IND v NZ, 3rd ODI Preview: Redemption on the agenda as India takes on fighting Kiwis

While the second ODI between India and New Zealand saw an impressive turn of events towards the end of the encounter, it has set things up rather nicely as far as the overall picture of the ongoing IND v NZ series is concerned. The six-run win for the Kiwis also witnessed that even the Indians are not the best players of spin despite this being their own backyard.

However, in spite of this, another evenly contested match is on the cards given the record India has had at Mohali in recent times. What’s more is that India and New Zealand have not faced each other at the PCA Stadium in Mohali as yet, something that would go on to immortalize and serenade the ground in Mohali.

Team Analysis

India

Following the defeat in the Feroz Shah Kotla, the Indians were left licking their wounds despite the fact that they came excitingly close to securing a win. With the stuffed shirts of the BCCI expected to make their presence felt in Mohali, it would be clear that the Indians would have to bring their ‘A’ game. MS Dhoni will be hoping that this happens.

As far as team selection goes, it is quite certain that Indians would stick to the same side that came up short at Delhi. However, in spite of this, there would be a renewed sense of optimism as they now have some motivation to clinch a win at Mohali, a ground where they have not had much success in recent times.

The strategy for Dhoni would be to win the toss and bat first given the fact that dew generally plays a massive factor in proceedings. Also, the Indian management will be hoping that the pace bowlers will be able to stamp their authority on the proceedings wherein they will be made to bowl on a surface that assists pacers.

New Zealand

The Kiwis finally breathed life into their tour of India after the initial stages had gone quite disastrously. However, the fact of the matter remains that there are 3 matches to go in the series. This would mean that the Kiwis have a good chance to clinch they’re first ever ODI series win in India.

Kane Williamson, the captain of the New Zealand side, however, would not be overly optimistic as he has lost all the tosses in the Indian tour. While MS Dhoni, his counterpart has been one of those who has favorably won the toss on many an occasion, it seems quite clear that this time, the loss would indeed play a massive role in proceedings.

As far as team selection goes, the Kiwis will be expected to go ahead with the similar combination and not tweak a winning combination. However, in spite of this, there will be a spot open for either Matt Henry or Corey Anderson to fill in the role of the third pacer.

Probable XI

India:

MS Dhoni (C/wk), Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma/Mandeep Singh, Virat Kohli, Kedar Jadhav, Manish Pandey, Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, Amit Mishra, Umesh Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah

New Zealand:

Kane Williamson (C), Luke Ronchi (wk), Tom Latham, Martin Guptill, Anton Devcich, Ross Taylor, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Ish Sodhi, Matt Henry

StAttack:

1. Luke Ronchi requires 7 dismissals to complete 100 ODI dismissals. He will become only the third New Zealand keeper to achieve this feat.

2. Martin Guptill requires 144 runs to complete 5000 ODI runs.

3. MS Dhoni requires 3 dismissals to become the first Indian wicketkeeper-batsman to complete 350 ODI dismissals.

4. MS Dhoni also requires 22 runs to complete 9000 ODI runs. Only Adam Gilchrist and Kumar Sangakkara have more runs than him when it comes to runs compiled by wicketkeeper-batsman.

5. Another record beckons for MS Dhoni where he requires one century to complete 10 ODI centuries something that has only been done by Sangakkara, Gilchrist, and Quinton de Kock.

6. New Zealand has never played against India at the PCA Stadium in Mohali. New Zealand has, however, won 2 of their 3 matches at this venue.