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India will take on New Zealand in the first T20I game of the three-match series at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi on Friday, January 27.
Hardik Pandya will continue to lead the Men in Blue while the world’s no. 1 T20I batter Suryakumar Yadav has retained the position of vice-captain in the side. On the other hand, in the absence of New Zealand’s regular skipper Kane Williamson, Mitchell Santner would captain the Blackcaps.
India started their 2023 on a high note by defeating Sri Lanka in both T20I and ODI leg earlier this month. And now, after whitewashing New Zealand (3-0) in the 50-overs format, the host will surely look to continue their winning streak in the T20I series as well.
Opening batter Ruturaj Gaikwad has been ruled out of the T20I series following a wrist injury, and it has been confirmed that no replacement for Gaikwad will be announced. In the absence of Gaikwad, Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan are expected to open the innings for India.
India wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav and New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell, who played exceptionally well in the ODI series, will also be back in action in the T20Is.
Pitch Report:
The JSCA International Stadium Complex track favours the batters, and the ball comes nicely onto the bat. Only three T20Is have been played at the venue so far, with India winning all of them. The average first-inning score at the stadium is around 160-170. Both teams would look to chase down the target due to due factor.
Probable XI:
India: Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan (wk), Rahul Tripathi, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya (c), Deepak Hooda, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Umran Malik, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav
New Zealand: Finn Allen, Daryl Mitchell, Devon Conway (wk), Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Blair Tickner, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy
Head-to-head record:
India won: 03 | New Zealand won: 01 | Tied: 01
Match Prediction:
Case 1
- India wins the toss and bowls first
- Powerplay score: 35-45
- New Zealand total: 170-175
Case 2
- New Zealand wins the toss and bowls first
- Powerplay score: 40-50
- India total: 175-180
Team batting second to win the contest.
