New Zealand vs India: Preview, Dream XI of fifth ODI
After being humbled by New Zealand in the fourth ODI, India will be aiming to respond strongly in the final match of the five-match series. India lead the ODI series 3-1 and would want to prove that the loss in Hamilton was just one bad day. The focus would be on India's stand-in skipper Rohit Sharma and his team selection. Here's the match preview.
India's batting the focus in Wellington
After showing composure in the first three games, the Indian batting collapsed in Hamilton. India managed to score only 92, before the Kiwis made short work of the chase. India's middle order in particular will be the focal point. With no Virat Kohli, the responsibility of the batsmen gets bigger. India cannot just rely on the openers to see them through.
Another opportunity for some players to take control
India will once again try Shubman Gill out at number three. The youngster looked nervous on his debut in the fourth ODI and this time around he will be better prepared. The issue lies mainly with Ambati Rayudu. The senior cricketer cannot afford to throw another opportunity away with the Cricket World Cup months away. India's finishers need to apply their touch as well.
New Zealand will hope to build on
New Zealand showed their strengths after not quite living up to the billing earlier on. They have plenty of players that can serve as match-winners. The batting will revolve around Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor. Trent Boult was superb in the previous match and will lead the bowling attack. New Zealand need to sort out their opening woes in particular.
Team news and match results at this venue
Martin Guptill is set to miss the match after suffering a back injury. He will be replaced by left-handed opening batsman Colin Munro. MS Dhoni is set to return for India. New Zealand have played 29 ODIs at this venue and have won 16 matches. India have played three ODIs at the Westpac Stadium and their tally reads W: 1, L: 1, N/R: 1.
NZ vs IND: Here's our choice of the Dream XI
Rohit gets the leadership nod and is our choice to open the innings alongside Kane Williamson. Young Gill gets the backing as the number three batsman. The middle-order consists of the consistent Ross Taylor, with MS Dhoni filling in as the wicket-keeper. Colin de Grandhomme, Hardik Pandya and Mitchell Santner are the all-rounders. Kuldeep Yadav, Boult (vice-captain) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar are the bowlers.
When and where to watch the match
The match will be telecast live on the Star Sports Network. One can stream the match live on Hotstar. It is scheduled for a 7:30 AM IST start. The match will be held at Westpac Stadium, Wellington.
