Match Preview: India vs New Zealand 3rd Test Match
The 3rd Test between India and New Zealand at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium promises to be a thrilling series decider. With New Zealand leading after an impressive win in Pune, India will look to leverage their familiarity with the home pitch to level the series. Key players like Kohli, Jadeja, and Bumrah will be critical for India, while New Zealand will rely on Santner’s spin and Conway’s stability. The Wankhede surface is expected to favor batting early on, turning spin-friendly as the match progresses. Both teams are geared up for an intense, closely contested final.
Recap of First Two Tests
1st Test: New Zealand capitalized on their bowling strength, with Matt Henry and William O’Rourke tearing through India’s batting lineup. Despite a strong recovery led by Sarfaraz Khan, New Zealand chased down the target with relative ease.
2nd Test: Mitchell Santner’s seven-wicket haul halted India’s batting, while Ravindra and Conway anchored New Zealand’s innings. New Zealand secured the victory, placing pressure on India for the final Test.
Match Details:
- Match: India vs New Zealand, 3rd Test
- Date: November 1-5, 2024
- Day: Friday to Tuesday
- Time: 9:30 AM IST
- Format: Test Match
- Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
India Expected Performance:
Led by Rohit Sharma, India will rely on their spinners—Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin—to use Wankhede’s spin-friendly surface. The batting lineup, featuring Kohli, Jaiswal, and Gill, will aim to set a solid total. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj will be crucial in exploiting the pitch early on with the new ball.
Key Players:
- Rohit Sharma (Captain) – Experienced opener crucial for setting a solid foundation.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal – In-form batsman, effective on home pitches.
- Virat Kohli – Veteran batsman, known for game-changing performances.
- Ravindra Jadeja – All-rounder with consistent batting and spin bowling contributions.
- Ravichandran Ashwin – Masterful spinner, especially dangerous on Indian pitches.
- Jasprit Bumrah – Leading pacer with the ability to secure early wickets.
Recent Forms: L L W W L
New Zealand Expected Performance:
Tom Latham’s squad has shown consistent batting and bowling, with Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway providing stability. Santner’s spin success in Pune makes him an asset on the Wankhede pitch, while pacers Matt Henry and Tim Southee will challenge India’s top order.
Key Players:
- Tom Latham (Captain) – Reliable opener and tactful leader.
- Devon Conway – Skillful against spin, vital for New Zealand’s batting stability.
- Rachin Ravindra – Promising all-rounder, effective in subcontinent conditions.
- Mitchell Santner – Star spinner, instrumental in controlling India’s batting.
- Matt Henry – Key pace bowler, known for his early breakthroughs.
- Tim Southee – Veteran pacer, adds experience to the bowling lineup.
Recent Forms: W W L W W
Fantasy XI for India vs New Zealand 3rd Test:
- Rohit Sharma (Batsman) – India
- Yashasvi Jaiswal (Batsman) – India
- Virat Kohli (Batsman) – India
- Devon Conway (Batsman) – New Zealand
- Rachin Ravindra (All-rounder) – New Zealand
- Ravindra Jadeja (All-rounder) – India
- Mitchell Santner (All-rounder) – New Zealand
- Rishabh Pant (Wicket-keeper) – India
- Tom Blundell (Wicket-keeper) – New Zealand
- Ravichandran Ashwin (Bowler) – India
- Matt Henry (Bowler) – New Zealand
Captain: Ravindra Jadeja (All-rounder) – India
Vice-Captain: Devon Conway (Batsman) – New Zealand
Pitch Report:
The Wankhede Stadium pitch is expected to be batting-friendly in the initial stages of the match, allowing batsmen to score freely. In the first two days, a total of around 400-450 runs could be anticipated, as the surface typically favors stroke play. However, as the Test progresses, particularly from day three onward, the pitch is likely to deteriorate, offering more assistance to spin bowlers. By the end of the match, spinners could play a crucial role, and teams may need to adjust their strategies accordingly.
Weather Report:
The weather in Mumbai during the Test is expected to be clear and sunny, with daytime temperatures ranging from 28°C to 32°C. Humidity levels may be moderate, which could affect the players’ endurance over the five days. The dry conditions are favorable for batting, especially in the first two days, but as the pitch wears down, the spinners could exploit any cracks that develop. Overall, conditions are ideal for an engaging Test match.
Match Prediction:
India: 55%
New Zealand: 45%
For the 3rd Test between India and New Zealand, India has a 55% chance of winning, given their home advantage and familiarity with the Wankhede pitch, which tends to favor spinners. New Zealand, riding high on confidence from their recent performances, holds a 45% chance of victory, bolstered by their resilient batting lineup and strong bowling attack.
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