New Zealand's predicted playing XI for the 1st ODI against India
New Zealand will take on India in a 5-match ODI series and 3 T20Is at home. The 1st ODI is set to begin on 23rd January, Wednesday at Mclean Park, Napier. The visitors are in good form, beating Australia 2-1 in a 3-match ODI series and with players like MS Dhoni returning to form, and this promises to be a cracker of a series.
New Zealand have had a rollicking start to the year and thrashed Sri Lanka in the 3 ODIs and T20I they played. Their top order seems to be in great form while their bowling lineup did well as well.
Let's take a look at New Zealand's predicted playing XI for the 1st ODI against India.
Openers - Martin Guptill and Colin Munro
Martin Guptill has been on fire in the last few months and has scored runs at a quick pace at the top of the order. Guptill scored 153 runs in the 3-match ODI series against Sri Lanka but was dismissed for 1 in the 1st T20I. Guptill nevertheless will be looking to score big against the Indian bowlers who seem to be in good form. A player who loves playing in ICC tournaments, the Kiwis will hope that Guptill gets in his groove.
Colin Munro is slowly settling into his role as an opener in the ODI team after cementing his spot in T20Is. Munro had a good series against Sri Lanka and scored 121 runs in 3 matches averaging 40.33. He is a devastating player when on form and New Zealand will hope that he gets set into the team before the World Cup. Though India's bowling attack will be more of a test for Munro than Sri Lanka, he can be a big threat to India.