Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
New Zealand vs India 1st T20I Preview Dream11
New Zealand have won just two of their past seven bilateral T20I series. India have not lost any of their last 10. That might be enough to suggest which way this series will go, but as the ODI series showed, anything is possible.
New Zealand will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing ODI series. Not many could have expected a 4-1 loss, but pushing India all the way should be expected of a New Zealand side still possessing plenty of talent. The Black Caps are ranked 6th in T20I cricket – their lowest ranking of any of the three formats – and now is an opportunity against good opposition to begin preparing well for World T20 2020.
India have had an excellent few months. Back-to-back tours of Australia and New Zealand can take a lot out of you, but India have won a Test and two ODI series in a row to have confidence sky high. The core of their ODI side remains for the T20Is, but have to be aware of the danger New Zealand possess in this format. Will India continue their winning ways?
Key to a New Zealand win
Colin Munro returns to his favourite format after another underwhelming ODI series. With Martin Guptill out injured, Munro has a crucial role to play at the top for New Zealand, as he possesses the ability to take the game away from the opposition in this format. Him firing will reduce the pressure on the likes of Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor, who were effectively openers in the ODI series, and then allows the likes of Jimmy Neesham, Colin de Grandhomme and Doug Bracewell to launch with wickets in hand.
Also, can the seamers extract the kind of movement Trent Boult was able to in the ODIs? Tim Southee, whilst under-par in white-ball cricket in recent times, could be a key selection for New Zealand in getting the ball to swing early. The Indians struggled with the moving ball in the last two ODIs, and this is something the Black Caps need to try exploit in the powerplay overs. Can they get the better of Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan? What pressure can the spinners build? Will New Zealand improve their death bowling? To win, New Zealand have to be efficient with the ball at all stages of the innings.
Also read: Light-hearted New Zealand vs India ODI Series Player Ratings!
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Key to an India win
Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan finished the ODI series in underwhelming fashion, but both will be pleased to see the back of Trent Boult. The absence of KL Rahul and Virat Kohli in particular places onus on the openers to deliver a strong start, with India possessing an exciting middle order that can cause damage. With Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya dangerous players, along with Dinesh Karthik and MS Dhoni who have showed good form in recent times, a strong platform will set India up perfectly.
Also, can India overcome New Zealand in the powerplay? Colin Munro is a key wicket at this stage, which can stunt New Zealand’s early progress, putting extra pressure on the likes of Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor as the Indians did in the ODIs. With New Zealand possessing a dangerous middle order, the best recipe for success for India is to force them to rebuild a little. Can Bhuvneshwar Kumar deliver at the top? Will Khaleel Ahmed back him up? What can the spinners deliver?
Possible Playing 11
Kane Williamson will likely open for New Zealand. Also, the Black Caps have some choices to make in the bowling department. Tim Southee, who has eight wickets in four matches at Westpac Stadium, is a good chance of playing, especially after skipper Williamson backed him in white-ball cricket.
New Zealand Possible Playing 11: 1. Kane Williamson (c), 2. Colin Munro, 3. Tim Seifert (wk), 4. Ross Taylor, 5. James Neesham, 6. Colin de Grandhomme, 7. Mitchell Santner, 8. Scott Kuggeleijn, 9. Doug Bracewell, 10. Tim Southee, 11. Lockie Ferguson
Also read: Virat Kohli or Dwayne Bravo? Which is the top cricket bat of 2019?
India also have some choices to make. Does Krunal Pandya make the side? If so, over who? Will Shubman Gill get a chance to express himself after a tough time in the ODIs? Also, will India play both wristspinners?
India Possible Playing 11: 1. Rohit Sharma (c), 2. Shikhar Dhawan, 3. Shubman Gill, 4. Rishabh Pant, 5. Dinesh Karthik, 6. MS Dhoni (wk), 7. Hardik Pandya, 8. Krunal Pandya/Kedar Jadhav, 9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 10. Khaleel Ahmed, 11. Yuzvendra Chahal/Kuldeep Yadav
Dream11 Prediction
Stats and Facts
- India have never won a T20I in New Zealand (two losses in three matches).
- Kane Williamson has opened in 27 of his 54 T20Is, averaging 38.52. He has an overall average of 31.64.
- India have only lost one of 12 T20Is under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy.
- Colin Munro has the second most T20I centuries (three), one behind Rohit Sharma.
Match Prediction
Should be an exciting clash to kick off a series that should be full of fireworks.
I give New Zealand a big chance in this one, but with Trent Boult and Matt Henry missing, India’s batsmen might have a fine night out. India to win and take a 1-0 lead.
Thanks for reading!
Cricket Tips: When can Kashmir Willow bats be a good option?
New Zealand vs India 1st T20I Preview Dream11
