India Eye Series Sweep as New Zealand Post 198 Runs in Third T20I at Wellington
New Zealand set India a target of 199 in the third T20I at Wellington after Daryl Mitchell smashed 89 off 52 balls. India need a victory to seal the series under Shreyas Iyer, with strong winds and possible drizzle adding uncertainty.
Mitchell was New Zealand’s highest scorer, smashing 89 off 52 balls, including five fours and five sixes. His innings provided the foundation for New Zealand’s total after opening batter Tim Seifert departed early for just two runs.
Finn Allen added 40 runs off only 25 balls, hitting five sixes without scoring a single four. Bevon Jacobs contributed an important late innings, scoring 39 off 23 deliveries with four fours and one six. Their contributions helped New Zealand reach 198, leaving India with a target of 199 to win the match.
India’s bowling attack managed only three wickets, with Arshdeep Singh, Axar Patel and Nitish Kumar Reddy claiming one wicket each. Arshdeep conceded 33 runs in his four overs, while Axar gave away 36 runs in his four-over spell. Nitish Kumar Reddy finished with figures of one wicket for 38 runs in four overs.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar conceded 40 runs in his four overs but failed to take a wicket. Prince Yadav also went wicketless, conceding 44 runs in his four-over spell. New Zealand’s batting effort therefore left India with a challenging target as they prepared for the chase.
The third T20I carries significant importance for India. Having won the first two matches, the team can secure the series by winning the Wellington encounter and completing a clean sweep of three consecutive victories. However, New Zealand have put up a strong fight in the first two matches and will be looking to prevent India from sealing the series.
Under Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy, India will aim to maintain their winning run, while New Zealand will seek to keep the contest alive. With 199 runs required for victory, India’s batting performance will determine whether they can clinch the series in Wellington.
Weather conditions could also influence the match. Strong winds are expected in Wellington during the game, with intermittent drizzle also possible. However, the possibility of these conditions does not necessarily mean the match will be abandoned. After two closely contested encounters, the third T20I is set for another competitive finish, with India looking to secure the series and New Zealand attempting to stop them.

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