India vs New Zealand 3rd ODI 2026 Preview: Series Decider at Holkar Stadium, Indore

The upcoming India vs New Zealand 3rd ODI is set to be an electrifying encounter that will decide the fate of the series. Scheduled for Sunday, January 18, 2026, at 1:30 PM IST (8:00 AM BST), this high-stakes match at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore promises thrilling cricket action. Both teams are tied 1-1 after sharing wins in Vadodara and Rajkot, making this final game the ultimate series decider.

Match Overview: India vs New Zealand 3rd ODI 2026 at Holkar Stadium

The stage is set for one of the most intense One-Day Internationals, where India aims to maintain their dominance on home soil, and New Zealand looks to clinch their first-ever ODI series in India. Let’s delve into key information that every cricket fan needs to know before the match.

When and Where?

Date & Time: Sunday, January 18, 2026, starting at 1:30 PM IST (08:00 AM BST)
Venue: Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore

Holkar Stadium is renowned as a batting paradise, known for mammoth scores like India’s recent 418 and 399 totals. Notably, India remains unbeaten in their previous 7 ODIs at this venue, which adds pressure and excitement.

Why is this Match Important?

This match is more than just a series decider; it is a battle of home dominance vs historic breakthrough. India wants to defend their turf after a shock seven-wicket loss in Rajkot, where New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell and Will Young successfully chased 285. For New Zealand, this match offers a coveted chance to record their first-ever ODI series win on Indian soil, following a recent Test series whitewash.

Teams and Key Players to Watch in the 3rd ODI

Both squads blend experience and excitement, with star performances shaping the series so far.

India’s Squad and Form

Captain: Shubman Gill
Key batsmen: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli (leading run-scorer), KL Rahul (unbeaten 112 in 2nd ODI)
All-rounders and bowlers: Shreyas Iyer, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Nitish Kumar Reddy
Bench strength: Rishabh Pant, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Washington Sundar

India’s batting lineup has delivered consistently, with KL Rahul’s unbeaten century and Shubman Gill’s steady 56 in the 2nd ODI showing form and intent.

New Zealand’s Squad and Form

Captain: Michael Bracewell
Key batsmen: Daryl Mitchell (131* in 2nd ODI), Will Young (87), Glenn Phillips, Devon Conway
Key bowlers: Kyle Jamieson, Kristian Clarke (4 wickets in series)
Squad note: Inexperienced with 8 players visiting India for the first time

New Zealand’s ability to chase under pressure was evident in Rajkot, thanks to Mitchell’s mastery and Young’s valuable support. Bowlers like Kristian Clarke have also added critical breakthroughs.

Pitch and Weather Forecast: What to Expect?

The Holkar Cricket Stadium pitch continues to favor batsmen, with high-scoring games common in recent years. Expect a flat track encouraging stroke play and potential record-breaking innings.

Typical Scores: India’s 418 and 399 highlight the batting-friendly nature.
Weather: Clear conditions predicted, no rain interruptions expected.
Day/Night Match: Slight difference from previous matches due to shifting conditions.

Historical Head-to-Head and Series Context

India has been dominant in ODIs against New Zealand, winning 4 of the last 5 matches at home. However, New Zealand is closing the gap with a Test series whitewash last season and an ODI win recently, adding to the anticipation for the decider.

Key Milestones to Watch:

India needs 1 more win to reach 100 ODI victories against NZ
Kuldeep Yadav is close to 200 ODI wickets (currently 7 wickets shy)
Shreyas Iyer and Shubman Gill are approaching 3,000 international runs milestones
Rohit Sharma chases his 16,000 runs as an opener

Match Predictions and Fantasy Cricket Tips

Key Players for Dream11 and Fantasy Picks:

Shubman Gill – consistent and reliable top-order batsman
Virat Kohli – series leading run-scorer, dependable for big scores
Daryl Mitchell – in electric form with a match-winning century in the 2nd ODI
KL Rahul – recent unbeaten century scorer adds solidity
Kuldeep Yadav – crucial spin threat, wickets essential on this pitch

Consider the pitch favors batting, so all-rounders who bat well and bowl economically, like Ravindra Jadeja and Michael Bracewell, may offer excellent fantasy returns.

How to Watch Live Streaming and Get Updates

Catch live telecast and streaming of India vs New Zealand 3rd ODI on authorized platforms. For live streaming details and official schedule, cricket fans should stay tuned on verified broadcasters offering fly-by-fly ball-by-ball commentary and expert analysis.

Conclusion: India vs New Zealand 3rd ODI Preview Summary

The India vs New Zealand 3rd ODI 2026 at Holkar Stadium promises a thrilling finale to a tightly contested series. With the pitch favoring batsmen and both sides boasting key performers in form, the match will hinge on tactical decisions, player performance under pressure, and momentum swings. Fans should gear up for a potential high-scoring thriller packed with skill, passion, and historic ambitions.

Stay updated with live scores, expert predictions, and detailed squad analysis to get the most out of the series decider. Whether you are a fantasy cricket enthusiast or a hardcore fan, this game will be one not to miss!