Weather once again intervened in this bilateral series which India cannot win outright. New Zealand hold the edge after winning the series opening match.
New Zealand vs India | Third | Wednesday 30 November 2022 | Hagley Oval, Christchurch | 03:30
To Win Match
New Zealand 72/100 | Tie 25/1 | India 23/20
New Zealand
Very little could be gleaned from the second ODI but New Zealand won’t have been too happy with their failure to take early wickets.
They batted very well in the first ODI with experienced players coming through for them as the series switched to the fifty-over format.
New Zealand’s fast bowlers need to keep India’s top-order batters in check and would like to do that by taking wickets.
Michael Bracewell’s value as an allrounder is currently not recognised as much as it could be in years to come.
India
Skipper Shikhar Dhawan is struggling just a little and will likely be out to put in a big captain’s performance in the final match of the series.
India have a stacked top order that should be able to outgun most top teams.
However, they haven’t been able to click at major tournaments and India will already be focused on claiming the World Cup when they host in 2023.
India need to adapt to the conditions quickly and assess the surface so they don’t miscalculate like they did in the first ODI.
Verdict: India 72/100
India should fight back and share the series. Get on at 72/100.
