 Every one day international game is important to all teams around the world, as
World Cup is less than 100 days away. With every game there is a chance for the
teams to craft out strategies, eliminate weaknesses and polish their skills. Such
is the 'importance' of the five match one day series between India and
New Zealand.
The series which starts from Sunday does not hold much importance in itself; however
it is vital for preparation of a greater cause. It is an ideal situation for the
players to gear up for World Cup by playing these low pressure games in the buildup.
Click for Live Score Card of India Vs New
Zealand
India, even though their one day record has not been phenomenal, they are still
firm favorites to win the series. India were victorious in the Test series but
were evened out for most part of it. This might be playing a bit on an upbeat
and positive Indian team. India are without Virender Sehwag and Sachin
Tendulkar.
There is plenty of opportunity for youngsters like Saurabh Tiwary and Wriddhiman
Saha to shine. India won't be under a lot of pressure by a weak pace bowling attack
might cause worry on an expected flat Guwahati track on 28th November. India might
field two regular spinners with one of Ravindera Jadeja and Ashwin partnering
Harbhajan Singh.
Inclusion of Yusuf Pathan also gives India a wider spin options. The conditions
in Guwahati will suit spinners more than the fast bowlers.
India have won three of their last five completed matches.
New Zealand came to India with a predicted trashing in place. But apart from the
last Test debacle, it never happened. New Zealand stood up to hostile India and
almost drew the series. They were beaten would be more confident in the start
of the series than they were when they arrived in India, fresh from a 4-0 thumping
by Bangladesh.
New Zealand players have also expressed that they are feeling better after a hard
fought series against the no.1 team in the world. The big news in New Zealand
camp is that Jesse Ryder is ruled out of the series with James Franklin being
his replacement in the first ODI. The format might still be haunting Kiwis as
they struggled immensely recently. All eyes would be on Kane Williamson and how
he plays since New Zealand are desperate for a solid middle order batsman. The
conditions in this ODI series will be different from Bangladesh. Instead of slow
wickets with low bounce, Kiwis will have to encounter the ball coming onto the
bat.
New Zealand have lost all five of their recent finished matches.
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