IND vs NZ 3rd T20 Guwahati Barsapara Stadium Pitch and Weather Analysis
The cricketing action shifts to Guwahati as India and New Zealand prepare for the third T20 International at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Sunday, January 24, 2026, with the match scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM IST. With India holding a commanding 2-0 lead in the five-match series, all eyes are on whether the hosts can secure an unassailable advantage or if the Kiwis can stage a comeback.
Series Context and Team Form
Under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, the Indian team has displayed dominant form in the series so far. The batting lineup has been particularly explosive, with Yadav himself breaking a run-drought by smashing a blistering 37-ball 82 runs in the previous match. Complementing his performance, Ishan Kishan delivered a powerful 32-ball 76 in the second T20I, showcasing the depth and firepower of India's batting arsenal.
On the other hand, New Zealand, captained by Mitchell Santner, has struggled with consistency. While their batting has managed to put runs on the board, their bowling attack has appeared lackluster and ineffective against the aggressive Indian batters. This imbalance has been a key factor in their two consecutive losses.
Barsapara Stadium Pitch Report
The pitch at Guwahati's Barsapara Stadium has historically been a paradise for batsmen in T20 matches. It is characterized as a true wicket where the ball comes onto the bat nicely, allowing stroke-makers to play with freedom and confidence. The surface offers even bounce, which further aids aggressive batting.
Seamers might find some assistance with the new ball early in the innings, but overall, conditions heavily favor the batters. Additionally, the dimensions of the ground in Guwahati are relatively smaller compared to venues like Raipur, where the previous match was held. This factor significantly increases the likelihood of boundaries and sixes, setting the stage for another high-scoring affair.
Weather Forecast and Dew Factor
The weather in Guwahati on match day is expected to play a crucial role in the game's dynamics. Temperatures are forecasted to be around 26 degrees Celsius in the morning, dropping sharply to 13 degrees in the evening. This substantial temperature difference creates ideal conditions for dew formation on the outfield.
The presence of dew can make the ball slippery and difficult for bowlers to grip, particularly in the second innings. Consequently, the team winning the toss might be inclined to opt for bowling first to take advantage of the drier conditions early on and avoid the challenges posed by dew later in the match.
Squad Details for Both Teams
India Squad: Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Shreyas Iyer, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel.
New Zealand Squad: Devon Conway, Tim Seifert (wicketkeeper), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner (captain), Zakary Foulkes, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy, James Neesham, Kyle Jamieson, Michael Bracewell, Kristian Clarke, Tim Robinson, Bevon Jacobs.
As both teams gear up for this crucial encounter, the combination of a batting-friendly pitch and potential dew influence promises an exciting and competitive match. Fans can anticipate a thrilling contest where strategic decisions, especially at the toss, could prove pivotal in determining the outcome.
