India v New Zealand, 1st ODI – Match Result Predictions

After a successful series against Australia, it’s time for India to take on the other half of the Trans-Tasman rivals – New Zealand. Virat Kohli and his men have been on a rampage as they have won the last 6 bilateral ODI series on the trot. At home, they have been invincible and will be on a mission to win the 7th as well.

But if we underestimate the Kiwis, it will be a mistake. The last time these 2 teams faced off in 2016, the men in black gave a tough fight to India. The men in blue managed to win the 5-match series 3-2 and the series was decided in the last match that the hosts won. New Zealand are known for their brittle nature on the field and can be a tough nut to crack.

While India have played back to back series for the last few months, the visitors have been away from the international circuit since the month of May. They featured in the 2 warm-up matches on the current Indian tour in which they won and lost one each. The last time they toured India, they had a difficult time facing the spinners and this time around, the challenge is going to be even tougher.

Here is what Crictracker predicts for the game:

Scenario 1: India wins the toss

Toss prediction: India will choose to bowl first

First innings score prediction: 260-270

Result prediction: India will win the match by 4 wickets

Scenario 2: New Zealand wins the toss

Toss prediction: New Zealand will choose to bowl first

First innings score prediction: 300-310

Head to Head Record

Overall: Total Matches – 101, India Won – 49, New Zealand Won – 43, No Result/Tied – 9

Matches in India: Total Matches – 34, India Won – 24, New Zealand – 7, No Result/Tied – 3

While there isn’t too much difference in terms of the results of the overall matches between the 2 sides, India have heavily dominated at home. The hosts have won the last 8 of the 10 matches played in India. The Kiwis can post a stiff challenge but India will start favorites in all of the games going by their recent form.

Playing Combinations:

India

Rohit Sharma had a tremendous series against Australia as he emerged as the leading run-getter. Shikhar Dhawan will be back at the top and Ajinkya Rahane will have to sit out despite doing well in the last series. Virat Kohli will be itching to score big after having a dissatisfactory last few games. With KL Rahul out of the squad, Manish Pandey is almost certain to bat at No.4. With Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni and Hardik Pandya to follow, the batting line-up looks daunting.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah have been highly successful for India of late and they will be the preferred choice for the starters. The key though lies with the spinners. The 2 wrist spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal have been instrumental in the recent past and they will be expected to unleash their tricks on the Kiwis who will face them for the first time.

Predicted XI: Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli (c), Manish Pandey, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (wk), Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah

New Zealand

The openers Martin Guptill and Colin Munro had 2 decent hits each in the warm-up matches while the skipper Kane Williamson didn’t extract what he would have hoped for. Ross Taylor and Tom Latham scored centuries in the 2nd game which helped post a big score and win the game. The batting unit is experienced and has a lot of potential but it will have a stern task against the Indian spinners.

Trent Boult bagged 5 wickets in the first warm-up and his new ball partner Tim Southee too did a decent job. Both of them are capable of swinging the new ball and India need to be wary of them. The onus though will be on the spinners. How Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi bowl, will determine New Zealand’s fate. Santner had a pleasant outing the last time he toured India and once again, the responsibility will lie heavily on the shoulders of the youngster.

Predicted XI: Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson(c), Ross Taylor, Tom Latham(wk), Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Adam Milne

India have been ruthless at home and they will be expected to continue the same form. The side is well balanced in both the departments of the game and will start favorites.

The prediction is for a comfortable Indian victory.

Do let us know your predictions in the comments section below.