New Zealand aim to avoid whitewash against a confident Indian unit

Overview

India vs New Zealand, third T20I
Eden Gardens, Kolkata
21 November, 19:00 local time

With the series already in the bag, head coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma will expect more of the same from their side. The new-look unit has been impressive so far, with the experienced campaigners stepping up brilliantly to guide the newcomers in the squad. A match at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata is always a major occasion and the hosts are unlikely to drop the intensity heading into the dead rubber. There might be an opportunity in the playing XI for the likes of Ruturaj Gaikwad, Avesh Khan, Yuzvendra Chahal and Ishan Kishan, having not yet featured in the series.

The Blackcaps on the other hand will look to avoid a clean sweep at any cost. They have been competitive in both games, but batting in the last five overs has hugely let them down. This will be a major area of improvement for the visitors, who will look for a quick turnaround and get over the disappointment of the losses in the first two contests.

Remember the last time

With dew being a major factor, India bowled exceptionally well in Ranchi to restrict New Zealand to 153/6, especially after the rapid start which the visitors enjoyed. The spinners first clawed the game back for the hosts and Harshal Patel was extremely impressive on his debut, with figures of 2/25.

In reply, the Indian openers – Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul made a flawless start, taking the game away from New Zealand. Both of them notched up impressive half-centuries in an opening stand of 117. India then had a bit of a hiccup, losing three quick wickets. But Rishabh Pant with two big hits in the 18th over, ensured that the hosts cruised home to a comfortable victory.

What they said:

Rohit Sharma (India captain): "Great effort from the entire unit. Wasn't the easiest of conditions but the way we applied ourselves was amazing. We know their quality of batting, they played some good shots to start with. But I kept telling the boys that it is all about one wicket. But we showed great application and temperament to restrict them. The quality of the bench has been amazing. They have been performing consistently whenever they get the chance."

Tim Southee (New Zealand captain): "Credit to India, they pulled it back nicely after the first six overs. They played better cricket and didn't give us a chance with the bat as well. It was wet for both teams and it was only slightly more in the second innings. We knew dew would be a factor, but India were too good on this day. We will now go to a new venue, a quick turnaround, and we'll assess when we get to Kolkata."