SportsPosted at: Oct 27 2026 12:13PM


India opt to bowl in third T20I against New Zealand; hosts make three changes

Wellington, Oct 27 (UNI) India won the toss and elected to bowl against New Zealand in the third T20 International on Tuesday, with captain Shreyas Iyer stressing the need for his side to adapt quickly to the conditions and continue improving in key areas.
India retained the same playing XI, while New Zealand made three changes, bringing in Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne and Matthew Fisher in place of Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson and Nathan Smith.
Iyer said the pitch dimensions and playing conditions were different from those encountered earlier in the series, making quick adaptation crucial.
"Certain aspects we definitely need to keep improving. The dimensions and conditions are different, so the quicker we adapt the better for us," he said after the toss.
He also noted that the Indian players understood the demands of team selection and were mature enough to deal with changes in their roles.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner described the surface as a good batting wicket, with some pace and bounce, and said the absence of wind was a favourable factor.
Acknowledging India's strength, Santner said New Zealand could not afford to ease the pressure against the visitors.
"India are a great side, you can't let your foot off the gas," he said, explaining the changes to the home team's line-up.
India fielded Sanju Samson as wicketkeeper, alongside Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Shreyas Iyer, Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Naman Dhir, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh and Prince Yadav.
New Zealand's playing XI comprised Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Bevon Jacobs, Michael Bracewell, Santner, Jamieson, Milne, Jacob Duffy and Fisher.
The toss decision puts the onus on India's bowling attack to make early inroads and restrict the hosts, while New Zealand will look to exploit the conditions and put up a competitive total.
The third match is an important opportunity for both sides to assess their adaptability as the T20I series progresses.
UNI BDN
Tags: #India opt to bowl in third T20I against New Zealand; hosts make three changes
More News

Simmons underlines Bangladesh’s WTC27 ambition

26 Oct 2026 | 11:05 PM

Mirpur, Oct 26 (UNI) Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons has said the desire to play in the ICC World Test Championship 2025/27 final (WTC) is driving his team ahead of the Test series against West Indies, which begins on October 28 here.

see more..

India to compete in Tier C after defeat to Senegal at FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival

26 Oct 2026 | 10:54 PM

Baku (Azerbaijan), Oct 26 (UNI) India suffered a 1-6 defeat against Senegal in their fifth and final Group K match at the FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival Azerbaijan 2026 at the Hovsan Competition Complex Pitch 8A here on Monday.

see more..

JioStar named official broadcast partner for men’s Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026

26 Oct 2026 | 10:48 PM

New Delhi, Oct 26 (UNI) Hockey fans across India can catch the action from the men’s Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026 live on Star Sports 2 and JioHotstar, with Hockey India announcing JioStar as the official broadcast partner for the ninth edition of the prestigious men’s tournament.

see more..

Kangra, Mandi and Khelo India Centre Shine on Day One of State Under-19 Athletics Meet

26 Oct 2026 | 10:32 PM

Dharamshala, Oct 26 (UNI) Athletes from Kangra, Mandi and the Khelo India Centre delivered notable performances on the opening day of the 67th State-Level Under-19 Boys and Girls Athletics Meet held at the synthetic track in Dharamshala on Monday.

see more..

Manvir Singh’s late winner hands Mohun Bagan Super Giant victory over Chennaiyin FC

26 Oct 2026 | 10:00 PM

Kolkata, Oct 26 (UNI) Mohun Bagan Super Giant secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Chennaiyin FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) here on Monday, with
Manvir Singh scoring the decisive goal late in the second half.

see more..