India's battle for pride and honor after biting the dust
| Date | November 1-5, 2024 |
| Time | 9:30 AM IST |
| Venue | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai |
| Format | Test Match |
| Series | New Zealand tour of India, 2024 |
Betting Odds
Our Predictions
- Virat Kohli has odds of 4.40 to be India's best batsman
- Devon Cionway has odds of 4.25 to be New Zealand's best batsman
- Ravichandran Ashwin has odds of 3.05 to be India's best bowler
- Mitchell Santner has odds of 3.70 to be New Zealand's best bowler
MATCH PREVIEW
At the start of the series, most cricket betting sites and pundits had favored the Indians to win the series. Some had even predicted it to be a 3-0 clean sweep for India. However, New Zealand has dealt a body blow to India with remarkable victories in the first two Test Matches, becoming the first team to win a Test Series in India after 12 years. Such has been India's dominance at home that it has only been their second series loss since the start of the new millennium. The hosts will play for their pride as the series moves to the inconsequential third game. They have won the last three games at Mumbai and shall start the game with higher odds. New Zealand would like to add salt to India's wound by making it 3-0, which hasn't happened to the Indians since the mighty West Indies toured back in 1983-84. With their pride at stake, it will be interesting to see how the Indians fight in this game.
India Preview
It isn't easy being in Rohit Sharma's shoes leading up to this game. He is the 4th captain to lose a home Test series in the last 40 years. The 113-run loss in the last game would hurt Rohit more as the side had its chances in the last game, unlike the 1st Test, where they put up a brave fightback. They will still start with higher odds on cricket betting apps, given their record in India. Sharma wants the senior players to deliver a strong show and restore lost pride.
Rohit Sharma must take more responsibility at the top and occupy the crease, building a partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal. Shubman Gill will look to anchor the innings and add runs with Virat Kohli, who is low on confidence, and Rishab Pant. Sarfaraz Khan, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ravichandran Ashwin add depth to the batting, and Indians must use it well.
The bowling attack hasn't dominated as they imagined before the series. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj must get wickets with the new ball to put the hosts ahead. Washington Sundar and Ravichandran Ashwin used the conditions well in the last game, but the side will expect a good show from Ravindra Jadeja to keep up the pressure on the Kiwi batters throughout the game.
Expected Starting XI for India
Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Sarfaraz Khan, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammad Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah
New Zealand Preview
Tom Latham's team has done the unimaginable. They have conquered the highest cricketing peak in modern cricket. Latham has achieved what great captains like Steve Waugh, Graeme Smith, Steven Flemming, and Alastair Cook failed to do. Latham and his men would have eyes on a clean sweep in the final game, and the New Zealand skipper would like his team to play clinically.
Devon Conway and Tom Latham have provided good starts in both innings in the last game. The team expects a similar show from them. Will Young who is playing in place of Williamson will look to do well in the middle order with Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell. Tom Blundell and Glenn Phillips must do well against the Indian spinners on a turning track.
Tim Southee and William O'Rourke will look to strike early as the Indian top order has appeared shaky. Mitchell Santner bowled dream spells in the last game, and he will look to do well with the old ball along with Ajaz Patel. Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra add variety to this attack.
Expected Starting XI for New Zealand
Tom Latham (c), Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ajaz Patel, William O'Rourke
TOSS: To Bowl First
The track in Mumbai is good to bat on in the first two days. The track can turn into a minefield from Day 3 onward, where spinners start to dominate the game. Teams struggle at this venue in the 4th innings. The side winning the toss would like to take advantage of the conditions by batting first.
PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS
We will have clear skies over Mumbai, barring Day 1, when there will be odd clouds in the sky. The batting conditions will be good, and the batsmen can play their strokes. Spinners will enjoy bowling in these conditions. The side batting first will aim for 400 runs or more to dominate the game.
OUR PREDICTION
New Zealand has won a series in two games, and the team will be high on confidence. Their batsmen are doing well, and the bowling attack has gone under the skin of the Indians. However, the Indians won't repeat the mistakes of the last two games here. They will play like wounded tigers and have a good record at this venue. We expect a close contest, but the Indians have a slight edge.
Our prediction is for India to win
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