IND vs NZ, 1st ODI: Preview, Prediction and Fantasy Tips

India defeated Sri Lanka recently [Source: AP]

On Wednesday, hosts India will cross swords against New Zealand in the first ODI of the three-match series. The face-off is scheduled at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. 

Team Preview: India

After a shocking 2-1 defeat to Bangladesh last year, India got off to a remarkable start in 2023, whitewashing Sri Lanka by 3-0 on home soil. 

While the stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli rediscovered their vintage best, youngster Shubman Gill proved why he is regarded as the next big thing in Indian cricket. However, the two biggest positives for the Men in Blue were the evolution of Mohammed Siraj as a force in the powerplay and Kuldeep Yadav's redemption. 

Meanwhile, KL Rahul's absence has posed a massive challenge for Ishan Kishan, as he will likely bat in the middle-order in the series. Also, it will be interesting to see if Shardul Thakur justifies his selection, as it will be a litmus test for India's comeback man to prove his mettle with bat and ball. 

Team Preview: New Zealand

Like their opponents, New Zealand is coming on the back of a historic series win over Pakistan. But replicating the same in India will be more challenging for the BlackCaps, as they will miss their two key players, Kane Williamson and Tim Southee. 

So, the onus will be on Tom Latham, who has enjoyed stellar success against India in ODIs. Additionally, the likes of Henry Nicholls, Devon Conway and Glenn Phillips are capable of winning the game on any given day. 

Although the Kiwis have come up with a solid spin unit studded with Ish Sodhi, Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell, their pace battery looks slightly off-colour on paper. So, it will be fascinating to see how their seamers fare against India's formidable batting unit in the series. 

Match Details

Date and Time: January 18, 01.30 PM IST
Venue: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
Live Streaming: Star Sports Network and Hotstar

Pitch Report: The surface at the Rajiv Gandhi International stadium will be conducive for batting. However, the track will be on drier side and assist spinners throughout the day. With dew not being predicted, chasing something around 280-290 might be difficult as spinners will get ample help in the second half. So, the toss-winner will likely opt to bat first. 

Predicted XIs

Shreyas Iyer has been ruled out of the series due to a back injury. So, Suryakumar Yadav will bat in the middle order. Also, with KL Rahul being unavailable, Rohit Sharma has confirmed that Ishan Kishan will play as the keeper-batter in the middle order. 

India: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Ishan Kishan (WK), Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur/Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Umran Malik

New Zealand: Finn Allen, Devon Conway (WK), Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (C), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, Henry Shipley/Doug Bracewell

Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips

Wicket-Keepers: Tom Latham, Ishan Kishan
Batters: Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Glenn Phillips
All-Rounders: Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar, Michael Bracewell
Bowlers: Kuldeep Yadav, Ish Sodhi, Mohammed Siraj

Captain: Shubman Gill
Vice Captain: Mohammed Siraj

Prediction

Considering the strengths of both teams, we reckon India will emerge victorious in this match. 

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