2019 Cricket World Cup – Wednesday, June 13th at 10:30 am
The next big test for India will be heading their way on Thursday. They face up to New Zealand after having proved a big point to themselves and the rest of the main contenders in this World Cup. That was their win over Australia. This is not going to be a particularly easy challenge for them with the Kiwis having come out of the blocks firing.
India v New Zealand Winner Odds*
India 4/9
New Zealand 7/4
* (betting odds taken from bet365 on June 11th, 2019 at 5:21 pm)
Can India beat New Zealand to keep 100% record going?
India’s big 36 run win over Australia at the Oval was one of the biggest moments of this World Cup. It announced that they seriously mean business in what was just their second match over the tournament. India had opened with a win over South Africa and now stepping out at the Kiwis, it has been a tough start in terms of fixtures that they have been handed. Of course, following their win over Australia, India are 4/9 odds on favourites to win this* (betting odds taken from bet365 on June 11th, 2019 at 5:21 pm)
India’s ODI form isn’t actually that consistent. They are W5 L5 in their last ten matches now. They had lost a series on home soil against Australia back in March which was after having won the opening two games of that series. In total ODI action across 2019, India are W10 L5. During that sequence, they faced up against New Zealand. So these two have already had a good feel for each other this year. India have so much quality at the top of their batting order it is ridiculous. Captain Kohli goes as their 2/1 favourite again to top score* (betting odds taken from bet365 on June 11th, 2019 at 5:21 pm)
India v New Zealand Head to Head
So let’s take a look at the five meetings between them this season. That was a series hosted in New Zealand back at the end of January and early February. India were in full control and wrapped up the series in winning the first three matches. There were big wins from them including 7 and 8 wicket successes. New Zealand did hit back in the fourth match but could not follow it up with a victory in the final one. India have taken a win in six of their last seven ODI fixtures against New Zealand.
Will New Zealand beat India to continue winning streak
The Kiwis have made the most of something of a favourable fixture list at the start of their World Cup campaign. Wins over Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan have seen them ease their way into things. While those have been their easier games it has at least given them time to get a good feel for the conditions and to get their eye in. Will that benefit them when they step out against India, their first major test of the 2019 Cricket World Cup?
New Zealand actually look to be in pretty good shape at the moment. They have great balance throughout their squad and on their day they are more than capable of beating anyone. Their key bowlers have been Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry and James Neesham who have taken their chances against those weaker opponents. How will they fare against the mighty power of India’s batting line up? Their captain Kane Williamson, who is 11/4 to be their top batsman* (betting odds taken from bet365 on June 11th, 2019 at 5:21 pm) needs a big performance at the crease to keep the Kiwis competitive.
India v New Zealand Predictions
New Zealand just haven’t been tested so far in the World Cup. The Kiwis will certainly get a big test in this one. But because they fell in that home series against India this year and because India have already shown up big time against one of the other major teams in this year’s competition, India are the ones which have to be backed to collect another match win.
