India vs New Zealand 1st T20I preview

Its time for the long awaited test.India tour of New Zealand. 5 T20s ,3 ODIs and 2 Tests.

Today the 1st T20 will start at the Auckland, at the Eden Park Cricket stadium at 12:20 PM local time. Since the World Cup, India will be facing New Zealand for the first time. Both captains VK and KW will look to get off to a good start.

India are coming after a successful 2-1 win against Australia in ODIs, the kiwis just suffered a 3-0 against the same opposition in the longest format. But since the World Cup, the kiwis have proved to be a second to none squad after almost winning the World Cup against England, even though the match was in a way tied as the locals there might tell you. They knocked out VK's men in the semi-final to make it there. And with the World Cup returning to the big stage in the shortest format this year in Australia, the 5 T20s will be hard fought and crucial to both teams for the preparation for the T20 WC. India are now stepping out of their backyard and into New Zealand's fortress. The last time they were here, India came out on top (4-1) in ODIs but failed (2-1) in the T20s. New Zealand will be looking for redemption against Australia on their home turf against the Indians and the Indians will want their scores settled for the World Cup semi-final.

The last T20 played between the 2 sides in Auckland, India emerged victorious with some seniors warming the bench and Rohit leading instead of Virat. So India will be the preferred favourites in this match but one can't underestimate Williamson's men. The absence of Trent Boult will hurt them but it will open the doors for the newbie