New Zealand fought back to claim their first win on tour of India in Delhi, but when the sides arrive in Mohali for the third ODI, a series lead will be on the line. Join The Roar for live scores from 7pm (AEDT).
After a disastrous Test series, the Kiwis didn’t look much better as the One Day series started out, going down by six wickets in the first match, India passing their low total with 101 balls to spare.
After their batting took a turn for the worst in the first match, they hit back strongly in the second getting more contributions on their way to scoring a very competitive 242 on a Delhi pitch that was offering enough to keep things interesting.
Kane Williamson, unsurprisingly was the man leading the way as he piled up a century, while he was supported well by Tom Latham, Ross Taylor and Craig Anderson, although more was needed from others.
New Zealand, realistically were lucky that India didn’t hit their straps batting with no one passing 50. Kedar Jadhav top-scored with just 41, while MS Dhoni contributed well, but couldn’t get his side over the line.
Tim Southee and Trent Boult led the way with the ball for the tourists, and will need to again as they did during the Cricket World Cup if the Kiwis are to stay in the fight.
Prediction
The first thing New Zealand need to do is win a toss – given they have lost all five on tour, it’s made life exceptionally hard for them despite the fact they managed to get a win in Delhi.
If the tourists are to move ahead in the series then much of the burden is going to once again fall on Kane Williamson. He has been their best all tour, and sparked the victory with a century.
Trent Boult and Tim Southee will also need to be strong with the ball, with Virat Kohli being the key man for India. Whether they can stop the Indian top order, who will be fired up after failing in Delhi though is another question, and one that doesn’t look good for New Zealand.
With spots on the line in this Indian side and the Champions Trophy less than 12 months away, with opportunities to be included in that squad running out, expect India to get the job done – although it won’t be without a fight.
India in a close one.
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Anindya Dutta
Roar Guru
Superb century by Kohli. His 26th in his 166th match. 4th in the all time list after Tendulkar, Ponting and Jayasuriya. Ponting took 365 matches for his 30 tons. Reflection of what Thia young man will end up doing by the time he Lay’s down his bat.
Bobbo7
Guest
Oh NZ you useless ....Ronchi, time to go. You do nothing