New Zealand vs India 2020: 3rd ODI, Mount Maunganui - New Zealand Predicted XI

New Zealand would be relieved to have levelled themselves by winning the ODI series after a drubbing in the T20Is. The Kiwis turned things around in spectacular fashion as they found performances from almost all men to take an unassailable lead of 2-0 in the three-match ODI series with a win in Auckland. One player who deserves a special mention from the New Zealand camp is Ross Taylor.

In the absence of Kane Williamson, Taylor took it all upon himself to steer the side through his unbeaten knocks in both the innings.

The likes of Martin Guptill, Henry Nicholls, Colin de Grandhomme, Tim Southee, and Kyle Jamieson deserve equal recognition for the victory. Not to forget the captaincy skills of Tom Latham may have taken the pressure off the regular captain Williamson moving forward.

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While a series sweep of their own is in sight, the Black Caps receive a major boost as Williamson returns for the final ODI.

We take a look at New Zealand’s predicted XI ahead of the third ODI at Bay Oval:

Martin Guptill:

Martin Guptill has found himself getting dismissed for promising starts on more occasions than one across two formats.

However, on Saturday, he was on track for a big score before a bad call resulted in his run-out for 79.

Nevertheless, the 33-year old has laid the platform along with his opening partner for the middle-order to build further on it.

Henry Nicholls:

Henry Nicholls scored a well-constructed inning of 78 in Hamilton before making 43 in the second ODI.

The southpaw was the first to depart in Auckland, having put on 93 for the opening stand along with Martin Guptill.

Another significant contribution from his part would also bode well ahead of the Test series to follow after ODIs.

Kane Williamson (c):

New Zealand would be highly jubilant to have Kane Williamson back in the scheme of things after the camp declared him fit.

In his last game for the Kiwis, the 29-year old almost single-handedly steered the team to a much-needed victory in Hamilton in the third T20I.

While Tom Latham has done a fabulous job in all three roles for the hosts, Williamson remains the best man to lead them.

It may not be an easy comeback on him, but Williamson needs to break the shackles in this dead rubber before the two Tests.

Ross Taylor:

Presently, Ross Taylor is in the form of his life. New Zealand, in the absence of their at least four first-choice players, needed inspiration from their most experienced players in the line-up.

And their leading run-getter in ODI cricket was at the forefront in both the games.

India are yet to find a way to dismiss the veteran in this series after he crafted two match-winning knocks to push them out of the game.

Tom Blundell:

Tom Blundell has produced a spark in both the occasions but is yet to get a significant score to his name.

He managed 9 in Hamilton and made his way to 22 off 25 to put on 49 for the third wicket along with Martin Guptill in Auckland.

The keeper-batsman is expected to retain his spot with Mark Chapman likely to miss out.

Tom Latham:

As a stand-in captain, Tom Latham had a massive responsibility on his shoulders to lead the Kiwis to the first victory of the tour.

However, Latham has done a remarkable job so far in leading the hosts to a series win altogether. He couldn’t get a compelling score off his bat in Auckland but played a useful hand of 69 in Hamilton.

The 27-year-old has also done a polished work behind the stumps.

The arrival of Williamson also means that he can bat without much pressure.

James Neesham:

In Hamilton in the first game, New Zealand didn’t find themselves in a precarious position as Neesham perished for 9.

However, the situation reversed in Auckland as the hosts needed something exceptional from him and he departed for single figures again.

But it was all forgiven as he picked up the final wicket with the ball of Ravindra Jadeja to deliver a series win.

Nevertheless, the Kiwis would indeed be looking for more off his bat.

Colin De Grandhomme:

All-rounder Colin de Grandhomme is the most under spotlight currently despite a spectacular performance with the ball in Auckland.

The burly all-rounder has managed single-digit scores in his last five outings for New Zealand with the bat and is mainly struggling to time the ball.

However, he chipped in with two crucial wickets of KL Rahul and Shardul Thakur to lift the hosts closer to a series win.

Ish Sodhi:

Ish Sodhi, along with Blair Tickner was released for the third ODI from the New Zealand A camp for the final ODI.

The Kiwis picked no spinner in the last game, but Sodhi could replace the experienced seamer Tim Southee for Mount Maunganui.

Despite being ill before the second game, Southee did his part of snapping the crucial scalps of Virat Kohli and Kedar Jadhav.

Hence, the New Zealand camp could give him a break to recover from the illness.

Kyle Jamieson:

Very few players have enjoyed a debut as happening as that of Kyle Jamieson. As much as the towering quick didn’t surprise through his performance with the ball, he stunned India through his brief and invaluable cameo. Jamieson’s handy knock of 25 helped the hosts recover from 197-8 to post 273 on the board.

The innings of 25 included two sixes and a four, all three coming off Jasprit Bumrah, one of the best death bowlers at present.

With his strongest suit, the 25-year old knocking off Prithvi Shaw and Navdeep Saini at vital stages to bag the Man of the Match award.

Hamish Bennett:

Hamish Bennett quickly improved in the second ODI after going for 77 and wicketless in the first game.

The 32-year old gave India their first breakthrough on Saturday, dismissing Mayank Agarwal cheaply.

After that, he proceeded to send back Shreyas Iyer for 52 to give New Zealand a considerable lift in their defence of 274. He finished with figures of 9-0-58-2, but would be looking to leak runs a lot less.