After having a successful home season, the Indian team will look to replicate the same kind of performances on the tour of New Zealand. Their first assignment of one and a half month tour is the five-match T20I series, which kickstarts in Auckland from January 24. It is going to be a long and crucial tour for Virat Kohli’s men. Thus, it is imperative for the Men in Blue to lay down the marker.
India had savored success against Bangladesh and West Indies in the home T20I series and they would like to tick the right boxes against New Zealand in alienate conditions. It is going to be a different ball game altogether but India will know the importance of this series with T20 World Cup to take place later in the series.
India will look to draw first blood.
The visitors have suffered few injuries blows before the tour as Shikhar Dhawan has been ruled out due to shoulder injury, which gives another chance to Sanju Samson.
On the other hand, New Zealand had taken the drubbing at the hands of Australia in the three-match Test series and they would look to turn the tables in the shortest format of the game. Kane Williamson-led side had also lost the five-match T20I series against England and they would aim to be at the top of their game.
Meanwhile, India must be a confident unit after winning the three-match ODI series against Australia. The New Zealand grounds are small and hence we can expect a lot of runs coming in boundaries. However, there will also be some help for the seamers as there is always a tinge of green grass on the pitches.
Match Prediction – India has the impetus on their side whereas New Zealand will be familiar with the conditions. It is going to be a crucial match for both sides as momentum plays a key role especially in a format like T20. As far as the prediction is concerned, it is going to be an even battle.
