India vs New Zealand, 1st ODI, Match Prediction: Who will win the match between the Men in Blue and Blackcaps
After humiliating Australia in the recently concluded ODI series, the Indian cricket team will now look to carry on their good run of form against New Zealand in a five-match ODI series which begins in Mumbai on October 22.
The Blackcaps have not played a single match since the conclusion of the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 and will be itching to get back on the field.
They last played India in a three-match Test series around the same time last year where they suffered a whitewash against a dominant Indian side.
The Kiwis landed in India last week and have played two practice matches against the Board Presidents XI side. They lost the first match by 30 runs but bounced back to win the 2nd match by 33 runs after scoring 343 in the first innings of the match.
Kane Williamson's men will come out all guns blazing but will have their task cut out against Kohli's side, who have not lost a series since 2015.
Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
Time: 13:30 IST
Prediction:
If India bat first:
Predicted score: 320+
The Wankhede pitch is one which usually assists batsmen throughout the match. Given the nature of the pitch and the small boundaries, we could expect the Men in Blue to attack the New Zealand bowlers from the word go.
Shikhar Dhawan, who is making a comeback to the side will be raring to go and fans will be itching to see him bat alongside Rohit Sharma once again.
If New Zealand bat first:
Predicted score: 300+
The Kiwi batsmen have shown what they are capable of in their latest practice match. Ross Taylor and Tom Latham will look to continue their good form with the bat and help their side score a big total.
Kane Williamson has not been in great form off late and will be itching to get back into his groove. The pitch will surely assist the New Zealand batsmen as well and we could expect a big score from them.
Predicted winner: India