With the World Cup just a handful of months away, both India and New Zealand will be looking to hit the top gear when they lock horns against each other in the upcoming five-match ODI series. Both the teams are high on confidence after their impressive outings in their last outings. While India is basking in glory after the historic tour of Australia, New Zealand’s confidence will be sky-high following the way they thrashed Sri Lanka across formats at home.
With both the sides in good form, the upcoming series promises to be a blockbuster. The series will give both the teams an opportunity to assess their positions before the World Cup. Playing in the swinging conditions of New Zealand is definitely an ideal preparation for India. On the other hand, a good performance against formidable India will act as a morale-booster for the Kiwis.
But preparation for the World Cup aside, a lot is at stake in the series. The hosts will have a chance to de-position the Indian side in the ICC Rankings.
India and New Zealand are currently placed second and third respectively in the ICC ODI team rankings. Both the teams have enjoyed good success in ODIs in the last two years or so. In fact, New Zealand are slightly ahead of India in terms of stats. What more, New Zealand also have a good record against India at home. They have defeated India 21 times in 35 games at home. The Black Caps also enjoy a remarkable win percentage of over 75 on home turf since the 2015 World Cup losing only eight games out of 27 played.
New Zealand will also draw confidence from their performance against India when the latter visited them in 2014. New Zealand had thrashed India 4-0 in the five-match series.
And if the Kane Williamson-led side continues to maintain their dominance at home, they will have a chance to leapfrog India in the rankings. If New Zealand manages to win all the five games of the series, they stand a chance to gain the No.2 spot, while India will slip to the third. India are presently have 121 points in the ICC Rankings chart, while New Zealand stand eight points adrift.