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IND vs NZ, 1st T20I: Preview, Pitch Report, Probable XIs and Prediction


image-ldcrlghpThe eyes will be on Suryakumar Yadav [Source: AP]

After being whitewashed 3-0 in the ODIs, New Zealand will lock horns with India in the first of the three T20Is on Friday. The match is scheduled at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi. 


Team Preview: India

India will be without their two stalwarts, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Also, with Jasprit Bumrah missing, Hardik Pandya will again have a young seam bowling unit to lead in the series. 

However, despite the key players' absence, team India looks rock-solid, studded with the likes of Suryakumar Yadav, Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, Yuzvendra Chahal and Arshdeep Singh. 

It will also be interesting to see if Prithvi Shaw makes his much-awaited international comeback in the very first game. He will fight a virtual contest with Gill, Ishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad for an opening slot in the playing XI. 

This series will also give the much-needed opportunities to Rahul Tripathi and Deepak Hooda to upgrade their status from fringe players to regulars in the shortest format. 


Team Preview: New Zealand

The visitors will look to erase the scars of the ODI series and start the T20Is on a winning note. But their journey won't be easy, as they will miss ace pacers Tim Southee and Trent Boult. 

So, the onus will be on their batting unit comprising Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell and the sensational Michael Bracewell. 

It will also be a litmus test for Mitchell Santner, who, besides batting and bowling, will have the additional responsibility of leadership. 

Lockie Ferguson, who was abysmal in the ODIs, must perform as the leader of the bowling attack, by not only putting up impressive performances but also guiding the young guns like Henry Shipley, Jacob Duffy and Blair Tickner. 


Match Details

Date and Time: January 27, 07.00 PM IST
Venue: JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi
Live Streaming: Star Sports Network and Hotstar

Pitch Report: The surface in Ranchi will be a traditional Indian wicket, with ample assistance for spinners. The bounce will be even throughout the day, and batters, who can play spin well, will enjoy batting here. As team batting second has won two of the three T20Is, the toss-winner will likely opt to field first. 


Probable XIs

India: Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan (WK), Rahul Tripathi, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya (C), Deepak Hooda, Washington Sundar, Shivam Mavi, Umran Malik, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh

New Zealand: Finn Allen, Devon Conway (WK), Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, Blair Tickner, Jacob Duffy


Prediction

India look more balanced and will start as the firm favourites in this match. More importantly, the track in Ranchi will suit India more, and so, we reckon the hosts will emerge victorious in this face-off. 


Also Read: Babar Azam crowned ICC Men's ODI Cricketer of the Year 2022