New Zealand vs India 2020: 1st ODI, Hamilton – Match Prediction

New Zealand vs India 2020: 1st ODI, Hamilton – Match Prediction; The action moves to the ODI form of the game after playing an intense-filled five-match T20I series. Both the teams missed their regular players for the three-match ODI series but they are replaced with potent youngsters, who can make things happen for their respective teams. The match will be played at Hamilton, which ensures a high-scoring game for the spectators.

The dynamics of 50-over cricket is different from that of Twenty20 cricket, but New Zealand are incredibly down on confidence at the moment and injuries to key players have not helped them in any way.

While coming off a series that was a lot closer than the scoreline suggests, the Black Cas suffered a massive blow going into the ODI series with Kane Williamson being injured.

In his absence, Tom Latham will lead the side and Mark Chapman has been called in as his replacement. Since the Kiwis haven’t played much cricket after the World Cup 2019, their ODI unit hasn’t been tested.

On paper, they look pretty good and have the advantage of playing at home.

Prithvi Shaw, Mayank Agarwal to make ODI Debut:

Just like the Kiwis, India, too, would not have the luxury of fielding their full-strength side in the ODIs. With Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma both out of the team due to respective injuries, the reliance on their middle-order has grown exponentially.

Moreover, India will hand Prithvi Shaw an ODI debut in Dhawan’s absence alongside Mayank Agarwal.

India would probably like to persist with KL Rahul at No. 5 for a little while to see what he can offer in the middle order. Navdeep Saini could form the pace bowling trio for India along with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami.

Similarly, For New Zealand, Tom Blundell will open the batting with Martin Guptill, while Latham will keep wickets and bat at No. 5.

New Zealand vs India 2020: 1st ODI – Match Prediction

The way India played in the ODI series against Australia and the momentum that they have achieved very early on in the New Zealand tour, it won’t be an overstatement to say that they are going into this ODI series as the clear favourites. The prediction is for India to win the match and take a 1-0 lead in the series.

Indians look pretty settled despite the absence of Rohit and Dhawan, thanks to their superb bench strength, and potent bowling attack. As was the case in the T20Is, beating India is going to take some effort, especially from depleted Kiwi side, who would be without Williamson.

This is the first time that the two teams will be taking the field for an ODI game after that classic encounter in the World Cup.