India all-rounder Axar Patel produced a sharp catch to help Arshdeep Singh dismiss New Zealand opener Tim Seifert early in the third T20I of the five-match series in Wellington on Tuesday, October 27. The dismissal gave India an important breakthrough as the visitors looked to strengthen their grip on the contest.
The wicket fell on the second delivery of the second over of New Zealand’s innings. Arshdeep delivered a length ball that moved away from the right-handed Seifert. Looking to attack across the line, the opener mistimed his shot and sent the ball high into the air.
Axar Patel, positioned near the point region, kept his eyes on the ball, settled underneath the skier and completed a well-judged catch. Seifert departed for just two runs off six deliveries, leaving New Zealand struggling at 4/1 after 1.2 overs. The dismissal also marked the second consecutive game in which Arshdeep Singh had removed Seifert, giving the Indian pacer another early success against the New Zealand opener.
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India captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and elected to bowl first, with the visitors retaining their playing XI. New Zealand made three changes to their side, bringing in Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne and Matthew Fisher in place of Nathan Smith, Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson.
Arshdeep gets the dangerous Seifert! 🎯
Watch the #NZvsIND 3rd T20I LIVE now on #SonyLIV & #SonySportsNetwork 📺 https://t.co/bmIjE9jwmv
— Sony LIV (@SonyLIV) October 27, 2026
India began their bowling effort with Bhuvneshwar Kumar conceding only four runs in the opening over. Arshdeep then struck in his first over, giving India the breakthrough while conceding just two runs.
However, New Zealand responded through Finn Allen, who counterattacked in the third over by smashing two sixes off Bhuvneshwar. The over yielded 16 runs, helping the hosts recover from their early setback. Arshdeep’s second over also proved expensive, with 12 runs coming off it.
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At the time of writing, New Zealand had reached 156/3 after 16 overs, with Daryl Mitchell unbeaten on 13 off seven deliveries. The hosts entered the contest trailing 2-0 after losing the first two matches by four wickets. Another defeat would hand India an unassailable 3-0 lead, while New Zealand needed a victory to keep the series alive.
