In the two test matches played so far in this three-match series between India and New Zealand, the Kiwi cricketers have achieved a lot of things and made themselves a part of history. They have ended India’s 12-year-long streak of not losing a test series at home and put a full stop to the sheer dominance by winning the first two matches of this India vs New Zealand test series. The third and final Ind vs NZ test match will be played on November 1, 2024, at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
The New Zealand team’s victory in both matches cannot even be called a fluke, as the conditions were drastically different both times, and they mastered them perfectly to beat the resilient Indian team. The conditions here in Mumbai are expected to be good for batting, and the batters would need to score big runs to give their team a chance of winning.
After the horrendous performance in the initial match, everyone expected the Indian batters to put up a better show with the willow, but they were unable to score runs in Pune again, and it resulted in a home series loss after 18 consecutive wins. Washington Sundar’s last-minute inclusion proved to be top-notch, as he took a total of 11 wickets in the match and kept fighting like a lone warrior for India. It would be non-negotiable now for this team to win the third match and avoid a clean sweep.
It was thought that the visitors got lucky in Bengaluru with the conditions that resulted in a victory for them and their real test would be in Pune. Well, they passed their test with flying colours and have now set up an example for all teams visiting India to play red-ball cricket. Mitchell Santner was the star performer in the match who broke the backbone of the Indian batting lineup with his left-arm darts, which were extremely accurate and on-point. The New Zealand team would be looking to register a clean sweep on this New Zealand tour of India 2024.
After losing these two test matches, which the Indian team should have won, they now find themselves in a precarious situation as far as the WTC final 2025 is concerned. They now need to win at least four of the six test matches they are left to play in this cycle for a confirmed berth in the final. The road for New Zealand to the final is also getting opened, and a victory in the final match will make it more wide. Let us have a look at the predictions and betting tips for the third test match.
What is the head-to-head record between India and New Zealand in international test match cricket?
The head-to-head record between India and New Zealand in test match cricket has been dominated by India thus far. The men in blue have won more matches and kept the Kiwis on their toes. Although the New Zealand team is leaving no stone unturned in closing this gap and making this rivalry an equal one. The breakup for wins by each team is listed below:
Match Played: 64
India Won: 22
New Zealand Won: 15
Draw/Tie: 27
The third and upcoming test match between both these teams will either make India’s dominance more strong in this rivalry or it will lessen the gap between these teams in terms of victories. You can make a prediction and place your bet through GUGOBET.
Ind vs NZ – Predicted Playing 11
It is now time to analyze what could be the playing 11 of both teams for the forthcoming Ind vs NZ 2024 test match.
India
The inclusion of another off-spinner in the team for the second test match proved to be a great decision for the Indian team management, as it was Washington Sundar who took the majority of New Zealand wickets and gave India a chance to be alive in the match. No major changes are predicted in the playing 11 as far as the team is concerned. Mohammed Siraj, if fit, will come in place of Akashdeep. The bowling combination is likely to be three spinners and two seamers. Since this match is really important to win for India, resting Bumrah would not be a great choice.
The batters will have to turn up in a better manner for this game, and a big game will be expected from the two stalwarts, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Shubman Gill should also show more resilience with the bat in this match. Ravindra Jadeja has looked out of touch lately, and he must also have a good game to come back in form before the very important Australian tour of five test matches.
Predicted Playing 11: Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Sarfaraz Khan, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, and Akashdeep/Mohammad Siraj.
New Zealand
There is a famous saying that says why fix something that is not broken, and the Kiwis are expected to follow the same template as they have been playing well as a unit, and we do not expect any major changes in their team for the third test match. Matt Henry might get a game in place of either of the pacers, whereas the spinners are predicted to be the same. There is no confirmation on Kane Williamson yet, and we expect the team to be without him for the final match as well.
Tom Latham led from the front and had a brilliant game with the bat. Rachin Ravindra also looked in sublime touch and would be a big wicket for India to get. Mitchell Santner will once again be a threat as he will get assistance from the pitch in Mumbai. The New Zealand players would want to stay humble and try to go for the win here as well.
Predicted Playing 11: Tom Latham (c), Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Tom Blundell (wk), Mitchell Santner, Ajaz Patel, Matt Henry, and Tim Southee.
Weather and Pitch Report
The pitch at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, will be a classic test match wicket where the ball will seam for the first two days and will be the best for batting. As the match progresses, it will start assisting the spinners, and by days four and five, it will become a turning wicket and get difficult for batting. The spinners will look to exploit the footmarks here and get the best advantage out of them.
The weather here in Mumbai is predicted to be on the hotter side in the afternoon, and the pitch will also get slow as the game progresses. The first two hours on Day 1 will be difficult for batting against fast bowlers, but once the batters pass those two hours, batting on this pitch will be a cakewalk. Winning the toss and batting first will be the smarter option is what we feel on GUGOBET, the best cricket betting app.
Ind vs NZ – Betting Tips and Match Predictions
The betting tips and match predictions for the upcoming India vs New Zealand 2024 third test match of the series on our cricket betting app are as follows.
Match Winner
Even after being against the walls and losing the first two test matches of this series, India is still the favourite to win the third test match and has a winning probability of almost 70%, while their rivals have only 20. We expect the Indian team to learn from their mistakes, work on their weaknesses, play according to their strengths, and make a roaring comeback in the third test match in Mumbai.
The players will do anything to avoid a clean sweep here and pass the Kiwi challenge in the final test match before they leave for the land down under.
Player of the Match
We expect Virat Kohli to have a huge game with the bat and score the bulk of the runs for his team. He is expected to break the shackles, complete his long-due 81st international century and help team India in winning this must-win encounter from the perspective of the WTC final 2025.
With plenty of action expected on the field, be sure to stay ahead with GUGOBET’s expert predictions and the best odds. Sign up now on GUGOBET for a 100% Welcome Bonus and start betting on this thrilling contest and many more!
