India Likely Playing XI for 3rd T20I 2026 vs New Zealand: Check Predicted 11
Get the predicted India Playing XI for the 3rd T20I against New Zealand on October 27, 2026, at Hnry Stadium, Wellington. India leads the five-match series 2-0 and aims for a decisive win. Find crucial match details including date, time, venue, team news, and where to watch live streaming and telecast in India.
India will be aiming to clinch an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match T20 International series against New Zealand when the two sides clash in the 3rd T20I on Tuesday, October 27, 2026. The Men in Blue have been in formidable form, securing consecutive four-wicket victories in the first two encounters, and will be looking to wrap up the series with two games to spare. Wellington Weather Forecast and Rain Chances for India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I 2026.
The series has already seen high-scoring affairs, with India successfully chasing down targets in both matches. Skipper Shreyas Iyer will be keen to maintain the team's winning momentum against a New Zealand side that has made several squad changes in an attempt to turn their fortunes around.
Match Details
The 3rd T20I between New Zealand and India is scheduled as follows:
- Date: Tuesday, October 27, 2026
- Time: 12:30 PM IST (Indian Standard Time)
- Venue: Hnry Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand
- Tournament: India tour of New Zealand, 5 T20I Series, 2026
- Series Status: India leads the five-match series 2-0
India's Predicted Playing XI
With two wins under their belt, India might opt for a largely unchanged XI to maintain continuity, though minor tactical adjustments are always possible. Shreyas Iyer will continue to lead the side, with Tilak Varma as his deputy. Young sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who made headlines earlier this year, is expected to feature prominently.
Here's a look at the likely playing eleven for India:
- Sanju Samson (Wicketkeeper)
- Abhishek Sharma
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
- Shreyas Iyer (Captain)
- Tilak Varma
- Axar Patel
- Naman Dhir
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Arshdeep Singh
- Mayank Yadav
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
New Zealand's Predicted Playing XI and Squad Changes
New Zealand will be looking for a resurgence on their home turf. The Blackcaps have made significant changes to their squad for the remaining matches due to workload management. Fast bowler Matt Henry will miss the remainder of the T20I series to join the ODI squad, while Lockie Ferguson returns to bolster the pace attack for the third and subsequent T20Is. Blair Tickner has also joined the squad for the remaining three matches. Ishan Kishan Ruled Out of IND vs NZ 3rd T20I 2026 Due to Injury.
New Zealand's likely XI could be:
- Finn Allen
- Tim Seifert (Wicketkeeper)
- Daryl Mitchell
- Glenn Phillips
- Michael Bracewell
- Mitchell Santner (Captain)
- Kyle Jamieson
- Lockie Ferguson
- Blair Tickner
- Jacob Duffy
Head-to-Head and Recent Form
Historically, India holds the upper hand in T20I encounters against New Zealand, having won 17 of the 31 matches played, with New Zealand securing 11 victories and three games ending in ties. India's recent form sees them on a two-match winning streak in this series, while New Zealand will be desperate to break their losing run and keep the series alive.
As India looks to seal the series, all eyes will be on Hnry Stadium to see if New Zealand can mount a comeback or if the Men in Blue will continue their dominant run.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 26, 2026 02:58 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).