World Cup 2023 | IND vs NZ, Match 21 - Top Captain and Vice-captain Picks

image-lnztuhopDevon Conway will hold the key for New Zealand against India in WC 2023 (Source: AP Photos)

Unbeaten sides and table-toppers India (IND) and New Zealand (NZ) square off against each other in the 21st match of the ongoing sixteenth edition of the World Cup. The mouth-watering enthralling encounter is all set to take place on a Super Sunday, October 22, 2023, at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala at 14:00 PM IST. The Men in Blue and the Kiwis have played four games so far and they have won all of their respective four fixtures. Before the game goes live, here is a look at the top captain and vice-captain choices for the fantasy contest of this exciting tie.

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IND vs NZ, 21st Match: Venue Analysis

The strip at the HPCA stadium has been helpful to the pace bowlers as it offers movement. Fast bowlers are expected to play a big role in this fixture as well. The captain winning the toss might look to field first.

HPCA Stadium ODI Records

Matches: 7
Matches Won Batting First: 3
Matches Won Batting Second: 4

Average First Innings Total: 231
Average Second Innings Total: 199

World Cup 2023 Record

Matches: 3
Matches Won Batting First: 2
Matches Won Batting Second: 1


IND vs NZ, 21st Match - Toss Factor

As mentioned above, the 22-yard in Dharamsala provide a lot of help to the seam bowlers. The same pattern is expected to continue with both teams having some top-quality pacers in their ranks. Team batting second might get the result in their favor at the HPCA stadium.

Scenario: If India Fields First

The 22-yard in Dharamsala is more supportive for the pace bowlers. Jasprit Bumrah is the leader of India's bowling attack and he is also the highest wicket-taker for his side so far in the ongoing marquee tournament. Bumrah will play a huge role in taking wickets upfront of the in-form Kiwi batters. Run machine Virat Kohli is a dominant force in the run-chase as he is also a vital cog if India fields first.

Scenario: If New Zealand Fields First

Trent Boult is a world-class seamer while Matt Henry is one of the specialist ODI bowlers going around the world right now. Both will have their work cut out against this strong Indian batting line-up. Opener Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell and stand-in captain Tom Latham will be crucial for the Kiwis if they are chasing a big total under the lights.


IND vs NZ, 21st Match - Top Captain and Vice-captain choices

Scenario: If New Zealand Fields First

Devon Conway (NZ)

Left-handed opener batter Devon Conway is a classy and consistent operator right at the top of the order. The 32-year old is averaging 51.04 with five centuries and three half-centuries in ODI cricket. The Kiwis will bank on him to get them home if they are facing a stiff target. Notably, Conway is also the leading run-getter for his team so far in WC 2023 with 249 runs in four outings.

Daryl Mitchell (NZ)

Daryl Mitchell has slowly become the mainstay of the Kiwi middle-order. The right-handed player averages 48.45 with four centuries and as many fifties in the format. He has scores of 48, 89* and 1 in the ongoing WC campaign. The BlackCaps will rely on him to guide them to a victory in a run-chase. 


Scenario: If India Fields First

Virat Kohli (IND)

Virat Kohli is on song in the ongoing WC as he has racked up scores of 85, 55, 16 and 103* so far.  The prolific no. three batter has an excellent average of 65.24 which includes 27 centuries and 39 half-centuries while chasing in the 50-overs format. Kohli is more effective and dangerous in a run-chase and this may continue against the Kiwis.

KL Rahul (IND)

KL Rahul gave solid support to Kohli when team India got in huge trouble with score of 2/3 against the Aussies in this WC. Rahul slammed an unbeaten 97 to get his side over the line after achieving the target of 200 set by the Kangaroos. The right-hander has an average of 47.43 with two tons and eight fifties while chasing.


IND vs NZ, 21st Match - Big Risk, Big Return Choices

Shreyas Iyer (IND)

Shreyas Iyer has struck 1,898runs in 46 ODI innings at an average of 46.29 with three centuries and 15 half-centuries. He got dismissed for 0 and 19 in the first and last India's matches respectively in this WC. In between, Iyer amassed scores of 25* and 53*. He maybe a risky but worthy pick for this contest.

Will Young (NZ)

Will Young is an opening batter for New Zealand. With Kane Williamson expected to miss this game as well, Young will continue to open with Conway. The 30-year old is approaching 1000 runs in the format with 942 runs to his name at an aveage of 42.81. Young has mustered scores of 0, 70 and 54 so far in the current campaign.