New Zealand vs India 2019: 1st ODI, Napier - Match Prediction

New Zealand vs India 2019: 1st ODI, Napier – Match Prediction; After the completion of the enthralling tour to Australia, now it is the turn of New Zealand to host Indians. The series is set to kick-off on Wednesday and the boys of both gangs have already started putting hard yards in the net sessions.

It seems like both the teams have got settled squad in their ranks. Making a close view, India would hope for middle-order delivering the goods as they did against Australia. On the other hand, New Zealand should be pretty pleased with the performances of each player on the side.

Both teams got settled Squad:

After a brilliant chase by Dhoni and Jadhav, India would be tempted to continue with the same combination that played in Melbourne. This might not be the case with Kuldeep Yadav, as he is not one to be left out for long.

Yuzi Chahal’s incredible six-wicket haul makes him undroppable but with India’s recent changes, that might not be the case. Shubman Gill will have to wait for his much-awaited debut with Dhoni and Jadhav doing well.

Tom Latham returns after given a rest for the Sri Lanka ODI series and should slot in at number 5, pushing Henry Nicholls to number six. The return of Colin de Grandhomme and Mitchell Santner also provide a different challenge with both of them fighting it out for one slot.

The pace attack should see Boult, Southee and in-form, Ferguson. They will pair up with Ish Sodhi, who has had a productive series against Sri Lanka.

The last time these two faced off in New Zealand, the home side trumped India. But this time around, with the visiting side having a potent bowling attack in their possession it is going to be very closely fought battle.

With the World Cup just around the corner, this series provides both teams with the chance to finalize their respective squads and churn out the best they possibly can at the showcase event. It should be an eventful match with Napier conditions presenting a bit of everything for everyone’s liking.

Match Prediction:

Well, it is a tough choice to predict in between India and Kiwis. They both got incredible players to make things happen for the team. However, going by the current form, India might win the game, as they found the balance. On the other hand, Kiwis has always been tough nuts to crack down.