India have been in stupendous form on home soil. The team have consistently won all 6 bilateral ODI series under current captain Virat Kohli. And India will look to continue their unwavering form and impeccable record with a series win against the Kiwis. Here’s how the teams have stacked up so far.
New Zealand have done exceedingly well to get on even terms with India. In the first ODI match in Mumbai, the new-ball attack of Trent Boult and Tim Southee impaled India’s batting order. And during the New Zealand chase, their decision to send Tom Latham down the order did the trick. Latham and Ross Taylor were able to tackle the Indian wrist spinners to good effect – steadily milking away the runs. The move helped secure a handsome win in the first ODI. And even though India made short work of the Kiwis in the second, it set the stage for a delightful series decider at Kanpur.
© AP
Up to the task, India have steadily proved that they are a tall order to tackle on home soil. In the second ODI at Kanpur, under pressure, India asserted that fact with dominance. Along with a tall top-order in place, India are backed by their belligerent bowling pairs. New Zealand, however, will look to emulate what South Africa did two years ago – beat India in their own backyard.
They will face stiff resistance from a resilient home team who will be looking to maintain their impeccable record by pressing for a sweet 7th series win.
– Varun Kumar | SpreadSports
