Somebody will lose their perfect record at the ICC Cricket World Cup on Sunday when the hosts India take on New Zealand in a battle of the two unbeaten teams in the latest match in the competition in Lucknow.
These two teams have both played four matches and they have won the lot so top spot is on the line in this match and with five wins from five more than one foot will be placed into the semi-finals for the winner. The loser won’t be in bad shape though so hopefully we get our first standout game here.
India
We went into the tournament wondering if anything other than the pressure of expectation would be able to stop India in this competition and after almost half of the group stage we are still wondering that. India have had a couple of matches against Afghanistan and Bangladesh that you would have expected them to win but they have also faced Australia and Pakistan and come through without much of a challenge against them at all.
The one thing India haven’t done in this tournament yet is bat first so it will be interesting to see how they go when that is the case. In the main the tracks they have batted on have got easier in the second innings although their bowlers have done such a good job that it wouldn’t have mattered if they hadn’t. There are one or two injuries beginning to appear in the Indian camp as well and that is something to keep an eye on for the remainder of the group phase.
New Zealand
New Zealand probably haven’t caught the eye as much as India because they are not full of global superstars with the bat but there is no doubting that they have been as impressive as the host nation and now they get as close to a free crack at them as they are going to get, and perhaps the chance to lay something of a marker down should these two teams meet later in the season. A win would also continue the confidence they are building up.
Given that New Zealand have already faced the Netherlands, Bangladesh and Afghanistan in the competition, perceived to be the three weakest teams, we can suggest that the challenges are going to get harder but there has been nothing to suggest that they won’t be able to handle that. New Zealand have been the best bowling team in the tournament so far, although some of that might be down to the soft schedule they have had to date.
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Team News
India will be forced into a change for this match because Hardik pandya has been ruled out with the injury he sustained against Bangladesh. Rahul Dravid hasn’t committed to whether Suryakumar Yadav or Mohammad Shami will replace him but either way the balance of the side could be affected.
New Zealand aren’t expected to make any changes to what has been a winning side for them. Kane Williamson is still missing with the injury he picked up in an early game and there might not be a way in for Tim Southee at present.
Betting
I get why India are the favourites for this match but if there was any venue New Zealand would probably want to take them on in it probably is Dharamsala. Their seamers will get a lot of natural assistance with the new ball on this ground and that could be key because their opening bowlers have gone very well in this tournament so far and if they can get deep into the Indian line up they might run into a couple of rusty players who haven’t batted for a while.
Hardik Pandya is a big loss for India given that he is two players in one and that is another positive on the New Zealand front. I don’t want to take India on in the match betting though but in these conditions I certainly think that the Kiwis can stay close. They have a good record against India and don’t fear anyone and their solid, dependable style can have them be competitive in this one. They are getting a 5.5 wicket or 31.5 run start on the handicap and that feels a little big to me.
Tips
Back New Zealand (+5.5wickets/31.5runs) to beat India for a 3/10 stake at 1.91 with Bet365
