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India aim to avoid clean-sweep

By Mumbai Indians

With the series already done and dusted, the Black Caps will look to complete a whitewash. As for Virat Kohli and Co, they will look to finish the ODI series on a good note ahead of the Tests.

Kane Williamson to return, Sodhi and Blair recalled

Ruled out of the first two ODIs due to injury, Kane Williamson is all set to lead the Kiwis for the final match at his home ground. With Tim Southee, Mitchell Santner and Scott Kuggeleign suffering from illness, the likes of Ish Sodhi and Blair Tickner, who were a part of New Zealand ‘A’ for the second unofficial Test have been called-up to the ODI team.

Ross Taylor in tremendous form

109* (84) in the first ODI, 73* (74) in the second. Ross Taylor has undoubtedly been the standout performer with the bat for New Zealand in the ongoing series. The 35-year old will be looking to finish the series on a high with another stellar performance.

Indian top-order needs to fire

Lack of experience at the top has hurt India. The visitors will want both Prithvi Shaw and Mayank Agarwal to fire in the final ODI. They haven’t been able to prolong their stay at the crease which has added to the pressure on the middle-order. Skipper Virat Kohli too will aim for a big knock.

Does Rishabh Pant warrant a chance?

Rishabh Pant was India’s regular wicket-keeper before an injury forced him to sit out. Ever since KL Rahul took the mantle behind the stumps, he has not got a single chance in the playing XI. With the third ODI being an inconsequential game, it will be interesting to see if the management gives the youngster a chance.

Kedar Jadhav’s poor run could also mean that either Manish Pandey or Shivam Dube may get a nod ahead of him at Bay Oval.

Black Caps don’t have a great record at Bay Oval

Defeating New Zealand at home has always been a task for any visiting side. However, at the Bay Oval, the hosts have lost five ODIs out of eight. On the other hand, the Men in Blue won both the One-Dayers held at the same venue last year.

The third One Day International is scheduled to begin from 7:30 AM IST at the Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui.