India vs New Zealand Live Score, 3rd T20: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi under spotlight as India look to seal T20I series
India’s recent struggles began on the Ireland tour, where they lost both matches while chasing, before suffering a 4-0 defeat in England. The team also failed to secure a series win at home against the West Indies, with the visitors managing a 2-2 draw. Those setbacks exposed inconsistencies in both batting and bowling, prompting the management to demand higher standards.
The opening two matches in New Zealand have offered encouragement. India chased down 225 in the first T20I before recovering from 70/5 to secure a four-wicket victory in the second. Naman Dhir, Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy played crucial roles in the comeback, while the bowlers restricted New Zealand to 180.
With Ishan Kishan ruled out of the third match, teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is expected to get another opportunity at No.3. India will also need to adjust to Wellington’s challenging weather, with strong winds and the possibility of rain adding another layer of difficulty.
Bowling coach Morne Morkel has stressed the importance of maintaining an aggressive approach and eliminating excuses. New Zealand, meanwhile, will aim to stay competitive despite the absence of Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson. India have won 18 of their 21 T20Is against New Zealand this decade, including the T20 World Cup final in March, and will hope to extend that record on Tuesday.
