 India maybe a new look side but they showed little signs of it at Guwahati one
day international. They could finish their innings off well, being 220/3 with
10 overs to go at one stage. It was a comfortable win at the end courtesy and
outstanding innings by Virat Kohli, his second century in as many games
for India.
India were missing the likes of MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina as big hitters.
Apart from that and slightly loose bowling at the end of New Zealand
innings, India tamed Kiwis to victory. They would be hoping to carry the performance
into Wednesday's day nighter at Jaipur. The pleasant surprise came in Yuvraj
Singh's bowling capabilities, which along with Ashwin's spin talent took the
game away from New Zealand.
Click for Live Score Card of India Vs New Zealand
The conditions at Jaipur might be slightly different, more favored to batsmen
with due playing a significant role. India would be hoping for the big guns
like Kohli, Yuvraj, Gambhir and Pathan to fire and put the game beyond the weakened
New Zealand team. India would be full of confidence, after winning Asia
cup and beating Australia earlier this year. It does seem that India are focusing
on South Africa tour as their primal preparation for World Cup.
With key players rested, the youngsters would be competing hard to find their
spots in the World Cup squad, which means every game against New Zealand will
be played with spirit. Gautam Gambhir, captaining in MS Dhoni's absence will
look to extend his lead in the series.
India have won three out of their last five games
New Zealand stand in captain Ross Taylor admitted that his side performance
was below par and to fight their way back in the series, they would have to
play much better cricket. Ross Taylor had a poor Test series but made a lively
half century. New Zealand are without their captain Daniel Vettori and
his deputee Brendon McCullum. The toss will be a crucial one in Jaipur, and
both the teams would like to eliminate due factor from their plays.
New Zealand would hope that Kane Williamson, a potential star in the middle
order plays well, something he failed to do in the last game. New Zealand would
have lost the game by a bigger margin but a ninth wicket 67 run partnership
between Kyle Mills and Nathan McCullum helped New Zealand save face.
Their captain is in positive mood, vowing to come back stronger, but we all
know that it would be a tough task for Black Caps.
New Zealand have not won any of their last five games.
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