IND vs NZ Live Score

4:59 PM IST That’s all from Guwahati! A lopsided affair, and with that, the fate of the series has been sealed. With the World Cup on the horizon, there is no such thing as a dead rubber, as every game presents an opportunity to learn, adapt, and fine-tune. The caravan now moves to Vizag for the fourth T20I of the series, to be played on Wednesday, 28th January, with the first ball scheduled for 7 pm IST (1.30 pm GMT). As always, you can join us early for all the build-up. Until then, take care and goodbye!

4:58 PM IST Player of the Match Jasprit Bumrah (3 for 17 from his 4 overs) says that he was keeping a close eye on how Hardik Pandya and Harshit Rana were bowling and what was working for them. Mentions that when he came on, the ball was scuffed, so he had to quickly assess what his best option was. He adds that he is happy as long as he is able to contribute to the team, whether that is with the new ball or the old ball. From a team perspective, he feels flexibility is crucial and adapting to situations is key. On a personal note, he reflects that as a child, he only dreamt of playing one game for his country, but to have played for 10 years as a fast bowler is a feather in the cap. Adds that he has had to fight through aches, assumptions, and opinions along the way. He hopes the journey continues and is grateful for how far it has come.

4:52 PM IST The captain of India Suryakumar Yadav recalls that the freedom he received during his school days played a big role in shaping his cricket. He recalls how principals and teachers allowed him plenty of time away from classes during tournaments and exams, which helped him spend long hours at the ground learning the game. He also says that this is the brand of cricket they want to play and move forward with. Details that even if they are 20/3 or 40/4, they know how to bat. Credits the top three batters for the way they batted, which made his job pretty easy. On Bishnoi, SKY says that Ravi's plans are very clear, and he knows his strong points. Also mentions that when the chips are down, Bishnoi has always produced a notable performance for the team. Adds that it is good to have him in the side.

4:51 PM IST The captain of New Zealand Mitchell Santner gives credit to India’s bowling, saying they made things tough throughout. He admits that even after scraping together 153, they knew it was always going to be a challenge to defend. He describes it as a good wicket with a fast outfield but notes that the cutters held in the surface during the first innings. Losing three wickets in the Powerplay, he says, only made the task harder. In his view, it was a 180-190 kind of pitch. Looking ahead, Santner feels this series serves as good preparation for the upcoming World Cup. He points out that their opening World Cup game in Chennai against Afghanistan could present very different conditions, but believes experiences like these help define roles and give the group confidence moving forward.

4:35 PM IST Time for the presentation ceremony...

4:33 PM IST Time for a quick word from Abhishek Sharma. On being asked about how he produces such quickfire knocks every now and then, he says that's exactly what his team wants from him. Admits that it is not easy to do it every time. When reminded that he was only a few balls away from breaking Yuvraj Singh’s record for the fastest fifty, Sharma says that record is simply impossible to beat. He adds that cricket can always surprise and all batters are in good form this series. Talking about his attacking approach, Sharma clarifies that he does not consciously look to go after the bowlers from the very first ball. Instead, he relies on his instincts, reads what the bowler might try to do to dismiss him, and plays accordingly. On stepping out and creating room, he explains that it is largely dictated by field placements. He says he only steps out when the leg-side field allows it, and if he gets that space, it opens up access to the entire off side.