#IndiaInNewZealand: Schedule of 2019 tour announced
In January, next year, Indian men and women will lock horns with their New Zealand counterparts in ODIs. This will be the first time, in New Zealand's history, that all of the women's matches will be broadcast live. The Indian men will travel to New Zealand post their 2-month long tour of Australia. Here's all you need to know about this tour.
How many matches will be played?
The men's cricket team will play a total of 5 ODIs and 3 T20Is. The women's team, on the other side, will take part in 3 ODIs and as many T20Is. The matches will be played at Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Napier, and Mount Maunganui. The Indian men's last ODI tour in New Zealand, in 2013/14, ended miserably, with four losses and zero wins.
What has the Black Caps CEO said?
CEO of New Zealand Cricket, Anthony Crummy, noted in a press release, "It's exciting to have the India men's and women's team here. The men are currently ranked number 2 in ODIs and T20Is- and the women arrive as ICC Cricket World Cup finalists". He further added that telecasting the women's matches will also give exposure to women's cricket in New Zealand.
Here's the schedule of the matches
1st ODI- January 23 (Napier), 2nd ODI- January 26 (Mount Maunganui), 3rd ODI- January 28 (Mount Maunganui), 4th- ODI, January 31 (Hamilton), 5th- ODI, February 3 (Wellington) 1st T20I- February 6 (Wellington), 2nd T20I- February 8 (Auckland), 3rd T20I- February 10 (Hamilton) The women will play their T20s on the same day as the men. However, their ODIs are scheduled a day later.
India A and New Zealand A to battle it out
New Zealand Cricket also aims to strengthen their A sides. Along with the matches of the senior teams, New Zealand A and India A will meet for three four-day encounters at Mount Maunganui, Hamilton, and Whangarei. The two sides will also play three 50-over matches at Mount Maunganui. The series is in accordance with their increased investment in the 'A Program'.
