India vs New Zealand 2019, 5th ODI, Wellington - Match Preview
New Zealand will play for pride in the final ODI in Wellington. Image Courtesy: Getty

The India National Cricket Team has been on a roll ever since the start of 2019. After outlaying Australia across formats at their home, the Virat Kohli-led team won the ODI series in New Zealand as well. Though the BlackCaps were expected to give a tough fight to the Indians, they fell short; failing to win three of four games played so far. Meanwhile, both the teams will face off in the fifth and final ODI in Wellington on Sunday (February 3rd), and Cricket Addictor will bring you the match preview of the same.

India vs New Zealand 2019, 5th ODI, Wellington – Match Preview

Despite Boult magic, India to start favourites

Trent Boult was the thorn in the flesh of the Indians in the Hamilton ODI. Registering his best figures against India in the ODIs (5/21), Boult had them on the floor; dismissing the visitors on a modest 92. Not only this, but three wickets from Colin de Grandhomme had helped the cause too. Also, an eight-wicket win after going down in three matches would boost New Zealand’s confidence heading into the final game.

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Trent Boult, India vs New Zealand 2019, 5th ODI - Match Preview
Boult helped New Zealand win the fourth ODI against India. Image Courtesy: Getty

However, the larger picture has been a bit different. The Indian team had stamped authority on South Africa, Windies, at the Asia Cup 2018 and Australia before landing on the NZ soil. Right from the openers to the middle-order, the lineup looks settled as of now.

Leaving aside the previous match, the openers, Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan had been among runs. Virat Kohli, in the first three ODIs, made his presence felt at the crease too. Now since he is on rest, Shubman Gill, the exciting prospect made his debut in Hamilton, only to fall prey to Boult’ magic. Though he expected to get an extended run, the youngster would want to make his chance count this time around.

In the past, India’s number four had been a problem; but now with Ambati Rayudu and MS Dhoni coming with the bat, the issue seemed to go under the mat.

MS Dhoni, India vs New Zealand 2019, 5th ODI - Match Preview
MS Dhoni is likely to return to the playing XI for the 5th ODI. Image Courtesy: Getty

Meanwhile, Kedar Jadhav has been an added element to India’s success recipe of late. His contributions are not written in bold letters but ask the opposition; they fear to take on the India all-rounder. Not only with the bat, but his bowling has come handy for the Indian Team.

Coming to the lower-order, the presence of Hardik Pandya has made the difference. Though he had been out because of off-field controversy, Hardik is upbeat to prove his credentials in the last ODI of the series. The bowlers, however, are the trump cards, to be honest. From the former players to the cricket fanatics, everyone has been in awe of team India’s bowling; mainly the spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal.

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India’s likely XI for the Wellington ODI –

Rohit Sharma (c), Shikhar Dhawan, Shubman Gill, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni, Kedar Jadhav, Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Khaleel Ahmed and Yuzvendra Chahal

New Zealand aims to finish ODIs on a high

The BlackCaps, for a rare occasion, has been kept silent by the opposition at home. Looking at their recent records; winning the Tests in the UAE, blanking Sri Lanka at home in the ODIs, the NZ was always going to pose some threat for India. Well, it didn’t happen. Forget putting India under pressure, the hosts lost the first three ODIs, thus surrendering the series.

Kane Williamson, India vs New Zealand 2019, 5th ODI - Match Preview
Kane Williamson couldn’t inspire NZ to an ODI series win over India. Image Courtesy: Getty

Meanwhile, they found some respite, thanks to Trent Boult, who helped them win the fourth ODI. Though they have their lineup stacked up for the series, the middle-order failing had hurt them. Not just the coach, but also the captain, Kane Williamson rose the concern in the conferences.

However, to add salt to the injury, star batsman, Martin Guptill is a doubtful starter for Sunday’s game. As per reports, he is injured and thus could be all but out of the playing XI. Though he didn’t have the best of series, Guptill’s presence still makes the difference. In his absence, the NZ team could back to Colin Munro to open the innings. Meanwhile, the XI could more or less be the same for the ODI in Wellington.

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NZ’s likely XI for the Wellington ODI –

Henry Nicholls, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson(c), Ross Taylor, Tom Latham(w), James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Colin de Grandhomme, Todd Astle, Matt Henry and Trent Boult

Date/Venue

The 5th game of the five-match ODIs is scheduled for Sunday (February 3rd) in Wellington.

Time of the match

The ODI will begin at 7:30 am IST while the toss will take place at 7:00 am.

Weather Report

The sky will be clear, as the temperature will hover around 23 degrees Celcius.

Pitch Condition

The surface at the Westpac Stadium should assist the bowlers; as the average first innings total is 232 and while chasing it falls down to 205.

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