The three-match ODI series moves to the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore for the 3rd and final ODI, with the series level at 1-1 after New Zealand’s dominant win in Rajkot. This high-scoring venue is famous for its flat tracks, lightning-fast outfields, and short boundaries, promising a run-fest compared to the two-paced surface in the previous game.

Historically, the ground is a batting paradise, with average first-innings scores often exceeding 300, while India once posted a massive 418/5 here. The pitch is known to offer true bounce and consistent carry, making it one of the best surfaces in India for strokeplay. While pacers may find slight swing with the new ball initially, the small dimensions (square boundaries approx. 65–70 meters) offer little protection for bowlers once batters are set.

IND vs NZ, 3rd ODI: Indore Weather Forecast

The match on Sunday, January 18, 2026, is expected to be played in pleasant winter conditions with temperatures ranging between a maximum of 27°C during the day and a minimum of 11°C during the night as per AccuWeather. Current forecasts predict clear, sunny skies with a 0% chance of rain, ensuring no interruptions for the series decider. The afternoon will be bright, but as the sun sets, a slight chill will develop, combined with a humidity level of approximately 52%.

IND vs NZ, 3rd ODI: Dew Factor

The sharp drop in temperature from day to evening in Indore’s January climate typically leads to significant dew build-up. This dew is expected to be a major factor in the second innings, making the ball wet and extremely difficult for bowlers, especially spinners, to grip and control. The slick ball will likely skid off the surface, further aiding the chasing side by allowing batters to hit through the line with ease on an already fast outfield, effectively neutralizing any lateral movement or turn.

Also READ: IND vs NZ: Pitch Report for 3rd ODI, Holkar Cricket Stadium Stats and Records

IND vs NZ, 3rd ODI: Toss Prediction

Captains will likely choose to bowl first upon winning the toss for these key reasons:

• Dew Advantage: Heavy evening dew makes defending a total difficult, as bowlers struggle to maintain control with a wet ball during the second innings.
• Batting Paradise: The flat surface and short boundaries make chasing even large totals manageable, as seen in previous high-scoring encounters at this venue.
• Small Dimensions: The ground’s size favors the team batting second, as they can accurately pace their chase knowing that boundaries are easily accessible.
• Indore Statistics: While batting first has historically seen high scores, the tactical advantage of chasing under lights with dew is the preferred modern strategy at this stadium.

Also READ: 3 reasons why Shreyas Iyer’s selection for the IND vs NZ T20I series makes perfect sense

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