Team India were stunned when New Zealand shattered their momentum chasing down the mammoth target of 348 runs in the first ODI in Hamilton. With 0-1 down in the series, the Men in Blues will look to come all guns blazing to keep their hopes alive in the three-match series when they lock horns in the 2nd ODI on February 8 (Saturday) at the Eden Park in Auckland.
The Kiwis produced some outstanding cricket in the first ODI to chase down a mammoth total set by the visitors. Having won the first game, New Zealand have given themselves a solid chance to win their first bilateral ODI series against India in six years. They last won a series in January 2014, defeating India 4-0 in a five-match series at home.
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However, the Black Caps will have to improve their bowling in the absence of their star pacers. But Ross Taylor's purple patch with the bat has helped them overpower the weak links in the batting front. The home side will hope to replicate their effort and seal the series with one match to go.
On the other hand, India will have to work a lot on their playing XI ahead of the second ODI. The management received severe criticisms for not picking Navdeep Saini in the first match of the series. Also, Kuldeep Yadav's selection over Yuzvendra Chahal backfired as the left-arm spinner had very limited game time in this tour. The Men in Blues will hope to go all guns blazing and level terms in the series.
Match Prediction
New Zealand will be brimming with confidence winning the first match of the series. They will hope to keep the winning run and seal the series. India, on the other hand, is very dangerous coming from behind. It was an off day in business for Virat Kohli & his boys, who will look to rectify their mistakes and come good in the 2nd ODI.
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Despite 0-1 down in the series, India will start as the favourites in the Auckland ODI and level the series.