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

New Zealand vs India 2019: 1st ODI, Napier – Match Preview. After a successful tour of Australia, it is mission New Zealand for the India National Cricket Team. There are only ten ODIs left before the big WORLD CUP for the Indian team. They will play five of them against the Blackcaps and will once again take on Australia in five more before jumping into the coveted tournament.

The main question for the Men in Blue is to leave no stone unturned in their preparation for the World Cup. They have covered all but all their bases and they will like to fill in the missing pieces in the ODI series against the Blackcaps.

The number four position is still doubtful. Ambati Rayudu failed to grab his chance in the ODI series against Australia. Thus, it would be interesting to note whether he would get more chances or there would be more experiments at the number four position.

Kedar Jadhav has made a case for himself as he scored a handy knock of 61 runs off just 57 balls in the series decider. Furthermore, Jadhav can also provide economical overs with the ball. However, it would be interesting to note if Shubman Gill will get his chance. The 19-year old youngster has got his opportunity after scoring truckload of runs in the domestic circuit.

One of the biggest positives of the ODI series against Australia was the return to form of MS Dhoni and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Dhoni wasn’t able to rotate the strike with aplomb in the recent past. However, he scored 193 runs to strike back his form and he was awarded the Man of the series.

Similarly, Bhuvnehswar Kumar was also able to get back his Midas Touch. Kumar wasn’t at his best in the recent past and his performance must have done him a world of good.

On the other hand, New Zealand is a team which has always punched above their weight. Kane Williamson-led side is a confident unit as they have recently whitewashed the depleted Sri Lankan side. Furthermore, they would be playing in their home conditions. Thus, taking Kiwis lightly would be the last mistake Virat Kohli can afford to make.

Blackcaps Ross Taylor is in red-hot as he scored six consecutive scores of more than 50 in his last six innings. Hence, he would like to continue in a similar fashion against the potent Indian side. Furthermore, Kane Williamson will also like to continue his dream form going. Henry Nicholls is another one batsman who can cause trouble for the visitors.

India is placed in the second place whereas New Zealand occupies the third position in the ICC ODI rankings. Consequently, a good contest between the two sides is on the cards. Both teams will look to begin the series on a high.

Date and Time: 23rd January 2019, 7:30 AM IST.

Venue: McLean Park, Napier.

Pitch Conditions: New Zealand pitches always wear a tinge of green grass. Thus, the swing bowlers like Bhuvneshwar Kumar would be licking their lips. The seamers are going to come into action but the spinners can go for plenty as it is going to be smaller grounds.

Weather Conditions: It is going to be a sunny morning on Wednesday for the match. The temperature is going to stay around the 28 degrees Celsius and hence it is going to be perfect conditions for the game.

India’s Predicted Playing XI: Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli (c), Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni, Dinesh Karthik, Kedar Jadhav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mohammed Shami.

New Zealand’s Predicted Playing XI: Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson (c), Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Ross Taylor, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult, Tim Southee.

Stats: Virat Kohli has scored five centuries against New Zealand. He is two away from equalling the record of Virender Sehwag, who scored seven hundred against the Kiwis.

MS Dhoni has scored 541 runs against New Zealand. He can overtake Sachin Tendulkar (652) and Virender Sehwag (598) runs tally.

Shikhar Dhawan needs another ten runs to complete 5000 ODI runs. He has 4990 runs under his belt.

Mohammed Shami needs another one wicket to complete his century of wickets in the 50-overs version.