India vs New Zealand will face each other in their first super eight match on 16 September 2007. After the recent victory against their arch rival Pakistan, Indian players now must be inspired to play well in the match against New Zealand. Both India and New Zealand are cricket powers in the cricket world. Moreover, both teams are favorites in the tournament. So, no doubt, India vs New Zealand match will be a tough match for both teams.
The match will be held at the Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg. Ahead of the important match, both teams will try to win it to go one step ahead to the semi final round. India and New Zealand will play in Group E where they have to face cricket powers like England and South Africa. So, both India and New Zealand will try to win the match. Actually, I think, Group E is comparatively hard group and the competition here is expected to be also hard. So, fans are eagerly waiting to see all of the matches of this group.
India started their tournament in style defeating arch rival Pakistan in group stage. So, I guess, the whole team is now full of confidence and for sure, they will try to continue their success against New Zealand as well. On the other hand, New Zealand players will try to forget their poor performance in the last group stage match against Sri Lanka. So, it seems that the India vs New Zealand match is going to be hard for both the teams as both sides are one of the best in the cricket world.
India’s Strength
Batting is the main strength of Indian team. However, the good news for India is that their bowlers were up to the mark in the last match. So, ahead of the match New Zealand, Indian fans can be hopeful for something special as Indian bowlers could retain their form. Among the batsmen Robin Uthappa was tremendous in the last match as this young opener made a valiant half century to lead his team to a descent total. Indian team has some hard hitter batsmen who can change the situation single handedly. Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh are solid big hitters. India will expect some impressive innings from them. Dhoni was impressive in the last match with his 33 runs in a crucial situation. Though Sehwag and Yuvraj failed in the last match, they will have lots of responsibility of Indian batting in the upcoming match against New Zealand. Actually I think, Dinesh Karthik has potential to come up with a good innings. In the lower order, bowling all rounder Irfan Pathan and Ajit Agarkar can perform well and give a boost to the Indian innings. Irfan Pathan played a cameo innings in the last match that helped India to achieve a fighting score.
I have mentioned earlier that Indian bowlers were up to the mark in the last match. Irfan Pathan bowled very well. In his four overs he took 2 wickets conceding just 20 runs. So, it is also good news for India that their strike bowler Pathan could get his rhythm back. Pacer Rudra Pratap Singh was excellent as he conceded only 22 runs in his four overs tanking one wicket. Spinner Harbhajan Singh bowled well. Ajit Agarkar is an experienced bowler and he can impress with his medium pace against New Zealand. Though it is little harder to predict if India come up with any change against New Zealand but I think, the current squad looks strong enough to keep it unchanged. However, if there is any change then either Rohit Sharma or Yusuf Pathan can be given a chance to the squad.
New Zealand Strength
New Zealand squad looks balanced. Both in batting and bowling they have some consistent performer which is the main strength of New Zealand. Another important thing is that they have some quality hard hitters and fast bowlers. They have all rounders like Jacob Oram. Among the hard hitters Ross Taylor, Peter Fulton, Jacob Oram, Scott Styris and Brendon McCullum can be vital for India. Among the bowlers, I think, Shane Bond will be difficult for India. Pacer Mark Gillespie and two all rounders Jacob Oram and Scott Styris are in good form. Captain Daniel Vettori is one of the best left arm spinner in the world at this moment. So, no doubt, it will not be so easy for Indian to face these players.
New Zealand team is a combination of youth and experienced cricketers. It is true that they are missing their long time captain Steven Fleming. So, considering their bowling and batting line up I think, the fans are going to experience an exciting match between India and New Zealand. Indian batsmen struggled against Asif in the match. So, if Indian batsmen are not careful then they may struggle against Shane Bond. However, Bond was not impressive in the last match against Sri Lanka. I think, Vettori can also be difficult for India.
I think, both India and New Zealand have equal chance to win the match. Both teams have some match winner who can change the match by themselves. What I want is to see a competitive match and I hope all the fans do the same. As both India and New Zealand are two cricket powers it is not possible to predict anything beforehand. Twenty20 is such a format where situation changes after every few overs. So, I think, cricket fans are going to see a classic match between India and New Zealand. Now, let us see who will win the match.
India’s 15 Men Twenty 20 Squad:
Mahendra Singh Dhoni (C), Yuvraj Singh (VC), Virender Sehwag, Robin Uthappa, Gautam Gambhir, Rohit Sharma, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Yusuf Pathan, Joginder Sharma, Rudra Pratap Singh, Irfan Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, Piyush Chawla, Ajit Agarkar, S Sreesanth.
New Zealand’s 15 Men Twenty20 Squad:
Daniel Vettori (c), Shane Bond, Peter Fulton, Mark Gillespie, Gareth Hopkins, Brendon McCullum (wk), Nathan McCullum, Craig McMillan, Chris Martin, Jacob Oram, Jeetan Patel, Bradley Scott, Scott Styris, Ross Taylor, Lou Vincent
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