The path to a home Cricket World Cup begins on the road for India as they shift their focus to the fifty-over game. It hasn't really been at the heart of their plans and this could be a big test for the tourists.
New Zealand vs India | 25 November 2022 | Eden Park, Auckland | 03:30
To Win Match
New Zealand 82/100 | Tie 25/1 | India 21/20
Containing the potent tourists on a ground that offers little straight protection given the dimensions of the field will be tricky for New Zealand.
Grit has become associated with this team that often function above the sum of their parts but in the more drawn-out version of white-ball cricket, they could be found out.
The weather played a big part in proceedings in the T20I series which India clinched and it might concern the hosts once again with rain on the horizon.
With Martin Guptill’s release from a central contract it is clear that New Zealand are now looking to the future.
Shikhar Dhawan leads as India continue their policy of rotation and regular skipper Rohit Sharma is rested.
There is another chance to press a World Cup claim for the likes of Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer and Suryakumar Yadav.
Suryakumar has been the player of the season so far for India and his performances in T20 cricket suggest he could be an ODI kingpin.
Yuzvendra Chahal has the credentials to win games in India but New Zealand will prove a test for the leg-spinner.
Verdict: India 82/100
India should shade this contest. Get on at 82/100.
