New Zealand vs India 3rd ODI Preview & Tips – India to surge into 3-0 ODI series lead over New Zealand

New Zealand are in need of a big performance in the third ODI after they were once again beaten by a touring side that only needs one win from three matches to win the series outright.

India have won eight of their last 10 against New Zealand, with the Black Caps winning twice in this time.

New Zealand trundled to just 134 in the second ODI as their batting unit crumbled under the pressure in a weather-affected match.

Daryl Mitchell’s 55 was their top-score, but it was painstaking for the batter as he went at 52.88, meaning he needed 104 deliveries for his half century. While he was the anchor for New Zealand’s innings, no batter outside of Mitchell Santner (31) could make a score of note as the home side struggled.

While the Black Caps did impress with the ball, their score always looked well short of one that could apply real pressure onto India’s shoulders. Indeed, the touring side were able to get to their DLS target of 110 with three wickets in hand.

Had the Black Caps have put another 30 runs on their score, then India might have struggled. As it was, India were able to showcase their ability to win in most conditions once again. With New Zealand losing eight of their last 10 ODI’s against their opponents, I predict more of the same in this one as the home side lose once again.

India have looked good on their tour of New Zealand, although they were given a scare by their hosts in their second 50 over outing.

With New Zealand at 23/3 and 53/5, India would have been confident that they could remove their opponents for well short of 100. While they were able to restrict their hosts to just 134 before being given a revised total of 110 to win, India were made to work for their win. With Virat Kohli (7), Shubman Gill (0) and Axar Patel (7) all failing to post scores, it was actually a much closer game than people would have expected when India were given a target of 110 in 26 overs.

Ultimately, with KL Rahul (26 not out) still there at the end, India looked secure as they notched a three-wicket win. Now, attention switches to going 3-0 up against New Zealand and winning the series with two games to play.

Virat Kohli has been excellent in ODI’s in 2026, and I back him to bounce back from a rare failure in the second ODI with runs in the third.