Source (BCCI).

It has been quiet an ideal start for team India this year as they won the historic test series in Australia, won the ODI series against Australia and after 10 years they won the ODI series against New Zealand in New Zealand. New Zealand on the other hand were expected to be a tough opponent but as it turned out they were thrashed in the ODIs barring that exceptional performance in Hamilton.

Now the focus turns to the shortest format of the game which some may think is irrelevant keeping World Cup 2019 in mind. Both the teams would like to give tough competition to each other.

Talking about New Zealand, very rarely it is seen they get beaten comprehensively on their home turf. They have got plenty of problems to ponder about. Beginning from the top order the openers Colin Munro and Martin Guptill are nowhere near their best. The latter being injured has been ruled out of the series. Colin Munro who was at his destructive best last year would love to get back to form.

The New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson not known for an out to out t20 player also had struggled in the ODI series managing just one fifty. He showed glimpses of how effective he can be in t20s during IPL where he was the best batsman for Sunrisers. Certainly he would like to repeat that. Jimmy Neesham who looked to take the game away from India in the last ODI must be a positive for the hosting side. Trent Boult who was the leading wicket-taker in the ODIs has been rested owing to workload management.

Whereas India are a formidable unit because they have strong batting line-up even without the likes of Virat Kohli and a great variety in their bowling department. MS Dhoni who wasn't a part of the squad against Windies and Australia would be seen doning the gloves again in the shortest format. His addition would be vital as India would be looking to give him maximum match-time. The other two wicket-keepers Dinesh Karthik and Rishabh Pant are also in the squad. It would be interesting to see how the team management decide to use their services.

Date and Time: 6 Feb, 12:30 PM IST

Venue: Westpac Stadium, Wellington.

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