India vs New Zealand: 6th ODI Preview

India vs New Zealand - Sri Lanka Triangular Series, 6th Match Preview.

The Sri Lanka Triangular Series has seen inconsistent performances from all three teams involved. There has been a convincing performance from each team followed by a dismal show in the next match.

No team has been able to gather the all-important momentum in the tournament. It’s time for the final match of the round robin and India and New Zealand face off for a place in the final.

The biggest chink in the armour for New Zealand may turn out to be the inexperienced batting line-up. The tournament has constantly been hampered by rain and New Zealand’s match against Sri Lanka was washed away.

Therefore, the Kiwi batsmen have not had the opportunity to bat in the middle for the last 12 days. Kiwis captain Ross Taylor said that the lack of action for the batting line-up may be cause of some concern.

Indian captain MS Dhoni has won every tournament in Sri Lanka since taking over the reins of the national team. However, the 100% record for ‘Mahi’ at the Emerald Isle is under threat. His personal form is also a cause of concern; the wicketkeeper batsman has not been able to produce in the last 2 outings with the bat that he has had.

The only optimistic aspect as far as Indian batting is concerned is the form of Yuvraj Singh. He showed glimpses of his former self in the defeat against Sri Lanka in the last match. In the last 6 matches, India have maintained a consistency of switching between wins and losses.

Dhoni said that it is imperative that the team starts winning consistently, and he would do his best to revive the form of his team.

Meanwhile, New Zealand tends to lose and win in pairs: in their last 5 matches, they lost 2, then won 2 and then lost the last one. If the sequence is to be broken, they would have to win against India in their next match.

For the Black Caps, Scott Styris will be a crucial player. He has been the most consistent Kiwi batsman this year, and has carried that form to Sri Lanka. He has been scoring runs and bowling with relative control. In the last match, he managed 2 for 36 and should be able to hold his own in his 168th ODI for New Zealand.

Indian Captain MS Dhoni has not been able to find his feet in Dambulla, but he still remains the top ranked ODI batsman. With his past record, he does not need a long patch of form to come good and can turn any match on its head when he fires.

Other than him, as mentioned, Yuvraj looks to be hitting form at the right time. Other than that, the rest of the young batting line-up seems to be finding it hard to cope with the seamer-friendly conditions.

As far as the team news is concerned, New Zealand are expected to bring back Martin Guptill at the opening slot. He missed the last game due to an injury. Their key all-rounder Jacob Oram will miss the match due to a knee problem. Andy McKay is expected to fill in for Oram. Kane Williamson is also doubtful and would undergo a late fitness test.

India, on the other hand, do not have any injury worries. Despite losing the last match to Sri Lanka, there is not expected to be too much change in the team for the all-important match.

The only position in question may be of Dinesh Karthik or Rohit Sharma, and the former Under-19 captain Virat Kohli may be drafted in.

A new pitch is to be used for the match, and once again the toss would be crucial. ‘Win the toss and bat first’ would be the mantra, as dew once again would be difficult to handle late in the day.

India (L W L W W)
Aug 22, 2010: India v Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka won by 8 wickets
Aug 16, 2010: India vs. Sri Lanka: India won by 6 wickets
Aug 10, 2010: India v New Zealand: New Zealand won by 200 runs
Jun 24, 2010: India v Sri Lanka: India won by 81 runs
June 22, 2010: India vs Sri Lanka : Sri Lanka won by 7 wickets

New Zealand (NR L W W L)

Aug 19-20, 2010: New Zealand v Sri Lanka: No result
Aug 13, 2010: New Zealand v Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka won by 3 wickets
Aug 10, 2010: New Zealand v India: New Zealand won by 200 runs
Mar 13, 2010: New Zealand v Australia: New Zealand won by 51 runs
Mar 11, 2010: New Zealand v Australia: Australia won by 6 wickets