As India takes on New Zealand on their home turf starting tomorrow for the NetMeds 5 match ODI series; fantasy gamers around the country are all set to put their knowledge & skills on the grind to place their best bids. BalleBaazi brings to you a glance of what to expect from the world’s no. 2 vs the world’s no. 3 bash.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

After a career-defining series in Australia, Kohli and his men would be high on confidence as they face the Kiwis who have been thriving lately on their home turf white-washing Sri Lanka. The only time when India has won an ODI Series down under is the Dhoni-led 2008-09 squad where the men in blue sealed a comfortable 3-1 win. However, in 2013-14 India were completely outplayed by the Blackcaps coupled with some sheer hard luck on their side. The last series would definitely be on their mind where they managed to tie 1 and lose 2 very close games.

Since, the small grounds & sheer similarity in pitches with Australia promise high scoring games from the Indian perspective, New Zealand’s bowling attack would be put to test.

SERIES ANALYSIS

New Zealand has always been a batting paradise for players with technique & class for the game. With the 1st ODI happening in Napier, the focus of the team batting 1st would be to stretch a score as close to the 300 mark. Any score near to that on this ground would be a par score to ensure a good competitive game. The McLean Park has been renewed after it’s ban in 2017 due to poor drainage and the pitch that would be put to use would be the usual as per the ground staff. Being one of the biggest grounds in NZ, it helps swing bowlers to capitalize on the windy nature of the venue during the starting overs. There is little to no help for the spinners in the NZ grounds but Napier has been a venue where spinners can expect a little help off the turf.

With 2 matches at the Bay Oval and 1 each in Hamilton-Wellington, the series is going to be a very interesting contest between some of the best batsmen in the game & a good combination of swing, pace & spin on both sides.

BATTING MAESTROS TO KEEP AN EYE ON

India

The dynamic trio of Rohit-Shikhar-Kohli at the top 3 would be right on the money during the early overs. The only challenge they could face is the early swing especially with Tim Southee on the rival’s side who’s been giving Rohit Sharma some good nightmares over the years. MS Dhoni who’s evolved as a more responsible cricketer at no.5 will definitely have a role to play but it would be interesting to see how he adjust his game here since he’s not the same aggressive MS who absolutely blasted in NZ in 2008-09. Ravindra Jadeja could be very valuable with the bat during run chases here since the last time he pulled off a blinder performance to tie a match which India had very convincingly lost. Jadhav coming into the squad has shown a lot of promise in the closing game of the Australia series but it would be interesting to know how he finishes games here. The highly anticipated Shubman Gill in the side also comes into the squad with high promises although it would be interesting to know when & where does he fit in the playing 11.

New Zealand

If India has a wondrous trio at the top, the deadly combination of Taylor-Guptill-Williamson can ruin any bowling attack on their day. With these 3 players, especially Ross Taylor in the prime form of his life we can ensure Indian bowlers might have to adjust their lengths more frequently. Napier being Ross Taylor’s home ground and the opening venue of the series will definitely help the right-hander to capitalize on his high adrenaline rush right now. Tom Latham coming in after a century in the recent super smash game against Central Districts looks to be in great touch too & he’ll be looking forward to smashing the Indian Bowlers out of the park with every ball that comes in his zone.

THE BOWLING MACHINE IN VIEW

India

After a gala time in Australia where both the spinners & pacers seemed instrumental in India’s win, the bowling squad here would try their best to restrict the roaring NZ batting line-up. Bhuvi, Shami has been good in shape & have the ability to take quick breakthroughs early in the innings whereas Kuldeep-Chahal would be put to test since the pitches here really don’t have much for the spinners. However, Chahal’s tempting leggies have yielded good results in the past, it would be interesting to see how he manages to do the same in the small grounds of New Zealand. Vijay Shankar has been pretty economical against Australia in the previous series so it would be interesting to see where & when does Kohli utilize his skills.

New Zealand

Trent Boult & Tim Southee would be looking to blast through the Indian top order with Rohit Sharma being Southee’s apple of the eye having dismissed him consistently for the past seven times in a row. Santner & Ish Sodhi have been quite productive in the past but with Neesham not in the squad, it would be a spot of bother for New Zealand owing to his contribution in the recently concluded Sri Lanka series. The spinners in the house will have a tough battle against the big hitters in Blue that range from slot number 1 to slot number 8 with Jadhav/Jadeja in the side.

Overall, the next 11 days are going to be filled with some of the most exciting cricketing performances, down-to-the-wire matches & some good knowledge & skill going in for the best cricket fantasy experience at BalleBaazi. Download our app now to put your best foot forward and let us know who’s going to be your 11 that’ll turn the tables of the series game-by-game.

Get a chance to win 3 lakh guarantee for the Mega League in India vs New Zealand ODI series. Also, don’t forget to cash in on our batting and bowling leagues where you get to pick your top 5 players that could be the deciders of the match. Happy Gaming!