Match Details
Date: 18 January 2023
Time: 1:30 PM IST
Venue: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
Live Scores: SportsTiger App
Preview
India crushed Sri Lanka in the three-match ODI series, winning it 3-0. The Men in Blue registered wins by handsome margins to start their new year on a high. Now, India will host World No.1 ODI team, New Zealand for a three-match series starting on 18 January. The Kiwis are coming into this series after defeating Pakistan 2-1 in a three-match ODI series. Both teams are in a good rhythm and hence it is expected to be a thrilling contest. The first ODI will be played at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.
Pitch Report
The pitch at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium is generally a flat deck which tends to slow down as the game progresses. While it allows batters to play their strokes freely, the wicket offers turn as well. So, spinners can come in handy in the later part of an inning.
Team Analysis
India
India were as dominant as any champion team in the three-match series against Sri Lanka. The biggest positive for India was Virat Kohli back among the runs. The star batter amassed 283 runs in three innings at an average of 141.50. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill also piled up runs while opening the innings with Rohit Sharma. With the ball, Mohammed Siraj stole the show, picking up 9 wickets in three matches. Kuldeep Yadav also showed good form as he picked up five wickets in 2 games. Mohammed Shami, KL Rahul, and Hardik Pandya were the other players to show good form. Now, with New Zealand to face next, India will be put to a real test.
SportsTiger Playing XI of India
Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan (wk), Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umran Malik
New Zealand
While India had a blast against Sri Lanka, New Zealand are also coming on the back of a series win against Pakistan. The Kane Williamson-led team defeated Pakistan 2-1. After losing the first ODI, New Zealand bounced back to register consecutive wins and clinch the series. Devon Conway starred for the Kiwis in the series as the opening batter amassed 153 runs and won the Player of the Series award. Williamson was also among the runs (164) but will miss the series against India. Glenn Phillips who played a match-winning knock (63* off 42) in the 3rd ODI will be crucial for the Kiwis. Meanwhile, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, and Lockie Ferguson will be the key bowlers for NZ.
SportsTiger Playing XI of New Zealand
Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (c & wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, Blair Tickner
Match Prediction
If India bat: Score- 270-320; India Win
If New Zealand bat: Score- 250-280; India Win
Conclusion
India are in impeccable form and look like the team to beat at the moment. Although New Zealand are coming on the back of a series win, it won’t be easy to beat in-form India at home.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the author’s point of view. They neither reflect the opinion of SportsTiger nor advise anyone to make any prediction based on this. SportsTiger does not assume any responsibility and liability for the same.