India vs New Zealand 2019: 1st T20I, Wellington - New Zealand's Predicted XI

After a 4-1 bashing in the ODI series, New Zealand will look to start afresh in the three-match T20I series against Indian National Cricket team beginning from February 6 (Wednesday) at Wellington.

Meanwhile, the Kiwis will miss their regular opener Martin Guptill due to a lower back injury. All-rounder Jimmy Neesham, who made a stunning comeback to the national setup has replaced the opener. In addition to, the playing XI will see a flurry of changes as they will aim to overtrump the men in blues.

However, the onus will lie on experienced skipper Kane Williamson and veteran batsman Ross Taylor to do the job with the bat. In addition to, the team has a handful of all-rounder who can get the job done with both bat and the ball. On the other hand, the bowling department will rely heavily on Tim Southee as they will miss the service of in-form Trent Boult.

The Balck Caps will be keen to start the series on a high in an aim to finish the tour on a high.

Here is the predicted XI of the New Zealand Cricket team in the first T20I against Indian National Cricket team at Wellington:

COLIN MUNRO

Colin Munro has poorly struggled in the ODI series and will now aim the upcoming three games to hit back to form. The management will also pin their hopes on the southpaw to provide them with good starts.

TIM SEIFERT

The wicket-keeper batsman has done exceedingly well in the domestic circuit; however, is yet to make a mark in the international cricket. He will eye to play some good knock and cement his place in the side.

KANE WILLIAMSON (C)

A lot will depend on Kane Williamson’s form with the bat as the Kiwis will aim to bounce back in the three-match series. Although not crafted for this format, Williamson has made giant strides to adjust to the fast-paced game.

ROSS TAYLOR

The veteran batsman has been in good touch in the recent games and will aim to revive after consecutive losses against India. Ross Taylor has is a good player in this format and will have to score runs to keep his side in contention.

JIMMY NEESHAM

The upcoming games will be crucial for the all-rounder to seal his World Cup berth. Although Jimmy Neesham made a stunning comeback to the national team but lacked consistency and will look to impress the selectors.

COLIN de GRANDHOMME

Colin de Grandhomme was stunning in the fourth ODI against India at Hamilton. He will have to be on top of his game against a well-known batting order as New Zealand will aim to win the series.

MITCHELL SANTNER

The left-arm has blown hot and cold since his return to international cricket after a long injury lay off. Mitchell Santner has done well in his short international career and will look to step forward and do the job for his side in the upcoming three-match series.

SCOTT KUGGELEIJN

The 27-year-old is new to the international circuit and will look to impress the selectors against some top plight players. This will be a massive opportunity for Scott Kuggeleijn who can chip in with both bat and ball.

LOCKIE FERGUSON

Lockie Ferguson has been in and out of the side as he will be keen to seal his berth. He will have to pick wickets with the new ball if New Zealand have to stop India’s dangerous opening duo.

TIM SOUTHEE

Tim Southee will look to use his experience in the game and contain the Indian National Cricket team batting order. Southee failed to make the cut for the ODIs and will aim to be on song in the shortest format of the game.

ISH SODHI

Ish Sodhi’s quota of four overs will be crucial as it can make or break the game in New Zealand’s favour. The leg-spinner has done fairly well in this format and will be keen to make a mark after losing his spot in the ODI squad.