India vs New Zealand 2019: 1st T20I, Westpac Stadium, Wellington - Match Preview

India vs New Zealand 2019: 1st T20I, Westpac Stadium, Wellington – Match Preview; After the conclusion of an enthralling ODI series, now, it is the time to lock horns in the shortest version of the game. The hosts Kiwis would love to take the revenge in this format, as they always got an upper hand against Indians. Meanwhile, once again, India would love to create a record to their name.

Unlike ODI matches, Kiwis would be pretty confident in their approach in T20I format of the game. They have got a great lineup in their ranks that can dismantle any kind of bowling attack on their day. Playing in home conditions will certainly help their chances, as they recently played a lot of cricket during super smash tournament.

A chance to prove for batting department:

On the other hand, Indians also want to make a mark of their own in the T20I format. The likes of Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma would like to go against Kiwis bowlers. Especially, with short boundaries on offer, Rohit Sharma would be licking his lips to get in the middle and deliver.

It would be interesting to see the number 3 slot. Perhaps, the only option left in the bank is Shubman Gill with no Rayudu or KL Rahul in the ranks. However, Rishabh Pant will return to the squad while MS Dhoni and Dinesh Karthik will also get a look in the side. Hardik Pandya will certainly get his place as well. A slight chance that Pant could bat at number 3 in place of Gill.

Another interesting selection would be between Vijay Shankar and Krunal Pandya. Perhaps, they might go with Krunal, as he registered career-best figures in his last T20I game against Australia.

Young Bowling attack for both sides:

Meanwhile, New Zealand’s only concern would be their bowling department. They have added youngsters in the side, who needs to bowl at the stalwart players of Indian National Cricket Team. The visitors also got a bit of similar problem with their bowling attack.

All in all, a cracker of the contest is set to make its way on Wednesday night. Both the teams got enough players to put fans on edge of their seats during the progress of 1st T20I game of a 3-match series.

Match Preview:

Date and Time: Feb 06, 08:00 PM LOCAL

Venue: Westpac Stadium, Wellington

Pitch Conditions: Pitch would serve well for the batsman. However, fast bowlers will also be benefitted with the variable bounce at times.

Weather Conditions: It is going to be a bit cloudy. The temperature would be around 17 degrees. Hopefully, no interventions of rain.

Predicted XI:

New Zealand – Colin Munro, Henry Nicholls, Kane Williamson (c), Tim Seifert (wk), Ross Taylor, Colin de Grandhomme, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee and Lockie Ferguson

India – Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma (c), Rishabh Pant, Rishabh Pant, MS Dhoni (wk), Kedar Jadhav, Dinesh Karthik, Krunal Pandya, Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Siddarth Kaul and Yuzvendra Chahal.