Cricket Match Prediction | India vs New Zealand | 3rd Test | Nov 01 – Can NZ whitewash India?

IND vs NZ Match Analysis

At 10:00 a.m. BDT on November 1, 2024, India and New Zealand will play the third Test match of a three-match Test series at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. 

India will be aiming not only to restore pride but also to stay in contention for the World Test Championship (WTC) final. To secure their place, they must win four of their upcoming six Tests. Winning the next Test is essential to remain in the race, especially with their crucial Test series in Australia approaching.

New Zealand made history by defeating India in a home Test series—something no other team had managed in 12 years. With a 2-0 series lead and one match remaining, New Zealand now aims for a landmark 3-0 clean sweep.

IND vs NZ Team Preview & Squads

India 

India has much to consider as they prepare for the series’ final Test in Mumbai. New Zealand’s clinical performances in the first two matches have left India thoroughly outplayed, and they’ll need to regroup quickly.

The primary problem is that neither the middle order nor the top order has shown up. The most impressive performance has come from Yashasvi Jaiswal (155 runs in 4 innings at 38.75), but IND has suffered greatly from the subpar performances of their two-star batsmen, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. The two seasoned batters have failed to keep the ship afloat whenever there has been a batting collapse, managing 88 and 62 runs from 4 innings each.

Additionally, India’s bowling has fallen short. Their mainstay spinners, Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin, have appeared to be ineffectual. Nevertheless, Ashwin has a fantastic record at the Wankhede, taking 38 wickets at an average of 18.42 in 5 Test matches, including three five-wicket hauls. With 11 wickets in the last game, Washington Sundar will undoubtedly be India’s X-Factor. 

India Squads

India

Ravindra Jadeja, Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Kuldeep Yadav, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Shubman Gill, Akash Deep, Dhruv Jurel, Axar Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin.

New Zealand

Many heroes have raised their hands during pivotal moments in this comprehensive team effort. On a track that was conducive to spin, Mitchell Santner destroyed India’s batting lineup in the previous Test match by taking 13 wickets. Tim Southee and William O’Rourke have been spot on, while Ajaz Patel and Glenn Phillips have given him strong support.

Rachin Ravindra has been a batting sensation, scoring 247 runs at an average of 82.33 over 4 innings. On a difficult surface, captain Tom Latham led from the front in the previous match’s second innings with an incredible 86. 

Despite their lack of impressive huge scores, players like Devon Conway, Will Young, Tom Blundell, and Glenn Phillips have demonstrated the fortitude to persevere and make significant contributions. As a result, New Zealand consistently posts higher-than-average scores and does not give up easy wickets. This batting unit will try to make a comeback this series since the usual captain Kane Williamson is also out for the third Test. 

New Zealand Squads

New Zealand

Glenn Phillips, Tom Blundell, Mitchell Santner, Jacob Duffy, Tim Southee, Rachin Ravindra, Will Young, Ajaz Patel, Matt Henry, Devon Conway, William O’Rourke, Ish Sodhi, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (c), Kane Williamson, and Mark Chapman.

India vs New Zealand outfield report

Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

To score a significant amount in the first innings and advance in the Test, both teams will try to bat first. Over the five days of the Test, Mumbai is predicted to experience sunny, warm, and clear weather with occasional gusts of wind. The morning session ought to be delightful. Wankhede Stadium’s pitch is well-balanced and supportive to both bowlers and hitters.  

IND vs NZ Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches

NZ won three of their five games, while IND won one.

India vs New Zealand Prediction

Cricket analysts predict India has a 52% chance of winning.

Disclaimer: This cricket prediction is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.