Former Mumbai Indians (MI) batter Tirumalasetti Suman opined on key match-ups ahead of the first T20I between New Zealand and India. The game will take place on Thursday, October 22, at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch. He added that India would have to dismiss openers Finn Allen and Tim Seifert early.

“I think the important match-ups will be against Finn Allen and Tim Seifert. It is important to take their wickets, and that is where the Indian fast bowlers will come into play. Abhishek Sharma versus Jacob Duffy is one match-up. Then, Sanju Samson versus Matt Henry. Ishan Kishan versus Jacob Duffy. Finn Allen versus Arshdeep Singh and Tim Seifert versus Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Glenn Phillips versus Axar Patel,” the former MI batter said in a video on his YouTube channel.

However, Tirumalasetti Suman also made a massive prediction ahead of the first T20I. While he added India had a good side and New Zealand had not played a T20I in a long time, he also stated that New Zealand would win the first game of the series.

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“I know the Indian team looks strong on paper. They had good practice against the West Indies. But they struggled in Ireland and England. On the other hand, New Zealand do not have enough match practice. So I am expecting a close game. But as India have travelled in less time, I think New Zealand will win the first match,” he concluded.