The three-match T20I series between India and New Zealand is all set to begin on Friday, January 27 at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi. Heading into the series, India will be confident after an outstanding performance in the ODIs. The hosts defeated New Zealand convincingly in the third ODI, to clean-sweeping the three-match series.
All-rounder Hardik Pandya will lead the Indian team in the series. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are not part of the squad. The duo hasn’t played a single T20I since the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final exit against England. On the other hand, Mitchell Santner will be leading the visitors. The likes of Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips, and Lockie Ferguson will have a vital role for them to make a comeback on this tour.
Looking at the powerful squads of both teams, we are in for an exciting contest on Friday at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi. Let’s take a look at the Match details, pitch report predicted playing XI, and fantasy team suggestions.
Match Details
Details: India vs New Zealand, First T20I
Venue: JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi
Date and Time: Friday, January 27, 7:00 PM IST
Pitch Report
The pitch at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi is expected to suit the batters, with some help for the bowlers. The average first-innings score at the ground is 155. Team India chased down 154 runs in the last T20I game played here against New Zealand.
Match Prediction
A high-profile game awaits as both teams will try to win the series. However, the Kiwis won’t get the service of a few of their senior players so it can be expected that India can come out on top at the end of this game as well. However, things can change, and New Zealand can certainly give a tough fight. Betway has also placed its odds in favour of New Zealand at 2.87.
India (IND) vs New Zealand (NZ) – Predicted Playing XI
India: Hardik Pandya (C), Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, Washington Sundar, Rahul Tripathi, Deepak Hooda, Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul, Umran Malik, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav
New Zealand: Mitchell Santner, Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, Ish Sodhi, Dane Cleaver, Glenn Phillips, Lockie Ferguson, Blair Tickner, Ben Lister
Fantasy Team Suggestions – IND vs NZ
Team 1: Devon Conway, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Glenn Phillips, Shubman Gill, Michael Bracewell (VC), Mitchell Santner, Hardik Pandya (C), Kuldeep Yadav, Lockie Ferguson, Arshdeep Singh
Team 2: Devon Conway (VC), Rahul Tripathi, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Glenn Phillips, Shubman Gill, Michael Bracewell, Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Lockie Ferguson, Ish Sodhi
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