After completing a whitewash in T20Is, India was stunned by New Zealand’s fightback in the first ODI of their three-match series; courtesy a brilliant century from Ross Taylor and crucial half-centuries from Henry Nicholls and Tom Latham. Trailing the series 0-1, India will now face New Zealand in a do or die second ODI clash at Eden Park on February 8. India will have to bring their A-game if they are to prevent a series defeat against the Kiwis. Despite posting a huge total of 347, India’s bowling unit was ineffective in the middle overs and failed to defend the target.
New Zealand, on the other hand, after suffering Super Over heartbreaks, snapped their losing streak to register their highest successful run chase in ODIs. Ross Taylor led the chase along with stand-in captain Tom Latham and opener Henry Nicholls. New Zealand will be high in confidence and will look to seal the series in the second ODI itself.
India Preview
After the setback in Hamilton, Virat and Co. will aim to bounce back in Auckland. India will look to address their bowling woes ahead of the 2nd ODI. India has all sorts of troubles in their bowling department. India’s key spinner Kuldeep Yadav has struggled in ODIs in last few matches and there is a chance that Yuzvendra Chahal will come in place of him. Shardul Thakur too was expensive with the ball and Virat might go for Navdeep Saini ahead of him in the second ODI.
Probable Playing XI
India
Prithvi Shaw, Mayank Agarwal, KL Rahul (wk), Virat Kohli (c), Shreyas Iyer, Kedar Jadhav, Ravindra Jadeja, Navdeep Saini, Mohammed Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah.
New Zealand Preview
New Zealand showed a great fightback in the first ODI and would look to produce the same in the second ODI to claim the series. Stand-in captain Tom Latham did a great job in the absence of Kane Williamson and was brilliant with the bat. Ross Taylor too showed why he is considered as one of the best batsmen in the world. New Zealand will likely go with the same winning squad, however, they would still like to improve their bowling which went for plenty in the previous match. So far, New Zealand have made all the right noises with the bat and they would look to continue this in the second ODI as well.
Probable Playing XI
New Zealand
Martin Guptill, Henry Nicholls, Tom Blundell, Ross Taylor, Tom Latham, Jimmy Neesham, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Hamish Bennett.
In the spotlight
India
Virat Kohli
Shreyas Iyer
New Zealand
Ross Taylor
Tom Latham
Pitch Report
The Eden Park pitch is generally a good batting track. The ground is small so spinners might struggle to contain the batsmen. The ball will skid onto the bat nicely under lights as the dew is likely to play a big role again. Both the teams would want to chase.
Weather conditions
The weather in Auckland will be partly cloudy. There are 10% chances of rain on the game day. The temperature will be around 23 degree Celsius.
