Ind vs NZ, 1st T20: Dream11 Prediction, Playing XI Updates & Fantasy Cricket Tips - February 6th, 2019

In a format which the hosts have historically dominated Team India, New Zealand would ideally back their chances as they seek to avenge a rather humiliating series loss in the first T20 set to take place on Wednesday.

With Wellington set to host the first of the three T20s, another high scoring match is on the cards with both teams adding a few fresh faces for the series. India welcome back Rishabh Pant, who is coming into the series on the back of a stunning Australia tour while New Zealand will bank on their pace attack that has served them well on many occasions.

With the World Cup just around the corner, both teams should look into unleashing young talent in order to get a clearer picture of their respective squads for the showpiece event.

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Squads to choose from:

New Zealand:

James Neesham, Colin Munro, Tim Siefert(WK), Kane Williamson (C), Ross Taylor, Daryl Mitchell, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Scott Kuggeleijn, Doug Bracewell, Blair Tickner, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson, Ish Sodhi

India:

Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, MS Dhoni(WK), Rishabh Pant, Kedhar Jadhav, Vijay Shankar, Dinesh Karthik, Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvaneshwar Kumar, Sidharth Kaul and Khaleel Ahmed.

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Playing XI Updates:

New Zealand:

Martin Guptill was left out of the side owing to a lower back strain he incurred in training prior to the fifth ODI. His fitness is being monitored with Tim Siefert on the sidelines to fill in. With the World Cup around the corner, the injury shouldn't be aggravated and should see Colin de Grandhomme or Jimmy Neesham play in the middle order with Siefert moving up.

Daryl Mitchell, on the back of a highly successful Super Smash stint with the Northern Knights, has earned a call up to the side and should play at number five. Scott Kuggeleijn, Doug Bracewell and Lockie Ferguson were in their element in New Zealand's previous T20 a month ago and should form the pace attack on Wednesday.

Possible XI: Siefert(WK), Munro, Williamson(C), Taylor, Mitchell, Neesham/Grandhomme, Santner, Kuggeleijn, Bracewell, Ferguson and Sodhi.

India:

With Virat Kohli being given a rest, Rohit Sharma finds himself once again in the captain's shoes. He should be buoyed by the inclusions of MS Dhoni and Rishabh Pant in the T20 side and both of them should play in the middle order as well.

In spite of Dinesh Karthik's brilliant form in the shortest format, Kedhar Jadhav would be the ideal choice for the finisher's role. Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah aren't in the squad which directs to Sidharth Kaul's inclusion in the side. Kaul had a very successful IPL 2018 with the Sunrisers Hyderabad, with his death bowling shining throughout.

Possible XI: Rohit(C), Dhawan, Gill, Pant, Dhoni(WK), Jadhav, Hardik, Chahal/Krunal, Kuldeep, Bhuvi and Kaul.

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Fantasy Tips and Suggestions:

Wicket-keeper: Although MS Dhoni and Tim Siefert are more than capable with the bat and behind the wickets, Rishabh Pant is the ideal choice to go for in your fantasy teams. Pant has been in great form since the start of 2018 with a good stint against Australia and England Lions behind him and should relish the opportunity to play at number four as well.

Batsmen: Shikhar Dhawan set the record last year for the most runs in T20s in a calendar year. Dhawan along with Colin Munro and Rohit Sharma are great picks to have in your side. Shubman Gill and Ross Taylor are also viable options to rake in valuable points.

All-rounders: Either of Colin de Grandhomme or Mitchell Santner would be a very handy option in the team while Hardik Pandya's all-round show in the fifth ODI makes him an invaluable asset to any team. He is a must have in the fantasy team.

Bowlers: Kuldeep Yadav should return to the side after being left out of the last ODI. He is one of the better T20 bowlers in the world and is an invaluable pick. Either of Sidharth Kaul and Bhuvaneshwar Kumar should suffice along with Bracewell and Kuggeleijn.

Captain: Shikhar Dhawan has been in brilliant form in the format. He also performed admirably in the ODI series and is the front-runner for captain. Along with him, Colin Munro and Rohit Sharma are the other options with both of them being amongst the best there are in the international circuit with multiple hundreds to their name.

Fantasy Suggestion #1: Rishabh Pant, Shikhar Dhawan, Shubman Gill, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson, Hardik Pandya, Daryl Mitchell, Kuldeep Yadav, Bhuvaneshwar Kumar, Ish Sodhi and Scott Kuggeleijn. Captain: Shikhar Dhawan.

Fantasy Suggestion #2: Rishabh Pant, Shikhar Dhawan, Ross Taylor, Colin Munro, Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Mitchell Santner, Sid Kaul, Scott Kuggeleijn, Doug Bracewell and Kuldeep Yadav. Captain: Colin Munro