NZ vs IND: Frustrated by rain, players aim to give their best in Christchurch decider
The weather has been following the players right throughout the six-match white ball series and a full complement of 100 overs may not be possible once again at the Hagley Oval.
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While the first T20 International was abandoned without even the toss being possible. The third T20 ended in a tie on Duckworth Lewis Stern because of the rain playing spoilsport. After a brilliant first one day international, the second ODI again ended in a no result. India batted first and had to go off the field a couple of times because of rain interruptions. The match was curtailed to 29 overs per side. After significant time was lost due to rain but it came down again.
Quite heavily at that and the game had to be abandoned with just 12.5 out of scheduled 100 overs being possible. There is a forecast of scattered showers on Wednesday afternoon as well. But nothing serious enough to have a defining impact on the game. There might be a couple of stoppages but the spectators should get to see a good contest between bat and ball at the Hagley Oval. In what is the last match of the series and the fans certainly deserve to see some good cricket.
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Shortened game a possibility, another high-scoring venue
In the 22 one day internationals played at the venue, the average first innings score is 247 while that in the second innings is 197. Which goes against the grain of teams warranting to chase after winning the toss. Despite the record, there is not a lot of doubt in one’s mind that the captain winning the toss will decide to bowl first. After being under the covers but also going for the target in significantly better batting conditions.
New Zealand surprisingly left out Michael Bracewell in the first ODI but brought him back in the second match of the series in place of Adam Milne which provided better balance to their side. Likewise, India also made a couple of changes to their playing XI in the second match to improve their balance. It was unfortunate for Sanju Samson to miss out after doing a decent job in the few opportunities that he has got in this format.
However, with no batter being able to turn his arm over in India’s top six. The team had no other option but to bring in Deepka Hooda to provide themselves with the sixth bowling option. Shardul Thakur was exceptional. In his first spell in the first ODI but leaked a lot of runs at the back end. He did not pull up well for the second ODI. As well with a stiff back and Deepak Chahar was brought into the side. However, he did not get a chance to show his wares.
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