New Zealand's hunt for a rare series win in India
| Date | October 24-28, 2024 |
| Time | 9:30 AM IST |
| Venue | Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune |
| Format | Test Match |
| Series | New Zealand tour of India, 2024 |
Betting Odds
Our Predictions
- Virat Kohli has odds of 4.10 to be India's best batsman.
- Rachin Ravindra has odds of 4.40 to be New Zealand's best batsman.
- Ravichandran Ashwin has odds of 3.00 to be India's best bowler
- Ajaz Patel has odds of 3.45 to be New Zealand's best bowler
MATCH PREVIEW
It isn't often that the Indians start at home Test Series with a loss. After their 8-wicket in the 1st Test Match, the hosts will be under pressure. The Indians' disastrous batting performance in the first innings sowed seeds for their defeat. They have a strong side and an excellent record playing at home, and they look to put up a strong show in this game. The Kiwis beat all the odds to register their first win on Indian soil in 36 years. They will be confident knowing their hosts are under pressure. As the Indian team aims to put up a strong fightback in the game, we expect a good contest between the two teams.
India Preview
Rohit Sharma expressed his dismay at India's worst-ever batting performance at home in Test Cricket. They need to get over the 46-run first-inning disaster in the last game. The famed batting lineup showed its sparks in the second innings. The team will look to draw inspiration from their past performances against New Zealand at home. Sharma would like his team to perform spiritedly in this game and justify their odds on cricket betting sites.
Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal must convert their starts into big scores as New Zealand has a strong new-ball attack. Shubman Gill's return will strengthen the batting, and he will look to build partnerships with Virat Kohli and the last game's best batter, Sarfaraz Khan. Rishab Pant is enjoying good form and will look to add runs with Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja.
New Zealand's batsmen are in good form, and the team needs a good show with the new ball from Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep. They must use the early conditions well. The wicket will assist the spinners, and Indians would like to see the spin trio of Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja to excel.
Expected Starting XI for India
Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Akash Deep
New Zealand Preview
Tom Latham's team has started well below the Indians on cricket betting apps before the last game. The visitors pulled off an emphatic win with a strong show from their bowlers in the last game. They are on the verge of a historic series win in India, and Latham and his men would look to put up a strong show in this game.
Devon Conway batted brilliantly in the last game and will look to deliver a strong start with Tom Latham. Rachin Ravindra's match-winning knock changed the course of the game, and he must do well in the middle order with Will Young and Daryl Mitchell. The team will expect a good show in the lower middle order from Tom Blundell, Glenn Phillips, and Tim Southee.
The bowling attack set up the victory with an incredible show in the 1st innings. The team will need early strikes from Tim Southee and Matt Henry. William O'Rourke troubles the Indians in both innings, and his spell as 1st change bowler will be crucial. Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, and Rachin Ravindra complete the right mix of spin and pace for the New Zealanders.
Expected Starting XI for New Zealand
Tom Latham (c), Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Glenn Phillips, Matt Henry, Tim Southee, Ajaz Patel, William O'Rourke
TOSS: To Bowl First
The track in Pune is great to bowl on in the first innings. The wicket has something for the bowlers, and the conditions improve from Day 2 onward. The toss will be an important factor in this game. The team winning the toss would look to bowl first and use the Day 1 conditions to their advantage.
PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS
We will have clear skies during this Test Match, a respite from the erratic weather during the last game. The batting conditions will be good, but fast bowlers will enjoy bowling on this track. Spinners will find it an exciting track to bowl on. The side batting first will aim for 400 runs or more to be in the driver's seat.
OUR PREDICTION
New Zealand rewrote history in the last game with a solid performance. They will walk into this game with their confidence high. The side will expect a good show from their bowling attack, as the Indian batsmen aren't likely to repeat the same mistakes as in the last game. The Indians have a good record at home in the last two decades. Based on their recent performances, the Indians will be the favorites.
Our prediction is for India to win
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