington.

Full and straight, nearly a perfect yorker. Allen hangs deep and digs it away through the mid-wicket region and rotates strike.

Back of a length and angled into the batter, Mitchell hops up a bit and nudges it down through square leg for a single.

SIX! Mitchell has made that look so easy. A length ball at the stumps, Mitchell lunges across to the off side, stays low and just helps it over short fine leg and the ball sails over the ropes for another six.

Prince Yadav (1-0-10-0) is back on, replacing Arshdeep Singh.

SIX! That deserved to be put away. Dragged well short and outside off, Finn Allen rocks back again before laying into the shot and forcing it flat over the cover fence for six runs.

That's cleverly bowled. Quick and a bit full again, pushing it well wide of the off stump. Allen is late to pick it and ends up leaving it alone.

The quicker one now, relatively full and speared into the stumps. Allen backs away and stabs it to the cover fielder.

SIX! That's a fine shot. Just marginally short from Axar, at the stumps. Finn Allen goes deep in his crease and just swats it away with quick hands, dumping it over cow corner for a biggie.

Fractionally shorter now, over middle, tucked away off the back foot into the vacant space at mid-wicket for a single.

On a good length to begin with, darting it back in towards the stumps. Allen rocks back and smacks it wide of deep cover, looking for two, but Nitish Kumar Reddy gets quickly across to his right and keeps it down to one run.

A Powerplay of two halves, really. 22/1 in the first three overs and then a counterattack by these two helped the hosts to smash 36 in the next three. Righto, as the field spreads, Axar Patel is brought into the attack, replacing Prince Yadav.

FOUR LEG BYES! Down the wrong line, and New Zealand ends the Powerplay at 58/1. Very full and around leg,  Mitchell moves inside the line to flick but the ball brushes the pads and goes quickly past the diving keeper and into the fine leg fence.

FOUR! Gets enough on it, does Mitchell, and brings up the 50-run stand between himself and Allen. Shorter this time, in and around off. Mitchell backs away and wallops it down the ground, catching it high on the blade. The ball lands safely and plugs a bit but does trickle away into the fence.

Another yorker nailed by Singh. Arshdeep goes full and wide, nailing it just inside the tramline outside off. Mitchell tries to reach it but is unable to do so.

A smidge fuller than the last one, and angled across off. Mitchell tries to back away and hit it through the off side but ends up squeezing it out.

A full ball around off, jammed across to mid-wicket.

SIX! Banged away, but there's a look of worry on Daryl Mitchell's face. It seems like the ball just missed a security personnel member, whizzing past his face. This is dug in short and on leg, Mitchell pulls it off the front foot, nailing it flat and hard over deep square leg for a biggie. 50 up for New Zealand.

Double change? Nope, Arshdeep Singh will continue...

Oh, a bit of aggression there! Prince fires in a full toss, aimed at the stumps. Finn Allen drills it back to the bowler. Yadav gathers it on his follow-through and hurls it flat towards the batting end, with the throw striking Allen on his left leg.

Shorter and on middle, nipping in. Mitchell pulls it to the left of deep square leg for a single.

Spears in a very full ball, around off, Allen shovels it to the mid on region. Nitish dives to his left and cuts it off. One run taken.

SIX! That's got a flight number attached to it. Probably shot of the match so far. Not too full from Prince as he attacks the stumps and tries to swing it away, but it goes straight on. Finn Allen clears the front leg and clobbers it over deep square leg for half a dozen runs. That would have cleared the ropes on any ground in the world. Superb timing.

The length is pulled back at 132 kph, and it nips back in on middle and leg. Finn Allen rocks back and wrists it to the mid-wicket fielder.

Tails in a bit, full on the pads, Allen whips it aggressively to deep backward square leg for a couple of runs.

The Kiwis are hitting back, picking up 28 runs in the last two overs. Also, here comes the first bowling change, as Prince Yadav replaces Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

FOUR! Cleverly played! Slanted outside off by Arshdeep, on a fullish length. Daryl Mitchell is quick to shuffle to his right and plays the scoop shot over short fine leg for a boundary. Another productive over for the hosts.

Slams it short on off, angling away. Daryl swivels to pull, but he swings too hard and loses his shape and ends up hitting it off the toe end towards mid-wicket.

FOUR! Off the top edge! Short again by Singh, on the stumps. Daryl Mitchell swings hard for the pull but the ball kicks up a touch, takes the top edge and flies over short third for a boundary.

Pitched a bit short on the leg stump, Allen rides the bounce and nudges it to the square leg region for a single.

Time for a concussion check. Finn Allen has taken a blow around the chin as the ball hits the lower part of the grill. The physio is out to have a look. Allen looks fine, but probably the helmet will be changed here. All good now, and we are okay to continue.

Ouch! That's a nasty blow. Arshdeep puts in extra effort, digs it in short and hard, right on top of off, and it kicks up awkwardly with a tennis-ball bounce. Allen is already into the pull, but the ball climbs over the bat and thuds flush onto the helmet. He looks visibly shaken, and there will be a mandatory concussion test.

Short and outide off, angling away, Daryl Mitchell mistimes the pull shot and the ball rolls between mid-wicket and mid on for a single.

Wide! Reload again! Short of a length, but wayward down leg. Daryl tries to help it behind on the leg side but misses.

Wide! Down the leg stump on a good length. Daryl lets it through.

That over would have released some pressure off New Zealand, but the Indian pacers are still getting plenty of purchase in the air and off the deck as well.

SIX! HAMMERED! Not all that short and outside off. Finn Allen picks the length in a trice and pulls it aerially, clearing deep mid-wicket fence comfortably for a six. 16 runs off the over.

How has that missed the off pole? Back of a length, nipping in and on off. Finn Allen tries to muscle it down the ground but the ball sneaks through the inside edge and just flirts with the off pole on its way to the keeper.

A bit short on the stumps, Mitchell hangs back and tucks it through square leg. They hurry for the first one, and look to pinch in the second but the fielder from the deep is quick to charge in off the ropes and restricts them to a single only.

On a nagging length, angling across. Daryl Mitchell mistimes his lofted shot over mid on, clears the inner ring but the ball lands and just plugs in the long on region. Two runs taken.

Tilak Varma is feeling his left knee out there. While getting across to stop the ball, his left knee got stuck in that sand-based outfield. He is going off the field, hopefully only momentarily, to get it checked. Kumar Kushagra comes on as the substitute fielder.

Had to really hurry! Back of a length, and Allen pushes it towards cover before setting off. This time there is no hesitation, and he would have made his ground even against a direct hit. Tilak moves quickly to his right but slips as he releases the throw, sending it wide of the target at the bowling end.

SIX! THWACK! That will certainly ease his nerves. Short and outside off, with not much pace and bounce on it. Finn stands tall, gets on top of the bounce and powerfully whacks it over cow corner for a cracking six.

A direct hit would have ended Allen’s innings. On a length and just outside off, Allen waits back and punches it in front of point. Mitchell dashes off for a single, while Allen hesitates before finally setting off. Axar Patel picks and throws in a motion but misses his shy at the bowling end, allowing Allen to get home with a dive.

Beats the bat! A wee bit short and outside off with a bit of lift off the surface. Finn Allen tries to carve it over point but misses to connect.

Swinging away a bit, short of a length, outside off, Allen rises with the bounce and taps it to the short third region. He is keen for a single, but Mitchell screams 'No' to send him back.

Tap and run! Back of a length, around off, Daryl hangs back and dabs it with soft hands towards cover for a quick single.

Another low score for Seifert, and in walks Daryl Mitchell at number 3 for New Zealand.

OUT! HIGH UP IN THE AIR AND GONE! Seifert runs out of patience and India have their first wicket. On a slightly good length and angled away from the batter. Seifert clears his front leg and goes for the big hit downtown, but gets it sliced off the toe end and that sends the ball spiralling high into the air, over cover-point. There are three fielders lurking underneath it in the ring, and Axar Patel calls for it, runs a bit to his left and takes a fine catch. New Zealand are 4/1.

Beaten! Starts with a skiddy length-delivery, angled across the right-hander with bounce. Seifert pokes at it and gets beaten on the outside edge. A ripper to start for Arshdeep.

Pretty tidy from Bhuvneshwar Kumar to begin with. Here's Arshdeep Singh to operate from the other end.

Beauty! Angles in, and then swings away off a good length, on the fourth stump. Finn is completely squared up on the back foot as the ball whistles past his outside edge.

Nearly dragged on! Fuller and outside off, at 127 kph, with the ball nipping back in. Seifert shuffles across to the leg side and looks to launch it straight down the ground, but gets an inside edge. The ball trickles past the leg stump towards deep backward square leg, and a single is taken.

Goes straight on with a bit of bounce, on a length. Tim tries to nudge it off the back foot but misses and the ball strikes his front thigh pad.

Angled in at the pads, on a good length. Finn Allen tries to work it across but plays all over it and is hit hard on the front pad. The ball deflects into cover-point and they steal a quick leg bye.

On a length, around middle, Tim steers it to deep square leg for a single.

Edged, but just short! Kumar finds a hint of outswing, pitching on a good length and getting some bounce. Tim Seifert is squared up and pushes forward to defend, only to get an outside edge towards first slip. Abhishek Sharma, standing slightly deep, dives forward to scoop it up but can only get his fingertips to it as the ball dips just before reaching his hands.

Wide! Starts with a bit of a loosener. Full and straight down the leg stump, not much swing and carry on this one. Seifert misses the flick.

Done with the pre-match proceedings, it is now time to play. The umpires have taken their places on the field, and so have the Indian players. It will be the power-packed duo of Finn Allen and Tim Seifert to open the innings for New Zealand. Bhuvneshwar Kumar will take the new ball, and he is raring to go. Let's play...

We are minutes away from the start of the game. But first, the two sets of players line up along with their mascots for the respective national anthems. It will be the national anthem of India first, followed by that of New Zealand.

A chat with Nitish Kumar Reddy - Nitish Kumar Reddy believes the key to India's success is about staying in the present and reading the situation well. He points out that while the players have plenty of experience in India, conditions in New Zealand are different, so they must assess the situation and adapt their plans and strengths accordingly. On the contributions from the middle and lower order, Reddy says there is healthy competition within the squad. He explains that when Naman Dhir or Tilak Varma score, it pushes him to wait eagerly for his turn, and the same applies when he is among the runs. In his view, that mutual drive is how a team sport grows and how healthy competition benefits the side.

India (Playing XI) - Sanju Samson (WK), Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Shreyas Iyer (C), Axar Patel, Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh and Prince Yadav. India are going unchanged.

New Zealand (Playing XI) - Tim Seifert (WK), Finn Allen, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Bevon Jacobs, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (C), Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne, Jacob Duffy and Matthew Fisher. IN ​​- Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne, Matthew Fisher | OUT - Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Nathan Smith.

The captain of New Zealand - Mitchell Santner says it looks like a good wicket and reckons there will be some pace and bounce. Mentions that they would have bowled first as well had he won the toss. About the weather, he notes there is no wind, which should make fielding easier, and expects the surface to play well. With the ground dimensions slightly different, he says the side will have to make the necessary adjustments and adaptations. Santner acknowledges that the games in the series have been close and tight, and describes India as a great side with strong bench strength. He stresses that New Zealand cannot afford to take their foot off the gas, having been in good positions to win both games so far. About the team combination, Santner informs that they have got three changes in the XI, with Henry, Nathan Smith and Ferguson making way for the likes of Kyle Jamieson, Matthew Fisher and Adam Milne.

The captain of India - Shreyas Iyer opts to bowl first and says that they were anticipating it would be windy here, so they are ready for it. Feels that there are a few areas for improvement and is happy that they were able to adapt to conditions at Christchurch. Iyer then talks about the team a bit more and feels that individuals have stepped up when required, which is a sign of a quality side. Iyer talks about a few players who aren't getting opportunities and says that they are mature and understand that they have to be ready for the opportunity whenever it comes. He ends by informing that they are going in with an unchanged side.

TOSS - It's time for the coin flip in Wellington. Both captains - Mitchell Santner and Shreyas Iyer - are ready in the middle, with Simon Doull leading the proceedings. Santner gives it a flick. Tails is the call from Shreyas and he calls it right. India have elected to BOWL first.

How's the weather, mate? Wellington wears its reputation as the country's windiest city, and the day has lived up to it, with severe gusts and earlier rain sweeping through. The skies have since cleared and the conditions are bright right now, with no real threat of interruption hanging over match hours. The trouble is what the weather has left behind. A rain-soaked morning followed by a cold, still and humid evening is just about the perfect recipe for dew, which could make life awkward for whoever is bowling second. And coupled with small boundary dimensions, this could be another batting paradise. In that case, the toss becomes really crucial. Stick around with us as the coin flip and team sheets aren't far away.

Quick peek in both camps - With Tests and ODIs looming, New Zealand are guarding their fast men. Matt Henry has been rested for the remainder of the series, while Lockie Ferguson misses at least this match, with workload rather than form behind both decisions. The hosts still have plenty of pace depth, though, with Adam Milne and Kyle Jamieson the leading candidates to step in, and the likes of Tickner and Fisher, the other options to choose from if need be. Batting-wise, they do have Conway, but his inclusion seems highly unlikely with most of their batters in form. From India's pov, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi may not have to wait long for a second chance. With Ishan Kishan still recovering, the young sensation could keep his place after a quiet outing in the last game. Elsewhere, India have little reason to fiddle. The winning formula is likely to stay as it is, with the same group backing itself once more.

The Wellington memories - The 2020 tour had more than its share of nerve-janglers, including back-to-back Super Overs, one played at this very ground. The last time these two met here, neither side could find a winner in the regulation 40 overs. India posted 165 and New Zealand, needing 166 to win, could only match it, so the scores finished level. A super over was needed to separate them, and the tourists, chasing 14, got there to walk away with the spoils. The numbers at this ground tell a tighter story. New Zealand have beaten India twice in three completed T20Is in Wellington, in 2009 and 2019, and overall they have won 10 and lost eight here, a record that sits close to even. Lately, though, the venue has been far less friendly. They have won only two of the seven T20Is played here since 2020.

Virtual decider - It all began with a glittering run-fest in Christchurch where a mountainous target was successfully hunted down, then a proper classical T20I where even 181 had to be earned the hard way. Two contrasting games have set the tone perfectly for what lies ahead. From the scenic South Island, the series hops across the Cook Strait to the capital, and the two camps arrive in very different moods. Both teams have been fiercely competitive, no doubt about that. But India are boisterous and bullish after two really tight wins and lead the five-match series 2-0. New Zealand, meanwhile, are left to ponder what more they could have done to flip those decisive moments in their favour. Every game from here is a must-win if they are to save the series. On that note, hello and welcome from Hnry Stadium for the third T20I.

... MATCH DAY ...

Wellington brings a new challenge - The five-match series now moves from Christchurch to Wellington with India holding a 2-0 advantage and New Zealand facing a simple equation - win this one or watch the series slip away. The first two games have followed a remarkably similar pattern, with New Zealand putting India under pressure before the visitors found a way through in the chase. The opening game produced a 226-run target and India's highest successful T20I chase, while the second was a much tighter affair before Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy took India over the line. But with the action now moving to Hnry Stadium, neither side can assume the conditions will play the same way as they did at Hagley Oval. The third T20I could therefore bring a different kind of contest, with New Zealand needing to make their strong positions count and India looking to finish the job. New Zealand need to find the finishing touch - New Zealand have had enough encouraging moments to suggest that this series is far from one-sided, but the results have not followed. Their batting has produced two competitive totals, with Glenn Phillips particularly influential in both matches and Bevon Jacobs showing why he is an exciting part of the side's future. Phillips' 82 off 40 in the opener and 70 in the second game have given the middle order a powerful presence, while Jacobs' 58 in the second match followed his important contribution in the first. Finn Allen remains the obvious Powerplay threat, and Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell give the middle order experience and versatility. The problem has been converting those strong batting phases into enough pressure with the ball, especially when India have entered the final stages of the chase. Santner's all-round value - Mitchell Santner remains central to New Zealand's plans, particularly because he offers control with the ball while also giving the batting order another capable left-hander. His second T20I was a reminder of exactly how much influence he can have, as he picked up four wickets and put India in serious trouble after they had reached 70/5. Yet even that spell could not finish the job. With Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy and Nathan Smith providing different pace options, New Zealand have the variety to challenge India's deep batting line-up. The challenge will be finding the right combinations at the death and holding their catches and ground-fielding together when the pressure rises. Santner himself acknowledged after the second game that the small moments had cost his side. Will the Kiwis make a change? There is also room for New Zealand to explore their squad depth as they search for a winning combination. Adam Milne was rotated out for Jacob Duffy in the second T20I, with Duffy taking the opportunity to feature in the XI, and the squad also has Devon Conway, Kyle Jamieson and Josh Clarkson available. Conway could offer another experienced option at the top of the order, while Jamieson's height and bounce could be particularly interesting in Wellington. The decision will come down to whether New Zealand want to stick with the combination that has kept them competitive or introduce another option to change the dynamic. India have found different ways to win - India, meanwhile, have not necessarily been at their fluent best throughout these two games, but that has almost made their 2-0 lead more impressive. They have twice been tested in the chase and twice found a different player to take responsibility. Sanju Samson's 67 set up the record chase in the opener, with Naman Dhir providing the late surge, while Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy produced a composed lower-order rescue act in the second. That depth is one of India's biggest strengths - Abhishek Sharma can attack from the outset, Samson brings power and experience, Shreyas Iyer can control an innings but he needs to find his form back, and the likes of Tilak, Naman and Nitish give the side several ways to finish strongly. India also have Axar Patel and Shivam Dube to add further batting depth without weakening their bowling options. Kishan's absence creates an interesting puzzle - One area India will have to solve is the No.3 position. Ishan Kishan remains unavailable for the third T20I after his low-grade right adductor strain, according to the latest reports, leaving India without one of their most aggressive options through the middle of the top order. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was given the opportunity at No.3 in the second game but made only four, so India now have a decision to make. They could retain the teenager and give him another opportunity, move Tilak Varma back into that role, or use another combination from a squad that also includes Kumar Kushagra as wicketkeeping cover. With Samson already keeping and the team winning both games, there is no obvious need for a drastic change, but the absence of Kishan does alter the balance slightly. Bhuvneshwar's comeback adds another layer - Bhuvneshwar Kumar's return to international cricket has been one of the major storylines of the series, and Wellington could provide another important chapter. After nearly four years away from T20I cricket, the veteran seamer was recalled largely for his experience and ability to exploit conditions with the new ball. He conceded 49 without a wicket in the opening game but responded by removing Daryl Mitchell early in the second, although the rest of his spell was expensive. With Wellington expected to offer another seam-friendly challenge and the venue exposed to strong winds, Bhuvneshwar's ability to move the ball could still be an important weapon. He is also competing for a place in a pace group that includes Arshdeep Singh, Mayank Yadav and Prince Yadav, so the remaining matches could be significant for his place in the combination. Prince nailed his yorkers at the death in the second game which made a big difference, but if they want some mystery spin, the can always bring in Varun Chakaravarthy. A venue that can change the equation - The move to Hnry Stadium should make this feel like a fresh contest rather than simply another chapter at Hagley. Wellington's dimensions are notably different, with shorter square boundaries and longer straight ones, something Santner had already highlighted when discussing how New Zealand's bowling plans would need to change around the country. The ground has also traditionally offered something to both seamers and spinners, meaning bowlers who adjust their lengths quickly could be rewarded. Early movement, wind and the ability to use the longer straight boundary could all influence how the two sides construct their innings. Team form (Last 5 completed T20Is, recent first) - NZ - LLWLL | IND - WWLWL. Can the BlackCaps finally close the deal? India have twice shown the ability to survive difficult situations and find the players needed to finish the job, but New Zealand have also twice created enough pressure to believe they can turn this series around. The hosts now have the chance to use a new venue, adjust their bowling plans and put greater value on the small moments that have gone against them. India, meanwhile, need one more win to seal the series and will be encouraged by the depth that has carried them through two tight chases. Can New Zealand finally turn one of these competitive performances into a victory, or will India complete the series win in Wellington?