New Zealand vs India, 4th ODI: Preview and predicted playing XI
It's another series victory for India away from home. After winning the 3rd ODI at Mount Maunganui, India won their first ODI series in New Zealand after 10 years. India were clinical in their bowling and never allowed the New Zealand batters to run away with the match. Even when Tom Latham and Ross Taylor were building a huge partnership, the run rate never got out of control. An excellent bowling display from the Indians meant that New Zealand could score only 243 runs.
In reply, the Indians were in control of the run chase throughout the innings. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli had a century-run partnership between them. In the end, Ambati Rayadu and Dinesh Karthik finished the match with ease. Mohammed Shami won the Man of the Match award.
Now the action moves to Seddon Park in Hamilton for the fourth One Day International of the series. New Zealand have a decent record at this venue. Till now they have played 28 One Day Internationals here and have won 19 out of them. While on the other hand, Team India has played 9 matches on this ground and has managed to win only 3 out of them.
Virat Kohli would not be a part of the team for the final two ODIs. He has taken a much-deserved rest after a long tour of Australia and New Zealand. Rohit Sharma will lead the team in his absence.
So there are definitely some forced changes that will take place in the Indian team. Also, if MS Dhoni is fit, he will walk back into the team. Dinesh Karthik might have to sit out and make way for MS Dhoni. Shubman Gill might get a game in at number 3. He is a young exciting talent to watch out for. Everyone is excited to see this young lad at the top level.
Predicted playing XI: Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Ambati Rayadu, MS Dhoni, Kedar Jadhav, Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, and Yuzvendra Chahal.
After the one-sided series defeat, the New Zealand team would be disappointed with their performance. Their batsman, especially their openers, have failed to impress. Their batsmen were just not able to spend much time at the crease to give them a chance.
New Zealand has announced their squad for the final two ODIs. There are two changes made to the squad. Jimmy Neesham and Todd Astle are back in place of Ish Sodhi and Doug Bracewell. Both of them are likely to play in the playing XI. The addition of Jimmy Neesham would strengthen their batting. Another change that is likely to happen is Tim Southee coming in for Lockie Ferguson. The latter has looked ordinary in all the matches. So it is worth giving Tim Southee a look in the playing XI.
Predicted playing XI: Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Jimmy Neesham, Mitchel Santner, Todd Astle, Tim Southee, and Trent Boult.