The stage is set for the series decider at the Holkar Stadium in Indore in the state of Madhya Pradesh as the two top ranked sides are set for a collision course as India takes on New Zealand on Super Sunday. India drew first blood in the series by chasing down 301 in Vadodara while New Zealand bounced back immediately by chasing down 285 with ease in Rajkot. It sets up for a tantalising finale at the Holkar Stadium. New Zealand might have sent an inexperienced team with regards to bowling, but they are fighting hard and pushing India to the limit.
India are led by Shubman Gill while New Zealand are led by Michael Bracewell. Both captains have performed well in the first two ODIs and in Gill’s case he has failed to convert the 50s into 100s which is crucial in this ODI format. Bracewell bowled really well in Rajkot and kept things tight and he can be the finisher New Zealand needs. On paper, India might look stronger to some, but count New Zealand out at your own peril and they can surprise you. The stage is set for the decider on this Super Sunday.
Overview
For the record, India have never lost a bilateral ODI series at home against New Zealand. With the three-match series on the line, all eyes will be on Indore’s Holkar Stadium a venue where the Kiwis are yet to taste victory, having lost both the Test and ODI they have played here. The third and final ODI will be played on Sunday January 18.
But if recent records are anything to go by, there isn’t too much for India to take comfort from. They were whitewashed by New Zealand in a Test series last year a defeat that cost them a place in the World Test Championship final and more recently suffered a 0-2 home series loss to South Africa, something that happened for the first time.
Selection has been a cause of concern for both sides in the series so far. India have been unable to find a place for Arshdeep Singh in the XI, and with the three pacers doing decently, it remains to be seen whether they bring in the left-armer for the decider. If he does come in, he is likely to replace Prasidh Krishna, who has bowled well but has been expensive.
For New Zealand, Jayden Lennox impressed one and all with a fine spell on his ODI debut in the second ODI in Rajkot. However, with short boundaries and a flat surface expected in Indore, they might look to turn to wrist-spinner Adithya Ashok to tackle an Indian top order stacked with right-handers. Nitish Kumar Reddy replaced the injured Washington Sundar in the XI for the second ODI, but he bowled just two overs and batted at No. 7 scoring 20 off 21 balls.
Ayush Badoni is also part of the squad, and the management might consider handing him a debut, but his off-spin could be tested on a flat surface with short boundaries. In the last match, India were put into bat first and posted 284/7 thanks to KL Rahul’s unbeaten century. Shubman Gill chipped in with 56 off 53 but the rest of the batting line-up failed to build on their starts.
Rohit Sharma made 24 off 38 before perishing while attempting a big hit, while Virat Kohli scored 23 off 29 and was bowled after an inside edge rolled back onto the stumps while trying to steer the ball to third man. Shreyas Iyer struggled to time the ball, as did Ravindra Jadeja who managed 27 off 44. In reply, New Zealand lost both their openers early, but a 162-run partnership for the third wicket between Daryl Mitchell and Will Young laid the foundation for the chase.
Young scored 87 which was his first fifty plus score in the last 12 ODI innings while Mitchell remained unbeaten on 131 off 117 balls. Glenn Phillips chipped in with an unbeaten 32 off 25 to take the Black Caps home with 15 balls to spare. India too were sloppy on the field and dropped catches hurt them, something they need to seriously work on moving forward.
So, the stage is set for the decider in Indore. It remains to be seen whether New Zealand scripts history or will India keep their unbeaten bilateral ODI series record against the Kiwis intact. A rip roaring game is ahead of us.
Head-To-Head
India and New Zealand have played a total of 122 matches in which India have won 63 and New Zealand 52. One match ended in a tie and 7 were No Results. It is 8-2 in India’s favour in the last 10 games.
Pitch & Weather Report
The pitch at the Holkar Stadium is expected to be a batting paradise with the big hitters of both teams finding joy on its surface. One just has to look to Virender Sehwag’s 219 against West Indies in 2011 to understand the big scoring potential of this stadium which provides even bounce and shorter boundaries. The bowlers will find a bit of trouble trying to get some assistance from this surface. Expecting another high-scoring affair.
The weather in Indore in terms of temperature will be 23 degrees Celsius in the morning and the conditions are expected to be sunny. The temperature rises a bit to 27 degrees later in the afternoon and then plummets to 14 degrees in the evening. The conditions are expected to be pretty clear and conducive to cricket.
Probable/Predicted Playing XIs of both sides
Here, we will try and predict the probable playing XIs of both sides.
India XI: Shubman Gill (c), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh.
New Zealand XI: Henry Nicholls, Devon Conway, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell (c), Mitchell Hay (wk), Zakary Foulkes, Kristian Clarke, Kyle Jamieson, Jayden Lennox.
Key Players to look forward to in this clash
Virat Kohli: He is India’s and world’s greatest player in ODIs and the spotlight will be on him in this deciding clash. Virat Kohli has been in terrific form in last 5-6 games and in the last match he missed out scoring 23 runs but other than that he has passed a half-century. He looks in good touch and India will be hoping he leaves an everlasting impact and helps them secure the series. If Virat performs, India generally end on the winning side.
Mohammed Siraj: Mohammed Siraj has had an odd first two games in this series. He has been economical for most parts but failed to get wickets for India which has been a problem going forward especially with the new ball. With the series on the line, all eyes will be on Siraj to deliver the goods and take early wickets to put New Zealand under some pressure. So far, he has not done that and made it easy for the visitors.
Daryl Mitchell: He is Mr. Dependable and New Zealand’s best batter on current form. Daryl Mitchell loves playing cricket and he loves playing against India. Daryl Mitchell has been in superb form this series scoring 84 in the first game and a splendid unbeaten hundred in the second game. He has controlled New Zealand’s innings batting at Number 4 and has looked unstoppable. New Zealand will be hoping for one more crucial knock from him that can help them to clinch the series for the first time in Indian shores.
Kyle Jamieson: Kyle Jamieson is New Zealand’s most experienced bowler and he has been in decent form this ODI series. He picked up 4 wickets in Game 1 and another couple in Game 2. With the other bowlers being a tad inexperienced, the onus is on Jamieson to lead the bowling attack and spearhead them. He was great in game 1 and a bit up and down in Game 2. But he will be hoping to do well and contribute to the team’s success.
Key Stats and records to look forward to in this clash
- Ravindra Jadeja has only two scores of 50 or more at home, the last one more than ten years ago.
- Shubman Gill needs 70 runs in six innings to become the second quickest to 3000 ODI runs. Hashim Amla got there in 57 innings while Gill has played 60 for his 2930.
- Daryl Mitchell might get the milestone before Gill because he has scored 2553 runs in 53 innings which means he has an outside chance to even break Amla’s record, but the second fastest will definitely be up for grabs.
Predicted/Possible Outcome of the Match
The series is level at 1-1. At this stage, it is tough to call as to who will win the deciding clash as anyone can beat anyone on the given day. Yes, on paper, India looks more experienced and stronger at home but New Zealand cannot be counted out as they have shown their fighting spirit and pushing India all the way. We expect a close contest and it is about who holds their nerves and wants it more will win the contest. Let’s see how this game pans out in Indore.
We are set for what promises to be a mouth-watering series finale in Indore and we shall see who comes out on top at the end of Sunday night.
Also Read:Â IND vs NZ: Varun Aaron Suggests Inclusion Of Arshdeep Singh In 3rd ODI