Mumbai: Hosts India, who are on a high winning three successive ODI series against West Indies, Sri Lanka and Australia, will aim to continue the winning juggernaut when they face New Zealand in the first of the three ODIs at the Wankhede Stadium, here Sunday. India’s form has been imperious this season – they have won 12 of the 15 ODIs they have played, lost two and one game against the West Indies was abandoned
There can be no doubt, that India look firm favourites not only in the game Sunday, but also in the two remaining matches of the series. The batting looks solid, the bowling has variety and the above all the side are on a roll. And for the Kiwis to match India man for man, it will indeed be a Herculean task, if not impossible.
Although India suffered a resounding loss to South Africa on a belter of a track at this very venue three seasons ago, they have won three series on the trot in their backyard and are now a force to reckon with in the upcoming series.
In fact, since losing to Australia back in 2009-10, India have lost only to Pakistan (2012) and South Africa in 16 bilateral rubbers, a clear indication of how dominant they have been in home conditions.
The return of Shikhar Dhawan at the top of the order with Rohit Sharma (296 runs in the series against Australia) will no doubt be a huge boost for India. Then there are the likes of skipper Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, Ajinkya Rahane and either Manish Pandey or Kedar Jadhav to follow. Even though both Pandey and Jadhav have not been in the best of form lately, the batting line-up still looks formidable with ‘floater’ Hardik Pandya in the thick of things.
If all these batsmen continue to fire with the same intensity, it would be difficult for New Zealand to contain the home team on a Wankhede track, which is expected to provide the ideal pace and bounce for the batsmen to go for their shots.
New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson told reporters that his side were aware of the tough job on hand. “India definitely are a very formidable side at home,” Williamson stated. “The batting line-up is simply awesome. But keeping that in mind we were 2-2 in the last series we played against India while going into the decider. So we will be very happy to reverse the results. It is tough, but not impossible,” he added.
New Zealand will need a good start from their two openers – Martin Guptill and Colin Munro – both of whom are natural strokemakers. In Williamson and Ross Taylor they have the expertise and experience in the middle orders. However, they will certainly miss all-rounder Corey Anderson who has a good record against India.
Agencies
