![Hardik Pandya's catch in 3rd T20I vs NZ [Source:@itzyash07/x.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1769351538503_HardikPandya(2).jpg?type=hq)
Hardik Pandya's catch in 3rd T20I vs NZ [Source:@itzyash07/x.com]
Hardik Pandya took a stunning flyer to send back Devon Conway in the 3rd T20I against New Zealand in Guwahati. This early breakthrough allowed India to get a headstart in the match as they look to seal the five-match series 3-0 already.
Harshit Rana bowled a fuller delivery onto the stumps, and Conway moved down the leg side to create some room and take the aerial route over the mid-on on just the third ball of the match. His bat turned with impact, which made the timing completely off. Hardik Pandya, stationed at mid-on, was very alert and jumped to his left to complete a stunning catch.
As for Rana, he continued to trouble Conway in this series. The Indian pacer has now dismissed him five times in as many appearances in this series. Conway had no answers against Harshit Rana in the ODIs, getting out against him in all three matches. That has continued in the T20Is as well, as Harshit has dismissed him twice in the two games that he has played.
After bagging the wicket, Harshit Rana gave the Kiwi batter a send-off, mocking him by showing him five fingers for the five dismissals he has against the batter. Rana certainly has dominated the contest.
Watch Hardik Pandya’s stunning catch to dismiss Devon Conway
Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah add to the great start
India’s dominance did not stop there, as Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah also struck wickets in their first over to give India a dream start in the match. By the end of the powerplay, New Zealand were trailing at 36 for the loss of three wickets.
Hardik dismissed Rachin Ravindra with a short-pitched delivery, and Ravi Bishnoi completed another brilliant catch. As for Bumrah, he once again showed his masterclass by rattling Tim Seifert’s stumps with a fuller delivery that swung back in.
The conservative start put the Black Caps on the back foot early on in the innings, with the middle order batters required to rebuild the innings. They would want to set a defendable total to stand a chance at making a comeback in the series.
India rest star performers for 3rd T20I vs New Zealand
In the meantime, the Men in Blue have rested some of their key players for this encounter. Ravi Bishnoi, making his comeback into the team after nearly 11 months, replaced Varun Chakravarthy, who has been in incredible form. Jasprit Bumrah also came back to the XI after being rested in the last match.
India’s strategy to rotate their players before the T20 World Cup 2026 has worked really well for them. The bowlers, in particular, have had many opportunities to prove their mettle and be game-ready before the all-important tournament ahead. However, they will have to put forth their best team as they head closer to the World Cup.
India’s playing XI: Sanju Samson(w), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Harshit Rana, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah
