IND vs NZ: New Zealand's Predicted Playing XI vs India, 1st T20I

New Zealand would be gutted to lose the final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 against Australia. However, all that is now a thing of the past, and their focus must shift to the upcoming three-match T20 series against India.

The first T20I is slated to be played on Wednesday, 17^th November 2021. In a big development, Kane Williamson has opted to rest and Tim Southee will lead the team. In this article, we look at New Zealand’s predicted playing XI for the first match against India.

IND vs NZ: New Zealand’s Predicted Playing XI vs India, 1st T20I

Openers: Martin Guptill and Daryl Mitchell

Both fared well in the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 as openers for New Zealand. The duo is likely to continue opening for the team ahead of the first T20I against India. Daryl Mitchell was one of the standout batsmen for New Zealand in the World Cup.

In 7 matches, he scored 208 runs at a strike rate of 140.54. Martin Guptill too 208 runs in 7 matches at a strike rate of 120.

Middle-Order: Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Tim Siefert, and Jimmy Neesham

Kane Williamson and Devon Conway both aren’t part of the New Zealand’s squad for the upcoming series. This a huge blow for New Zealand. In their absence, the likes of Glenn Phillips, Tim Siefert and Jimmy Neesham need to take a lot of responsibility on their shoulders. Mark Chapman is likely to replace Kane Williamson in the playing XI.

Spinners: Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi

Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi is likely to share the spin bowling duties for all three games. Both have an exceptional record against India in white-ball cricket. New Zealand would be hoping that they put on telling performances in the three-match series.

The last time India played against New Zealand in a T20 international, Sodhi picked 2 for 17 in 4 overs, while Mitchell Santner gave away only 15 runs in his four overs.

Bowlers: Tim Southee, Trent Boult and Lockie Ferguson

Tim Southee and Trent Boult were brilliant throughout the ICC T20 World Cup 2021. Southee, unfortunately, had a poor outing in the final and would be disappointed with his performance.

Boult, on the other hand, picked two wickets for just 18 runs in 4 overs. Lockie Ferguson is expected to get fit for the T20 series and is likely to make the cut for the first game on Wednesday.