India vs New Zealand 3rd ODI 2026 Match Preview & Analysis

The Ind vs NZ competition has always provided high-quality and fiercely contested cricket, and the third ODI in this series is likely to be no exception. Now with the series on high stakes, it is a stand-out match for both teams. India entered the match slightly unsettled following a seven-wicket loss in the second ODI, in which, although they posted a competitive total, their bowlers did not have the ability to apply consistent pressure on the scoring rate. 

New Zealand, meanwhile, gained a lot of momentum as they managed to execute the plans in the last match with precision. The batters showed patience, and maturity and the bowlers showed discipline at the early stages to limit the scoring opportunities of India. 

Both teams know how to seize important moments. India will seek to reestablish control, whereas New Zealand would seek to carry its momentum forward and complete the tour on a high note.

Series Situation and Momentum

The India vs New Zealand ODI series has swung back and forth, showing how evenly matched the sides are. The first ODI began on a good note for India, who won the match by four wickets, with six balls remaining. That victory demonstrated their batting depth, composed chases, and smart shot selection, and the bowlers applied pressure by disciplined spells and crucial moments.

The second ODI, however, had a different story. New Zealand adapted quickly to circumstances and successfully overcame the strategies of India. Their chase was well planned, and they took advantage of loose deliveries and exposed areas where India was not in command, especially during the mid-overs. This outcome has tilted the playing field a bit in favour of New Zealand.

Nonetheless, India has a home advantage and experience in high-pressure situations that ensure that it remains in the competition. It is now a matter of flexibility, toughness of mind, and execution under pressure as the India vs New Zealand 3rd ODI now enters an exciting situation.

Recent Performance Overview

The recent ODI performances of India reflect a side that is still competitive but not perfect. They have also successfully won three of their last five matches in the recent past, among them two convincing ones against South Africa towards the end of 2025. Their nine-wicket victory in the third ODI against South Africa demonstrated a powerful batting lineup and efficiency in chasing. Nevertheless, close losses in other games displayed a lack of consistency, especially when handling the ball.

New Zealand is the one with more recent momentum heading to the India vs New Zealand 3rd ODI. Four out of the five past matches have seen them achieve victories, and they have had a clean sweep over the West Indies in November 2025. Their batting outfit has been confident in all conditions, and the bowling attack has been disciplined and controlled, as well as smart in its use of variations.

Head-to-Head Record

The recent head-to-head record of India vs New Zealand is clearly in favor of the hosts. India has triumphed in four out of the five ODI matches and has mostly won by a convincing margin, which reaffirms their superiority in India. The following victories were a demonstration of how India can dominate the games by applying constant pressure with both bat and ball.

Though India holds a psychological advantage, New Zealand has demonstrated having the potential to upset expectations when execution matches intent.

Date	Match	Result	Margin
14-Jan-2026	NZ vs IND	New Zealand won	By 7 wickets (with 15 balls remaining)
11-Jan-2026	NZ vs IND	India won	By 4 wickets (with 6 balls remaining)
09-Mar-2025	NZ vs IND	India won	By 4 wickets (with 6 balls remaining)
02-Mar-2025	NZ vs IND	India won	By 44 runs
15-Nov-2023	NZ vs IND	India won	By 70 runs

Batters to Watch

Virat Kohli is still the most dependable ODI batter in India. In his ten previous matches, he has been able to score 577 runs with an average of 72.13. His ability to spin strike, withstand pressure, and speed up where necessary is very crucial, especially in high-stakes matches like the India vs New Zealand 3rd ODI.

Rohit Sharma brings experience, calmness, and authority at the top. He has managed to score 502 runs in the ten matches, where he always anchors the innings. His composed style sets the tempo, and he usually targets spinners in the future, affecting the outcome of the encounters between Ind vs NZ.

Daryl Mitchell has played an exceptional role in New Zealand. He also averages a remarkable 114.6 in recent games and has since become their batting backbone. His middle-order position will play a critical role.

New Zealand has been balanced and reliable with the help of Devon Conway. Having an average of 42.67, he develops strong innings and maintains momentum. He rotates the strike well and takes loose deliveries, providing some stability.

Bowlers to Watch

Kuldeep Yadav is now the most efficient spinner in recent ODIs for India. He has taken 14 wickets in eight matches with a low economy rate of less than six. His variations and precision take center stage in the middle overs, and he is a major weapon.

Harshit Rana has been disciplined and aggressive. He has taken 13 wickets in eight matches, which provides India with wicket-taking options both at the beginning and end of the day. 

Kyle Jamieson has taken 12 wickets in five matches, and can make the top order of India squirm early.

Zak Foulkes brings balance and control to the bowling lineup for New Zealand. He has already taken ten wickets in seven games and has always bowled tight spells.

Pitch and Conditions at Indore

The Holkar Cricket Stadium is also a batter-friendly ground with good bounce and rewarding shots. In the lights, it is easier to bat, particularly when the dew has settled down. Teams typically attack competitive totals with batting first.

Bowlers should be disciplined, clever, and use variations and correct lengths. Still, spinners who vary their pace and seamers who employ hard lengths can be effective. The weather is predicted to be clear, and should ensure a full 50-over game.

Squad Depth and Balance

Shubman Gill is the Indian captain, maintaining stability at the top with the support of the veterans Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja. The bowling attack combines pace and spin, allowing strategic changes.

New Zealand is a combination of experience and new talent. Captain Michael Bracewell has many strong players, such as Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell, who provide flexibility in batting. Their bowling options suit different conditions, allowing them to adapt quickly during matches.

Tactical Battle Points

India has to become better in the middle overs, which has been revealed in recent times. Sharp fielding is also very important because a missed opportunity is expensive during a tight game.

New Zealand prefers to establish partnerships and prevent collapses, focusing on composure and execution. The aggressive field setting and smart rotation of the bowling would ensure that the opponents are under pressure throughout the innings.

Match Prediction and Outlook

India vs New Zealand 3rd ODI will be the series decider. India has the home advantage and a superior head-to-head record, which gives it a slight advantage. 

New Zealand goes into this game with confidence, having evened out the series, and hopes to replicate their disciplined performance. They have been a constant challenge in India.

After all, the game will be decided by fine margins, a partnership of crucial importance, a spell by the bowler, or quick fielding. It is important to expect a high-quality, high-intensity battle, where the two teams struggle to win the series.