Former Australian spinner Brad Hogg assessed that both India and New Zealand have similar batting styles and lineups in the ongoing T20 World Cup. Still, the one difference is the presence of a genuine all-rounder, which the Kiwis have.
Although Hardik Pandya functions as the all-rounder for the Men in Blue, James Neesham provides more balance to the team as he can contribute with both bat and ball, unlike Hardik so far. This provides a slight advantage to the Kiwis, who can play seven specialist batters as a result.
“The batting line-ups of both sides are very similar. Both have power but also the versatility to rotate the strike when under pressure. But I think New Zealand have got a little bit of extra batting depth with Neesham being the all-rounder. He is able to bowl four overs, allowing NZ to have seven frontline batters in their line-up. Slight advantage to the Kiwis there,” Hogg analyzed the lineups prior to the start of the match.
“Bowling department is where the difference is” – Brad Hogg
As for the bowling attacks of both teams, they are once again similar except for the mystery spinner, Varun Chakravarthy, as per Hogg. The Aussie stated that Chakravarthy is much more economical than Ish Sodhi, the Black Caps’ leg-spinner, which tips the scales in India’s favour.
“The bowling department is where the difference is. I think India are stronger in this particular area. Both sides have a left-arm spinner each – Jadeja and Santner – who are very similar. But when it comes to the mystery spin of Chakravarthy and Sodhi, that’s where the difference lies.”
“Both are wicket-takers, but Chakravarthy is more economical, and that’s what you need on these type of wickets. A huge advantage to them there. Both teams are good at swinging the ball. But if the ball is not swinging, India have got a big advantage with extra pace and the ability to hit the deck a lot harder than the likes of Southee and Boult,” Hogg asserted.
The two teams will go head to head in a crucial Group 2 clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, with the loser falling behind further in the race to make it to the semifinals.
Also, Read – Don’t Forget, India Had Blanked New Zealand 5-0 In 2020: Sunil Gavaskar