India vs New Zealand (3rd ODI) Match Preview, Playing XI & Updates

This is the big decider. India and New Zealand meet in the 3rd ODI on January 18, 2026 at 1:30 PM IST. The series stands 1-1. The venue is Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore — a batting-friendly ground where teams often post big totals (avg 315). Weather looks perfect: sunny, 27°C, no rain forecast. No major injuries have been reported and India start as favourites.

In this long, detailed preview we cover everything a fan and bettor needs: form, stats, probable XIs, pitch and weather, fantasy picks, betting tips, odds logic, and simple match predictions. The goal: help you make smart calls — whether you’re checking the India vs New Zealand (3rd ODI) live score today, building a Dream11, or opening an online cricket ID on a trusted betting app.

I keep the language simple. Sentences are short. I add clear examples about odds and match moments. I also explain betting logic so you can act with confidence. Betting is for adults only (18+). Play responsibly.

Match Overview and Recent Form

This decider decides the series. That alone draws attention. Fans want drama. Bettors want value.

India arrive with a strong batting core. Names like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill are in form. KL Rahul is the wicketkeeper-batter option. India’s pace and spin mix is balanced: Mohammed Siraj leads the new ball while Kuldeep Yadav offers spin control. Ravindra Jadeja gives all-round cover.

New Zealand bring a modern lineup. Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell anchor the innings. Michael Bracewell and Glenn Phillips give depth. The bowling attack has pace and bounce from Kyle Jamieson and crafty seamers like Jayden Lennox.

Why bettors watch:

• It’s a decider. Stakes are high.
• Holkar Stadium is batting-friendly (avg 315). That pushes markets like over/under, highest team total, and top batter.
• India is favoured, so value can appear on New Zealand in live markets if a powerplay goes their way.
• Fantasy tips matter because top-order batters will dominate scoring.

Key match facts (use in your betting logic):

• Date & Time: Jan 18, 2026, 1:30 PM IST.
• Venue: Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore — batting-friendly track.
• Weather: Sunny, 27°C, no rain.
• Series score: 1–1.
• Expect attack: India likely to play a mix of pace and spin. New Zealand brings heavy hitters and tall pace options.

If you plan to follow the India vs New Zealand 3rd ODI live streaming India or track india vs new zealand 3rd odi live score ball by ball, keep a live score window open. Odds move fast in live cricket betting.

Head-to-head, key stats and recent form

Numbers matter for smart bets. Below is a simple table showing head-to-head trends that bettors care about. This is not exhaustive but highlights what usually moves the needle.

Head-to-head snapshot (ODIs, recent focus)

*Recent form is illustrative. Use live score and team news before placing money.

Recent 5 matches — quick summary table

These tables help shape safe vs risky bets. For example, a batting-friendly pitch and stronger top order lean you toward backing India or higher totals. But live betting can flip value toward New Zealand if early wickets fall.

Playing XIs, team news and probable lineups

Below you’ll find probable XIs and short notes on each position. I use the supplied lineup information and weave it into the game story. Note: these are probable lineups. Check ind vs nz 3rd odi toss updates for final confirmation.

Probable Playing XIs

India (probable XI)
Shubman Gill (c), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Ayush Badoni / Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh / Prasidh Krishna.

New Zealand (probable XI)
Henry Nicholls, Will Young, Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell (c), Mitchell Hay (wk), Kristian Clarke, Kyle Jamieson, Jayden Lennox, Zakary Foulkes.

Quick notes and impact on betting markets

• Shubman Gill as captain changes the dynamics. He opens and builds long innings. In batting-friendly Indore, he is a strong candidate for “top batter” markets.
• KL Rahul as keeper increases flexibility in the middle order. That helps India in chase situations.
• Kuldeep Yadav bowling in the middle overs can choke runs. Markets like “most wickets in match” can swing toward him on spin-friendly days.
• Kyle Jamieson is the wild card. Tall, with bounce — if Indore offers extra lift in short bursts, Jamieson can take early wickets, giving live betting value.
• Michael Bracewell captains NZ. He bats in the middle order and can be a late-innings power hit — useful for fantasy captain choices.

Bench strength and substitutes

India’s bench has depth: Ayush Badoni or Nitish Kumar Reddy may be used for power-hitting late in the innings. New Zealand has utility players like Glenn Phillips and Mitchell Hay who can change the course in the slog overs.

Tip: If a team lists a hit-heavy bench, consider late-innings markets like “most sixes” or “highest partnership after 35 overs”.

Pitch report, weather, and expert-style predictions

Holkar Stadium is known for big scores. The supplied pitch average is 315. That means both sides can post big totals if they play straight.

Pitch & conditions (short)

• Surface: Batting-friendly.
• Average match total: ~315.
• Spinners: Useful in middle overs.
• Pace: Useful early with bounce in short spells.

Weather

• Sunny, 27°C.
• No rain — uninterrupted match likely.

Toss impact

At Indore, the toss matters less than pitch adaptation. The team that wins the toss might prefer to bat first to set a big total and put scoreboard pressure on the chase.

Expert-style prediction

• If India field a full-strength top five and open with Gill and Rohit, they will likely score 320+ batting first.
• New Zealand’s chase is feasible if Conway and Nicholls get set. But Jamieson and Lennox can produce early breakthroughs.
• Prediction: India 55–60% chance to win pre-match. Markets will reflect this. Live betting could flip value if early wickets fall.

Short storytelling moment:
Remember a recent ODI when England chased 280 in the final session? That kind of late-innings fight can happen here. If New Zealand survives the powerplay with 2–3 wickets down but a platform, a late flourish by Glenn Phillips or Bracewell could change odds quickly.

Match scenarios to watch (and betting signals)

1. India strong powerplay (0–15 overs) — 60/1: If India hit 50+ in powerplay, the “India to win” market strengthens. Consider backing India or over/under large totals.
2. Early NZ wickets — value pick: If NZ lose 2 early, backing India live might be safer. Also, NZ’s odds for an upset will lengthen.
3. Kuldeep bowling long spells — wicket markets: If Kuldeep starts early and gets a breakthrough, consider his “most wickets” market.

Key Players to Watch and Top Performers Prediction

Picking the right players is central to both betting and fantasy success. Below I list top contenders and explain why they matter.

Top 5 players to watch (short list)

1. Shubman Gill (India) — captain, top-order anchor. High-floor batter. Great Dream11 captain pick in batting-friendly Indore.
2. Virat Kohli (India) — world-class finisher and run accumulator. Consistent across formats.
3. Mohammed Siraj (India) — new-ball threat. Useful in early overs to pick top-order wickets.
4. Kyle Jamieson (New Zealand) — pace and bounce. Can swing match if he hits early cracks.
5. Devon Conway (New Zealand) — steady opener. Good for stable fantasy points and high run markets.

Why these picks matter to bettors

• Top-order batters determine match tempo. If Gill or Conway end the powerplay with good numbers, that signals who holds advantage.
• Bowlers who take wickets early change win probabilities. Siraj or Jamieson strikes can swing live odds.

Fantasy (Dream11) strategy — simple

• Captain: pick a top-order batter (Gill or Conway) — they give consistent points.
• Vice-captain: a bowler who bowls many overs (Kuldeep or Siraj).
• Balance: include one strong all-rounder (Jadeja or Bracewell).
• Keep 3-4 bowlers and 3-4 batters. Wicketkeeper with batting responsibility (KL Rahul or Mitchell Hay) is valuable.

Dream11 sample squad (balanced)

• Wicketkeeper: KL Rahul
• Batters: Shubman Gill (C), Rohit Sharma (VC), Devon Conway
• All-rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, Michael Bracewell
• Bowlers: Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Kyle Jamieson, Arshdeep Singh

Story example: If Gill and Rohit build a 150-run platform, a fantasy captaincy choice of Gill pays off. But if early wickets fall, bowlers like Jamieson become fantasy point machines.

FAQs

Who will win India vs New Zealand 3rd ODI?

India favored. Strong form and home pitch tip scales.

What are betting odds for Ind vs NZ 3rd ODI?

India 1.40, NZ 2.80 on Silverexch. Check live.

Which app is best for India vs NZ 3rd ODI betting?

Silverexch—top cricket betting app with live markets.

How to get an online cricket ID for betting?

Sign up on Silverexch. Instant cricket online id activation.

Is live betting available for India vs New Zealand 3rd ODI?

Yes, on cricket exchange live. Bet ball-by-ball.

Ind vs NZ 3rd ODI playing 11 prediction?

India: Gill, Rohit, Kohli… NZ: Nicholls, Young…

India vs NZ 3rd ODI pitch report and weather?

Batting track, avg 315. Sunny, 27°C.

Ind vs NZ 3rd ODI Dream11 prediction today?

Captain Gill, batsmen heavy.

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