Mount Maunganui is set to host second consecutive ODI between India and New Zealand on Monday.
In the third ODI – to begin at the Bay Oval at 07:30 am IST – New Zealand can’t afford to loose after India won both the previous ODIs quite easily. Because another defeat would simply cost New Zealand the ODI series.
Therefore, New Zealand now very much relies upon its batsmen especially Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Ross Taylor and Kane Williamson to gear up. So far New Zealand’s batsmen even bowlers as well haven’t been up to the mark in the series.
In previous both innings, Martin Guptill just managed to score 20 runs, Colin Munro 39 and Ross Taylor 46. Though prior to the ongoing ODI series, Taylor had scored three centuries and five fifties in his last nine ODI innings.
If India cruises to a win at Mount Maunganui today as well, it would be its second ODI series victory in New Zealand. Besides, India would also extend its winning streak against New Zealand to five ODIs.
Unlike New Zealand’s batsmen, Indian batsmen seem to be in supreme touch. Rohit Sharma scored 99 runs in previous two ODI innings, Shikhar Dhawan 141, and Virat Kohli 88. Likewise, Ambati Rayudu and MS Dhoni have also made worthwhile contributions with the bat.
India have been convincing yet again today to go 2 up in the series. The opening partnership was the key & bowlers did the rest. Most sides will have to find a way to score runs against @yuzi_chahal & @imkuldeep18 & not lose too many wickets in the middle overs. #NZvIND pic.twitter.com/OyJVq63h8d
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) January 26, 2019
Now for the third ODI, Hardik Pandya has also returned to the squad and will be seen in action. But after today’s match, Virat Kohli will miss out cricket for a while. He has been rested for last two ODIs against New Zealand.
