India vs New Zealand T20: India and New Zealand are set to face off in the first match of the three-match T20I series at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi on January 27. After a comprehensive series victory in the ODI leg, the Men in Blue, led by Hardik Pandya, will look to continue their winning streak and secure a victory in the opening T20I.
On the other hand, New Zealand will aim to put on a better performance in the T20Is after suffering a series defeat in the ODIs. With Mitchell Santner as the captain, the Kiwis will hope to bring their best game to the table in Ranchi and start the series with a win.
When it comes to the pitch conditions, Ranchi is known for offering a sporting wicket that provides something for both batsmen and bowlers. In the three T20Is played at the venue thus far, two have been won by the team chasing. Based on this statistic, one can expect the team winning the toss to choose to field first.
When it comes to the playing combinations for IND vs NZ, India is likely to stick with the majority of the players who featured in the final game of the T20I series against Sri Lanka. Washington Sundar is expected to fill the void left by Axar Patel in the team. The predicted XI for India is Ishan Kishan (wk), Shubman Gill, Rahul Tripathi, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya (c), Deepak Hooda, Washington Sundar, Shivam Mavi, Umran Malik, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.
As for New Zealand, the batting unit is expected to remain unchanged, but the team will have to decide whether to go with three genuine pacers or include an extra spinner in Ish Sodhi in the playing XI. The predicted XI for New Zealand is Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Dane Cleaver (wk), Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Lockie Ferguson, Blair Tickner, Henry Shipley.
When it comes to the head-to-head statistics, India and New Zealand have faced off against each other 22 times, with India securing 12 victories, New Zealand 9, and one match ending in a tie.
The match timings for India vs New Zealand T20 are 7:30 PM IST and it will be broadcasted on Star Sports Network. The live streaming of the match will be available on Disney+Hotstar App and Website.
Both India and New Zealand will look to bring their A-game to the table in Ranchi and start the series with a win. With a sporting wicket and a mix of young and experienced players in both teams, fans can expect an exciting and closely contested match. It will be interesting to see how the Indian team, led by Hardik Pandya, performs in the T20I series after their recent success in the ODIs. On the other hand, New Zealand will look to bounce back and put on an improved performance in the T20Is. With so much at stake and both teams looking to make a statement, the first match of the T20I series promises to be an enthralling encounter.
