New Zealand and India are set to contest a five-match ODI series. The Indian team is in New Zealand for an all-format tour and began with a 3-2 series victory in the T20Is.
Eden Park, Auckland, is the venue for the first ODI on Wednesday, November 4. The two teams have played 123 matches against each other in the format so far. India have the upper hand with 63 wins, while New Zealand have won 52 matches.
However, the Kiwis have dominated at home. In 45 matches, they have won 26, while India have just 14 wins. When the Men in Blue last played an ODI series in New Zealand, they lost 0-1. Moreover, they have not won a game in the format in New Zealand since 2019.
Shubman Gill and his troops will aim to turn the tables this time around. It will be a crucial series for both teams in terms of preparations for the World Cup as well. That said, here are three bowlers who could rule the bowling charts in the upcoming one-dayers.
#1 Mitchell Santner
New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner was phenomenal with the ball in the T20I series. He was the leading wicket-taker with nine scalps from five games at an average of 15.55 and an economy rate of 7.36.
Against India in ODIs, Santner has 17 wickets from 25 matches at an average of 56.70 and an economy rate of 4.74. At home, he has 53 wickets from as many matches at an average of 34.43 and an economy rate of 4.83.
Despite his record not being as great against the Men in Blue in this format, Santner will be the bowler to watch out for given the form he showed in the T20Is. He will have a massive role to play with the ball for the hosts, particularly in the middle overs.
#2 Kuldeep Yadav
Wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav’s case continues to remain a curious mystery. He did not get a single game in the T20I series, where New Zealand’s spinners did well consistently. For India to dominate in the ODI series, they will have to play Kuldeep, who can be their wicket-taking option.
In 16 games in the format against New Zealand, Kuldeep has picked up 27 wickets at an average of 30.14 and an economy rate of 5.89, with best figures of 4/39. Kuldeep has an impressive record in New Zealand as well. In five matches, he has ten wickets at an average of 20.90 and an economy rate of 5.35.
In India’s recent series against West Indies at home, the wrist-spinner bagged seven wickets from three matches at an average of 23.85 and an economy rate of 5.56.
#3 Matt Henry
Another key player for New Zealand with the ball would be pacer Matt Henry. He will have a crucial role to play in the powerplay against India’s top order that includes Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
Matt Henry has been exceptional in ODIs against India. In 11 matches, he has taken 21 wickets at an average of 21.00 and an economy rate of 4.48, with best figures of 5/42.
Moreover, the pacer has a brilliant record at home as well. In 42 matches, he has claimed 80 wickets at an average of 20.13 and an economy rate of 4.62, with best figures of 5/40.
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Edited by Rishab Vm
