India vs New Zealand, 5th ODI: Preview and Predicted Playing XI

The Men in Blue suffered their first defeat on the 2019 New Zealand tour and were stunned by the Kiwi counterattack in the fourth ODI. Now they will aim to get things back on track before heading into the T20 series.

For the 5th ODI, India will visit the Westpac stadium in Wellington on Sunday, February 3.

Head to Head Overall: India and New Zealand have clashed in 100 completed One Day International games, out of which the Men in Blue have secured the honours on 54 occasions, while the Kiwis came out victorious in 45 games.

Head to Head in New Zealand: Till date, the Islanders have hosted the Blues in 36 completed ODI fixtures with the home side comprehensively leading the clash line at 22-13.

While in case of matches being hosted at the Westpac Stadium, both teams have secured honours once in two games.

Previous Clash at the Westpac Stadium: In their most recent meeting at this stadium on January 31, 2014, the hosts thrashed the visitors by a magnificent 87 run margin.

After being asked to bat first, New Zealand rode on Ross Taylor and Kane Williamson's 152 run partnership to help the team post a challenging 303 runs on the board.

In reply, the visitors flattened against the opponents' pace attack and were eventually bundled for 216 runs, with Virat Kohli (82) and skipper MS Dhoni (47) being the only positives for India.

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India

Men in Blue look to explore CWC variables

The Men in Blue witnessed a reality check in fourth ODI at the Seddon Park and their middle order chinks in the absence of skipper Kohli and Dhoni were made visible by the Kiwi bowlers. With India aiming to use these ODIs to explore viable CWC options, one may expect few changes in final ODI.

Batting

India had a miserable day in the fourth ODI as all their top and middle order batsmen were seen back in the hunt for just 35 runs.

The team management will like to consider it as an anomaly, but their previous game record at Westpac is quite similar. They are clearly missing the services of MS Dhoni and with his spot in final ODI unclear, the team might opt for Ravindra Jadeja to strengthen the batting.

Meanwhile, Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan will have to take the responsibility to lay down a good start for the team. Youngster Shubman Gill might get another chance to prove his worth.

Bowling

Indian bowling has been at its best throughout the series and one may not blame them for the loss in last ODI. The bowling unit looks settled with the likes of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal in their ranks.

But they might opt to rest one of these two to open up a slot for Mohammad Siraj in the lineup. Meanwhile, Mohammad Shami is likely to replace eithe of Bhuvneshwar Kumar or Khaleel Ahmed for the final ODI. The fast bowlers will be backed by the skipper to clinch few early breakthroughs.

Expected Playing XI

Rohit Sharma (C), Shikhar Dhawan, Shubman Gill, Ambati Rayudu, Dinesh Karthik, Hardik Pandya, Kedar Jadhav, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal or Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Shami or Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

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New Zealand

Trent Boult toppled the Blues in previous ODI.

The Kiwis found a gem in the desert and ended their poor run against the Men in Blue quite convincingly. The hosts will aim to bring that form into the final ODI and rattle the Dhoni-less India with their pace.

Batting

Despite the win, the Kiwis clearly know that their top-order batting was not tested in the previous game, although this win will certainly level up their confidence and one may expect them to come out with a more positive frame of mind in final ODI.

Meanwhile, Ross Taylor and Kane Williamson were the key performers during the previous face off at this venue and smashed 102 and 88 runs respectively. These two will be eager to replicate their show and if they can garner some support from other top order batters, it'll be a certain plus for the team.

Bowling

Trent Boult led the New Zealand bowling attack and toppled the Indian top order by picking up crucial wickets of Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan early, and the pacer also boasts a good record at the Westpac stadium by picking up 11 wickets in six games.

While Grandhomme also showed his skills by sending Ambati Rayudu and Dinesh Kartik for their respective ducks, if these two can replicate their show then it'll be a huge boost for the Kiwis.

Expected Playing XI

Kane Williamson (C), Ross Taylor, Tom Latham, Mitchell Santner, Colin de Grandhomme, Todd Astle, James Neesham, Matt Henry, Trent Boult, Martin Guptill and Henry Nicholls.