India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I Live Score: India Make a Flying Start in 199 Run Chase
India and New Zealand are facing each other in the third T20 International of the five-match series at Hnry Stadium in Wellington on October 27, 2026. India entered the contest with a 2-0 lead after winning the first two matches by four wickets. The visitors are now chasing a target of 199 runs after New Zealand posted 198 for 3 in their allotted 20 overs.
India have made an aggressive start to the chase. One live score update showed India at 64 without loss after 2.5 overs, leaving the visitors needing 135 runs from 17.1 overs. Live scores change quickly, so readers should check the latest scorecard for the most recent position in the match.
New Zealand Post 198 for 3
New Zealand produced a strong batting performance after India elected to field first. The hosts finished their innings at 198 for 3, building their total through contributions from Finn Allen, Daryl Mitchell and Bevon Jacobs.
Daryl Mitchell was the standout batter, remaining unbeaten on 89 from 52 deliveries. His innings helped New Zealand maintain pressure on the Indian bowlers throughout the middle and later stages of the innings. Bevon Jacobs also finished strongly, scoring an unbeaten 39 from 23 balls.
Finn Allen provided an attacking contribution at the top of the order, scoring 40 from 25 deliveries. His innings helped the hosts establish a platform before Mitchell and Jacobs carried the scoring forward.
India managed to take three wickets but prevented New Zealand from crossing the 200-run mark. Arshdeep Singh, Axar Patel and Nitish Kumar Reddy each claimed a wicket, according to the reported scorecard.
Although New Zealand reached a competitive total, India will believe that the target is within reach given their successful chases in the opening two matches of the series.
India Begin the Chase Aggressively
India's opening batters have responded with an attacking approach while pursuing the target of 199. An available live update placed the team at 64 without losing a wicket after 2.5 overs. At that stage, India needed 135 more runs to win, with more than 17 overs remaining.
A fast start can give a chasing team valuable momentum in a T20 match, but the required run rate and wickets in hand remain important throughout the innings. India will need to maintain their scoring rate while ensuring that the loss of early wickets does not change the balance of the chase.
The performance of the opening batters will be closely watched as India attempt to complete another successful run chase. Their approach during the powerplay could determine how comfortably the team manages the remaining target.
As this is a live match, the score and required runs may have changed since the latest available update. Any final result or player performance should be confirmed against the completed scorecard.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in Focus
Teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is another player attracting attention during the Wellington match. He retained his place in the playing XI after Ishan Kishan was ruled out because of an injury.
Sooryavanshi made his opportunity count as a selection talking point after scoring four runs from eight balls in the second T20I. He will be looking to make a stronger contribution in Wellington. His batting position is also being watched closely because he is more accustomed to opening the innings.
India have relied on Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma at the top of the order, with Sooryavanshi expected to bat at No. 3. The team's decision about batting positions could influence how its young players approach the innings and how the side manages the middle overs.
Ishan Kishan Ruled Out Through Injury
Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan is unavailable for the third T20I as he continues recovering from a low-grade right adductor strain sustained during the opening match of the series.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India confirmed that Kishan was recovering but had not regained the match fitness required to return to action. The medical team is monitoring his progress, while Kumar Kushagra remains with the squad as cover.
Kishan's absence has created an opportunity for Sooryavanshi to continue in the playing XI. India will hope that the replacement combination delivers another effective performance as the team seeks to strengthen its position in the series.
India Aim to Seal the Five Match Series
India won the first T20I by four wickets after chasing New Zealand's 225 for 4. In the second match, New Zealand scored 180 for 5 before India reached the target with four wickets remaining, helped by Tilak Varma's unbeaten 51 from 26 balls and useful support from Naman Dhir and Nitish Kumar Reddy.
Those two victories have put India in a strong position. A win in Wellington would give the visitors an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series, leaving New Zealand unable to draw level in the remaining games.
New Zealand, meanwhile, need a strong bowling performance to defend their total and keep the series alive. Their bowlers will look for breakthroughs after India's quick start, while the Indian batters will aim to keep the required run rate under control.
The fourth T20I is scheduled to take place in Auckland on October 30, followed by the fifth match in Hamilton on November 1. The result in Wellington will determine whether India seal the series early or New Zealand remain in contention.
With New Zealand posting 198 for 3 and India beginning their chase aggressively, the third T20I has become a key contest in the series. The latest score, individual performances and final result will provide the clearest picture of how the match unfolds.
