So, we are exactly 22 hours away from the virtual final of ongoing India vs New Zealand 2019 three-match Twenty20 International (T2oI) series. The comeback from the Men in Blue has added a flair following a dynamic show at Eden Park in Auckland on February 8. Here, we’re with the match prediction for the third and final T20I fixture scheduled on February in Hamilton.
Forget about what seniors are bound to deliver, but the way youngsters have stepped up to take the responsibility on their shoulders has been a take for the visitors this time around on Kiwis shores following their five-match ODI series victory by 4-1.
India on a roll:
The visitors thoroughly challenged the hosts in all departments before eking out easy-peasy wins in between. Tim Seifert couldn’t continue, so as, their skipper Kane Williamson at the top.
Altogether, the Black Caps’ bowlers seemed to have lost the track a bit. Eventually, it has hurt the cause of hosts from time-to-time.
In the penultimate T20I, Krunal Pandya tightened the grip with his line and length before settling with the figures of three for 28 in four overs. On the other side, the young left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed has returned with a much-improved performance to bag to wickets.
On the other side, interim skipper Rohit Sharma alongside Shikhar Dhawan has given India a solid start to take off the pressure on the rest of the batsmen.
Hosts lost the track:
The hosts failed to continue with their momentum after winning the Westpac game by 80 runs. Interestingly, it was Men in Blue’s biggest loss (in terms of runs) in the history of T20I cricket.
The highlight for the Black Caps was Colin de Grandhomme’s quickfire fifty, as Ross Taylor consolidated the innings in the middle overs, but Indian bowlers had done their homework to restrict Kiwis on 158 for eight in the 20 allotted overs.
In response, India overhauled the target in 18.5 overs while riding on the back of unbeaten knock from Rishabh Pant and Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
Date and Time: February 10 2019, 12:30 PM IST.
Telecast (Where to Watch): Star Sports Network (in English and Hindi) including HotStar and Jio TV.
India vs New Zealand 2019 – 3rd T20I Venue: Seddon Park in Hamilton:
Since December 28, 2018, Kiwis have played eight T20I matches at Seddon Park, so far. The hosts went on to win six games and eventually lost two.
On February 18, 2018, Kiwis lost the game by two runs against England Cricket Team.
The average 1st innings total in Hamilton is 168. Whereas, 155 is the second innings average total. On such basis, it somehow hints the batting first side has a bit of an advantage to rely on.
Pertinently, Kiwis have registered the highest total of 202 for five in 19.4 overs over Zimbabwe. Also, it stands as the highest total chased by any team at this venue.
Pitch Conditions:
By going to the surface of Seddon Park, it has often helped the batters. So, it has to be good news for both camps which boast about some big-hitters in the line-up.
But at the same time swinging conditions has often spoiled the party of batsmen in the recent past.
Weather Conditions:
It would be a pleasant atmosphere for the much-awaited clash between New Zealand and India. The temperature will hover around 28-degree Celcius with a minimum of 15-degree Celcius.
Moreover, the humidity might bother the players; it is as high as 89 per cent. Apart from the five per cent precipitation, the wind will blow at eight kph.
New Zealand’s Predicted Playing XI: Tim Seifert, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson (c), Ross Taylor, Daryl Mitchell, Ish Sodhi, Mitchell Santner, Jimmy Neesham, Trent Boult, Tim Southee and Lockie Ferguson.
India’s Predicted Playing XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Shikhar Dhawan, Dinesh Karthik, MS Dhoni, Rishabh Pant, Vijay Shankar, Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Khaleel Ahmed.
India vs New Zealand 2019 – Match Prediction:
Following a supreme show in the first T20I from Kiwis, India has registered a comeback to tie the series one all. But the series decider would ask a lot to both the teams. However, we could expect a return of the wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav. For Kiwis, all-rounder Jimmy Neesham might get his first game as well.
By looking at the contribution from youngsters, in particular, India has the advantage to rely on the chances. They’ve covered all their bases. Although, we might not expect a one-sided affair. But, all in all, India is highly-likely going to dominate and script history on Kiwis shores in the shortest version of the game.
India vs New Zealand 2019: Hamilton, Match Preview – Stats to achieve:
MS Dhoni is all set feature in his 300th overall T20. He is two sixes away to slam 350 six in international cricket.
Rohit Sharma is just two sixes away to eclipse Martin Guptill, Chris Gayle to lead the chart of most sixes by any batsmen in T20Is.
Also, Rohit is a six away to smash 350 sixes in his international fold.
Above all, India has a chance to clinch their first-ever T20I series against Kiwis in New Zealand.
