Jonhenry Wilson previews the fourth ODI between New Zealand and India which is set to take place at Seddon Park.
India have shown that there is a huge gulf in class between themselves and the Black Caps with a trio of emphatic ODI victories in New Zealand.
The Black Caps haven’t been at their best – and have been clinically dispatched by the opposition.
New Zealand vs India | Thursday, 31 January | Seddon Park, Hamilton | 04:00
To Win Match
New Zealand 5/4
Tie 35/1
India 66/100
New Zealand
The failure of big-hitting openers Martin Guptill and Colin Munro to fire has left the middle order under pressure. New Zealand just haven’t been able to keep pace with India’s batting against a very good bowling attack.
New Zealand will likely need their bowlers to find a way to get them into the contest to help restore some pride, while skipper Kane Williamson will also feel pressure to get some runs.
Ross Taylor and Tom Latham have been the best of the hosts’ batsmen, but both have done so in lost causes.
New Zealand will feel less settled about their World Cup plans after being shown up by India – and need to improve in the remaining matches to lift spirits.
India
India have appeared to be in cruise control throughout the series, outdoing their hosts with bat and ball.
Virat Kohli will take a rest in the final two games, giving India’s middle-order depth a test, but with openers Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan in good touch the tourists will have plenty of firepower.
New Zealand kept Kuldeep Yadav wicketless in the third ODI, but couldn’t take on the left-arm wrist-spinner for any length of time. India have a varied attack that always seems to find ways to break through.
Dinesh Karthik filled in well for Mahendra Singh Dhoni behind the stumps – and as the finisher in their series-winning chase.
Verdict: India 66/100
Even without their regular skipper, India are the clear favourites on paper to win Rohit’s 200th ODI.
