By Shishir Prashant 
India will pull out all stops to seal the five-match T20 International series against New Zealand when the two sides meet in the third match at Wellington on Tuesday, with the visitors holding a commanding 2-0 lead after two thrilling victories.
India won both opening matches by identical four wickets demonstrating their ability to handle pressure while chasing challenging targets. A victory in Wellington would give the Shreyas Iyer-led side an unassailable 3-0 lead and wrap up the series with two matches remaining.
India’s success has been built on spirited batting performances. Sanju Samson smashed 67 off 33 balls in the opening match as India chased down New Zealand’s 225 for four, winning with two balls to spare.
The second match proved an even sterner test. Chasing 181, India slumped to 112 for six before Tilak Varma struck a match-winning 51 off 26 balls. Nitish Kumar Reddy contributed 26 as the pair added 69 runs for the seventh wicket in just 30 balls, taking India home with one ball remaining.
However, India will have to manage a significant selection concern, with wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan ruled out of Tuesday’s match as he continues recovering from a low-grade right adductor strain. Kumar Kushagra has joined the squad as cover, while teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is still to demonstrate his potential after moving into the No. 3 position in the second match.
New Zealand, meanwhile, face an uphill task after failing to defend substantial totals in both matches. Their bowling attack has also suffered a setback, with fast bowler Matt Henry ruled out of the remaining T20Is and Lockie Ferguson set to miss the Wellington encounter.
Captain Mitchell Santner will need a more disciplined bowling performance and greater consistency from his top order to keep the series alive.
For India, the immediate objective will be to maintain their winning momentum, sharpen their execution and secure the series before turning their attention to the remaining two matches.