India aim to live up to reputation
India came into the tournament with an unbeaten record against Pakistan in World Cups and carrying the tag of tournament favourites. One game changed the complexion of it all as Pakistan humbled them by 10 wickets. With the other results in the group swinging back and forth, both teams cannot afford a loss at this stage. India’s chances stand at 1.42 to win the game and stay ahead of the pack.
New Zealand have odds of 2.82 to win this clash against India, but their chances aren’t as dim as those odds would make you believe. India have weaknesses that Pakistan exploited and while New Zealand started off with a loss to Pakistan too, they showed more composure and good understanding of conditions. Underestimate them at your own peril.
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Even overall records, but India ahead on recent
When New Zealand toppled India in the first Super 12 game of the T20 World Cup in 2016, they had a dominating record against India and the surprise was that they managed to do it on a rank turner in India where the hosts were expected to thrive. Overall, New Zealand and India have an 8-8 record in T20Is, but until 2020 India had won only three matches.
RECOMMENDED BET: New Zealand have a strong bowling group and a reasonable batting core. They have odds of 2.82 to beat India, but expect them to spring a surprise.
In 2020, India turned the record around spectacularly when they beat New Zealand 5-0 in a T20I series in New Zealand. Two of those wins came in the Super Over after the game was tied.
Keep an eye on…
Virat Kohli: He showed signs of returning to his best against Pakistan and that will relieve India as Kohli hasn’t been at his best for quite a while now. Kohli will be crucial if India are to put up a strong total on a sluggish wicket, but in Dubai with more seam movement around, Kohli will be tested by New Zealand’s pace attack.
Trent Boult and Tim Southee: Boult and Southee are ruthless with the new ball and destroyed India in the 2019 World Cup semi-final. If they are to beat India, early wickets are huge and New Zealand will want to take a leaf out of Shaheen Shah Afridi and try and dent India early.
TIP: Kane Williamson is New Zealand’s best player of spin and has odds of 3.70 to be their top batter.
