India Vs New Zealand, Match Preview
The rivalry resumes. In the last two years, the rivalry between India and New Zealand has grown nicely. From MS Dhoni’s runout, to Rohit Sharma’s super over and the World Test Championship finals, both sides have had some classic games. When it comes to ICC Events, New Zealand has the upper hand, and that could play on the mind of the Indians.
The players on both sides have a lot to look back at. The likes of Kohli, Williamson, and Jadeja have been competing since their under-19 days, and there is a lot of history behind this fixture.
New Zealand and India have not been at their best yet. They both lost to Pakistan, they both finished with below par scores, and both struggled. Going by the nature of the group, this could be a virtual quarter-final. With Pakistan all but through, a win will almost seal a spot for either team, as they are left with easier fixtures. There are high possibilities of an upset, and Afghanistan are contenders too, but on paper this looks like a quarter-final.
India Vs New Zealand, Team News
India went with the experience of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, despite his form in recent times. His pace was off, and there was no intensity in his bowling, due to the lack of rhythm. India could look at Shardul Thakur, in his place. Shardul is in good form with the ball, and is also handy with the bat. India may also look at Ashwin in place of Chakravarthy. If Bhuvi is out, they might need someone for the new ball, and Ashwin could be handy.
Adam Milne is in the squad, due to an injury to Lockie Ferguson. He is fast, and scary and could come in for someone like Southee, if New Zealand want extra pace.
India Vs New Zealand, Predicted XIs
India (probable): 1 Rohit Sharma, 2 KL Rahul, 3 Virat Kohli (capt), 4 Suryakumar Yadav, 5 Rishabh Pant (wk), 6 Hardik Pandya, 7 Ravindra Jadeja, 8 Shardul Thakur/Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 9 Mohammed Shami, 10 Varun Chakravarthy, 11 Jasprit Bumrah
New Zealand (probable): 1 Martin Guptill, 2 Daryl Mitchell, 3 Kane Williamson (capt), 4 Devon Conway, 5 Glenn Phillips, 6 James Neesham, 7 Tim Seifert (wk), 8 Mitchell Santner, 9 Tim Southee/Adam Milne, 10 Ish Sodhi, 11 Trent Boult
India Vs New Zealand, Players to Watch out for
Hardik Pandya
Pandya is fit, and has started bowling in the nets. If he is bowling, then India will not have to worry about a sixth bowler. Their bowling attack will look deeper, and they will have a strong finisher in their side. Pandya bowling will also allow Kohli to rotate his bowlers better, and the side will then have more options with the ball.
Devon Conway
Devon Conway is in the middle of a dream run with the bat. He is doing well across formats, and is key for New Zealand if they are to counter a strong bowling unit.
India Vs New Zealand, Pitch Report
The side winning the toss will not hesitate to bowl first. Dew has been a huge factor in Dubai, giving the team batting second a massive advantage. The pitch is slow early on, but the moisture tends to flatten it out, making adaptability a key factor.
