New Zealand vs India: Third ODI preview and predicted XI
India can win the five-match series against New Zealand if they manage to beat the Black Caps tomorrow at Mount Maunganui. The visitors are in stellar form with both their batsmen and bowlers having put in impressive performances in the first two matches. New Zealand captain Kane Williamson will want to keep the competition alive with a victory. Here is our detailed match preview.
India will be desperate to clinch the series
Kohli has been trying out several combinations keeping the World Cup in mind. What paid off is MS Dhoni coming in to bat higher up. After the 2-1 win against Australia, a victory against NZ will be an immense boost for Kohli's men. With Kohli set to miss the remainder of the tour after the third ODI, India will want to settle it tomorrow.
The Indian cricketers have been performing well
India's top three batsmen seldom fail in ODIs and at least one of them delivers the goods to get the team home. Ambati Rayudu's 47 in the second ODI will seal his place in the fourth spot of the batting order. India's spinners and pacers are performing with zest, while Dhoni's form continues from the Australia series, and is a bright aspect for India.
How do New Zealand look ahead of the encounter?
New Zealand need to win the match to avoid losing the series to India. They've had their weaknesses exposed by India in the first two matches and need to recover from the losses. It will be a matter of pride for Kane Williamson against one of his rivals, Virat Kohli. They should look to tumble India's top-order line-up early in the innings.
Who will be the key players in the third ODI?
For India, their top three batsmen and MS Dhoni have been vital, and Rayudu's positive form will also be a massive boost for the visitors. Mohammed Shami's impeccable bowling combined with Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal's prowess can prove deadly for the Kiwis. Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor will be the Black Caps' trump cards while batting.
Predicted line-up and TV listing
India: Virat Kohli, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni, Kedar Jadhav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Yuzvendra Chahal, Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma. New Zealand: Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Tom Latham, Colin de Grandhomme, Martin Guptill, Mitchell Santner, Doug Bracewell, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult, Colin Munro. The match starts at 7.30 AM and can be viewed on Star Sports network or Hotstar.
