India vs New Zealand, 3rd ODI, stats at The Holkar stadium, Indore

India and New Zealand will be facing off in the third and final One Day International at the Holkar Stadium in Indore on Tuesday, January 24. With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on the horizon and India having already claimed the series, the focus appears to be shifting away from the final ODI. However, given that the game is going to be played in Indore – a venue that has earned a reputation for being a batting beauty and is now ready to host some great stroke-makers – things could change. South Africa and India played a T20I just over three months ago, and Rilee Rossouw hit a 48-ball 100. On that night, the ball sailed over the ropes 27 times.

It will also be fascinating to see whether the Indian team management makes any alterations to their playing XI in order to provide some exposure to their bench strength in preparation for the 50-over World Cup later this year. The Kiwis, on the other hand, had a bad game in which they were completely outplayed by the hosts in every aspect of the game. While the bowlers have struggled in the lack of experienced pacers, the top-order batting has been a source of concern throughout the series. The visitors would now be keen to save their pride by avoiding a humiliating whitewash in this insignificant match.

Read more: SA20: Squads and broadcasting details for the inaugural season

Pitch

The Holkar stadium wicket normally favours batsmen. Batsmen prefer to rule the roost when even bounce and short boundaries are present. Sehwag played with glitter and fizz and scored a record-breaking double tonne against the West Indies in 2011. Even further back in time, in 2006, India chased down England’s 289-run total with seven wickets to spare.

Venue details

STATS – ODI

IND vs NZ Head-to-Head

Played – 115, IND – 57, NZ – 50, NR -7, Tie – 1