Aug

25

Ind vs NZ Live Score: Batting Woes in DO or Die Knockout Clash between India and New Zealand

By Priyanka Mohanti - Wednesday, August 25th, 2010   |   2,812 views   |  

IND V NZ

IND V NZ

If we look at the overview of all the matches in the tri series involving India, New-Zealand and Sri-Lanka, the teams have been largely inconsistent. There is no rhyme or rhythm of their match outcomes, winning with style one day and slumping to a disastrous defeat the next. The coming match between India and New-Zealand in the 6th ODI would be a culmination of suspense as both would face off against each other in a knock-out match in Dambulla.

Batting woes of New-Zealand are the talk of the day since the batsmen have virtually no experience and are new. It is largely over optimistic to assume they would somehow overcome the acclaimed and war toughened Indian bowling line-up. To complicate matters, their previous match against Sri-Lanka being called off due to unseasonal rains which effectively meant that they were not allowed to bat real time for around dozen days. Also the fact that the format of the game allows ample time for relaxation, does not aid their predicament.

Dhoni’s unblemished record of never losing any tournament in Sri-Lanka is severely affected since India’s unimpressive batting display in their previous 2 matches which they lost so badly, they would have preferred any other humiliation than that. During Sunday’s pathetic batting all around by the Indians, Yuvraj Singh’s return of form was the only silver lining in the otherwise bleak picture.

We’ll certainly give you what you should be looking out for:

* Scott Styris with 168 ODI caps would be the most experienced batsman for New-Zealand in an otherwise inexperienced batting line-up. He’s also enjoying the conditions in Dambulla which is proven by the 2/36 in his last match.
* M.S. Dhoni-It is time for the captain to lead from the front as his team haplessly fails to adjust to the seaming conditions. He’s also the Numero Uno batsman so maybe he should also live up to his rating.

In other news, Martin Guptill is back in New-Zealand squad after he sat out of the last being plagued with injury. Jacob Oram would be a notable absence as his injured knee is rendering him incapable of bowling. He’s most likely to be replaced by Andy-McKay. Kane Williamson is also doubtful after his biceps injury. India on the other hand aren’t missing any from their current arsenal but would be bringing in Virat Kohli in place of either Karthik or Rohit Sharma.

Pitch report:

The pitch was freshly laid for the match and has already been checked by the Indian captain. Dhoni  said, “Initially, there will be a bit of help for the seamers. During the daytime, they can swing the ball with the breeze. And under the lights, it always swings here.”

A slight drizzle is expected on Wednesday and Taylor believes he would have more chance of a win if they chased since there would be the inexplicable D/L method again but we suggest  a conventional bat first policy if clear skies persist as it is customary for day-nighters in Dambulla.

Captain Speak:

MS Dhoni tells us-”We just have to be careful not to fish at the ball. Rather we will have to just leave or play a shot.”

Taylor isn’t flustered with the Knockout situation as he says-

“It’s just a game of cricket and every game you play you play to win, we don’t want to put any more pressure on ourselves and that’s the attitude we’ll be going with.”

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