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Sunday Showdown! Super Sunday in Guwahati sets the stage for a potentially decisive contest as India and New Zealand lock horns in the third T20I of this five match series, with the hosts in complete control leading 2-0 and the visitors staring at a must-win situation. India's Dominance - India have dominated the series so far, winning both games convincingly and sending a strong message ahead of the World Cup. After Abhishek Sharma's explosive 84 off 35 powered India to a 48-run win in the opener, the second T20I turned into a landmark night as India pulled off a stunning chase of 209, their joint-highest successful T20I chase. It was also India's 100th T20I at home, highlighted by Ishan Kishan's 76 off 32 and a return to form for skipper Suryakumar Yadav, who sealed the game with an unbeaten 82 along with fireworks from Shivam Dube. With Hardik Pandya and Rinku Singh still to come, it once again underlined the depth and flexibility in this Indian batting unit. However, Sanju Samson has been quiet in the two games and Shreyas Iyer might come in for him as he was named in the squad for the first three matches only, with Kishan doing the keeping duties. India's bowling has complemented the batting nicely. Harshit Rana made an immediate impact yet again after coming into the side, bowling a maiden-wicket over first up and removing Devon Conway, making it four games in a row with his wicket, including three times in the ODI series. Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav have controlled the middle overs, while Hardik and Arshdeep Singh have chipped in with key breakthroughs. Jasprit Bumrah was rested in the last game and Axar Patel missed out due to an injury. It will be interesting to see whether they come back in the team or get some more time off to manage their workload. Do or Die for New Zealand - New Zealand, on the other hand, have struggled to find consistency despite flashes of individual brilliance. Glenn Phillips' 78 in the first game and Mitchell Santner's fiery 47 in the second were positives, while Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman have looked fluent without converting starts into big scores.
Tim Seifert could be a major X-factor at the top after a strong run in the Big Bash League, and his ability to take on the Powerplay may be key. With the ball, Matt Henry remains their main weapon, while Jacob Duffy, currently ranked 4th in the world in T20Is, has been impressive with his variations. Captain Santner, along with Ish Sodhi, needs to control the middle overs to try and contain the explosive batting unit of the hosts. Zakary Foulkes had a tough outing in the last game, conceding 67 runs in 3 overs and it is highly likely Kyle Jamieson comes in for him. Jamieson will also be under pressure to deliver after replacing the injured Adam Milne in the World Cup squad, making this series a crucial opportunity for him. Probable Playing XI - India - Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (WK), Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Axar Patel, Varun Chakaravarthy. New Zealand - Tim Seifert (WK), Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (C), Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy. What to expect? The Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati is known for being a batter-friendly venue, with flat surfaces and quick boundaries often leading to big scores. Interestingly, India have won only once in T20Is at this ground, with their two losses coming against Australia while batting first. With the pitch once again expected to favour stroke play, another high-scoring encounter could be on the cards as India look to wrap up the series and New Zealand fight to stay alive.
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