New Zealand vs India, 1st ODI – Match Prediction

After clinching the T20I series by 1-0, India will shift their focus to the three-match ODI series against New Zealand with the first ODI to be played at Eden Park, Auckland on Friday. The main aim being the next year’s ODI World Cup, both of these teams will aim to start their preparation on a right note.

Shikhar Dhawan will return to the team and will lead his troops in the absence of Rohit Sharma while Kane Williamson, who missed the third T20 due to a pre-booked medical appointment will also make a comeback for the Kiwis.

In the absence of players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami, it will be a good opportunity for young players like Sanju Samson, Shreyas Iyer, Umran Malik and Arshdeep Singh to grab their chances.

The ODI format also gives more breathing space to the batters and the young batters will want to make a mark. On the other hand, New Zealand will also want to come up with a better batting performance as they were not up to the standard in the T20I series.

The ball is expected to swing in favourable conditions and bowlers like Arshdeep Singh and Deepak Chahar can be lethal for the tourists.

Match Prediction: As New Zealand will play in the known conditions, they might start as favourites against an inexperienced Indian team.

India ODI squad for New Zealand tour: Shikhar Dhawan (C), Rishabh Pant (vc & wk), Shubman Gill, Deepak Hooda, Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Sanju Samson (wk), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Shahbaz Ahmed, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Deepak Chahar, Kuldeep Sen, Umran Malik.

New Zealand Squad For ODIs: Kane Williamson (Captain), Michael Bracewell, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Adam Milne, Tim Southee.