The stage is set for an exciting match between India and New Zealand at the Dubai International Stadium, with the Indian team looking to build on their impressive performances against Bangladesh and Pakistan. As we head into this highly anticipated encounter, it’s natural to wonder: can India beat New Zealand? To get a better sense of what to expect, let’s take a closer look at the head-to-head record between these two teams.
Head-to-Head Record: A Closer Look
The statistics are pretty telling – in 118 ODI matches, India has come out on top 60 times, while New Zealand has won 50. There have been 7 instances where the match ended without a result, and 1 tie. On paper, at least, it seems India has a slight edge in the ODI format. But, as we all know, past performances don’t necessarily dictate future outcomes.
Team Changes: What to Expect
There’s a possibility that the Indian team might make some changes to their lineup, particularly with captain Rohit Sharma potentially sitting this one out. If that’s the case, Rishabh Pant could get a chance to shine. Meanwhile, fast bowler Mohammed Shami might be rested, paving the way for Arshdeep Singh to join the playing XI. An interesting question is, who would open with Shubman Gill if Rohit Sharma is indeed given a break? The answer could be KL Rahul, which would likely see the rest of the batting order remain relatively unchanged.
Predicted Lineup
So, what might the Indian team look like against New Zealand? One possible lineup could be: KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Akshar Patel, Hardik Pandya, Washington, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, and Kuldeep Yadav. Of course, only time will tell if this is the actual lineup, but it’s an intriguing combination that could give New Zealand a run for their money. As we count down to the match, one thing’s for sure – it’s going to be a thrilling encounter between two talented teams. Will India be able to beat New Zealand? We’ll just have to wait and see.