5 reasons why New Zealand can win the ODI series against India

After being battered 3-0 by India in the recently concluded Test series, New Zealand will be hoping to make amends in the 5-match ODI series which kickstarts with the first game at Dharamsala on 16 October. The Kiwis have fond memories of the venue as they beat Australia in a crucial 2016 World T20 encounter the last time they were here.

Although a whitewash in the longest format is bound to have had a negative impact on the morale of the team, there is no reason why the Blackcaps cannot turn the tables on the hosts in the 50-over format. After all, it is not for nothing that they occupy the 3^rd position in the ICC ODI team rankings, one spot above the Indians.

Let’s take a look at the key reasons why New Zealand can win the ODI series:

#1 Strong batting line-up

One of the features of New Zealand’s recent success in the ODI format has been their batting strength. The experienced trio of Kane Williamson, Martin Guptill and Ross Taylor have been particularly impressive with all three batsmen having an average in excess of 40.

Apart from them, the Kiwis also have players like Tom Latham and Luke Ronchi in their ranks who didn’t do too badly in the Test series against India. The addition of left-hander Anton Devcich could prove to be a bonus as he has performed exceptionally well in New Zealand’s domestic limited-overs cricket of late.

With the all-rounders, too, capable of delivering with the bat, the Blackcaps could end up giving some serious headaches to MS Dhoni & Co.

#2 Variety in the bowling attack

Led by Trent Boult, the Kiwi bowling attack may cause some problems for India

The current Kiwi ODI bowling attack is the kind that most captains dream of having – one with a lot of variety. The leader of the pack is left-arm pacer Trent Boult who has built the reputation of being one of the most lethal fast bowlers in the world and he is accompanied by the experienced Tim Southee, who is known for his ability to swing the ball.

The two other seamers in the squad, Matt Henry and Doug Bracewell, can also produce the goods on their day. The spin department is handled by a couple of highly talented youngsters in Indian-origin leggie Ish Sodhi and left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner, both of whom proved their worth in sub-continent conditions during the 2016 World T20.

Even the New Zealand all-rounders have been quite effective with the ball in recent times. If the Kiwi bowlers can get their combined act right, they may be able to upset India’s apple cart at home.

#3 Presence of genuine all-rounders

Corey Anderson can be the X-factor for New Zealand with his all-round skills

Another aspect which adds a lot of balance to the New Zealand ODI team is the presence of some quality all-rounders. Corey Anderson is certainly the best of the lot and has a proven record in the 50-over format with over 1000 runs at a strike rate of close to 115 and 55 wickets at an average of 24.52 in 40 matches.

James Neesham can also be quite handy with both bat and ball whereas left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner has also impressed one and all with his batting ability. Moreover, some of the bowlers like Tim Southee and Ish Sodhi can also contribute runs in the lower order when required.

The all-round strength of the Blackcaps is superior to that of the hosts, who lack a genuine all-rounder, and this could give them an extra edge.

#4 Impressive ODI record in recent times

New Zealand have been on a roll in the 50-over format

Even before they produced a memorable performance in the 2015 ICC World Cup by making it to their first-ever final, New Zealand had been doing very well in the ODI format. Post the multi-nation tournament, too, the Kiwis have continued in a similar vein winning 4 out of their 6 series in 50-over cricket.

Although most of these victories have come in their own backyard, it is the high standard of cricket that they have displayed which sets them apart. Also, the Blackcaps have prior experience of success in India as they made it to the semi-finals of the 2016 World T20 where they lost to runners-up England.

Considering their consistent run in ODI cricket in recent times, the New Zealand side can certainly give the Indians a run for their money.

#5 Weakened Indian bowling

Ravichandran Ashwin’s absence is surely a big minus for the Indian team

The Kiwis will be most relieved about the fact that their tormentor from the Test series, Ravichandran Ashwin, will not be playing the ODI series as he has been rested. What Ashwin’s absence also does is reduce the strength of the Indian bowling attack.

Apart from the Tamil Nadu off-spinner, India will also miss out on the services of pacer Mohammad Shami and Ravindra Jadeja. Leg-spinner Amit Mishra is the seniormost bowler in the squad while Umesh Yadav has also been around for a few years now.

The rest of the bowling, though, is relatively inexperienced and the formidable New Zealand batting line-up can take advantage of this potential weakness for the hosts.