After two back-to-back nail-biting Super Over finishes, the action moves to the Bay Oval in Mount Manganui as India and New Zealand will be locking horns in the fifth and final T20I on Sunday. Although the last couple of games could have gone either way, the Kiwis are on the verge of facing a huge series loss. The hosts must be eyeing for a win just to salvage some lost pride in front of their home crowd.
On the other hand, Team India have shown their never giving-up attitude to win the last couple of T20Is. Another such performance is expected from Virat Kohli and his men as they eye a historic series whitewash over the Kiwis. With the action taking place in the scenic Mount Maunganui, the hosts will be hoping for a reversal in fortunes with much-needed momentum there for the taking on Sunday.
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In the two Super Smash 2019-20 games played at the Bay Oval, spinners have had a crucial role to play as 158 was the average score. Another such sporting wicket should be on offer for the final T20I as the gritty batsmen will be able to score big. There isn’t any rain on the forecast which should pave the way for a good game of cricket as both teams will look forward to chasing under lights. Here are some of the predictions for the game:
New Zealand:
New Zealand isn’t expected to make any changes to their playing Xi unless Kane Williamson manages to make a comeback. Although the Kiwis have a lot of firepower in their batting unit, they have failed to bat like a unit. The onus will be on their openers, Martin Guptill and Colin Munro to provide a decent start in the powerplay overs.
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Their bowling attack has also come up with decent performances off late with Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi impressing in the middle overs. However, their death bowlers have gone for a plethora of runs and they will be looking to make amends on Sunday.
Predicted XI: Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Tim Seifert(WK), Tom Bruce/ Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Daryll Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, Scott Kuggleijn, Hamish Bennett, Tim Southee (C), and Ish Sodhi
India:
The Indians might think about making a couple of changes without compromising on the of a whitewash with a win at the Bay Oval. While Sanju Samson might get another go at the top of the order, Rishabh Pant might find a spot to replace Shreyas Iyer in the middle order.
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Kuldeep Yadav, who is yet to feature in this series, should come in for Yuzvendra Chahal with Jasprit Bumrah also possibly getting a rest with a long part of the tour still remaining. Virat Kohli will be key for the Indians with the bat although the likes of Shardul Thakur and Manish Pandey also doing well off late. With momentum on their side, India should fancy their chances of yet another win on Sunday.
Predicted XI: Sanju Samson, KL Rahul(WK), Virat Kohli(C), Shreyas Iyer/ Rishabh Pant, Shiavm Dube, Manish Pandey, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Navdeep Saini, Mohammed Shami/ Jasprit Bumrah, and Yuzvendra Chahal.
Fantasy XI Prediction
Lokesh Rahul, Tim Seifert, Virat Kohli (c), Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Shivam Dube, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi (vc), Yuzvendra Chahal, Navdeep Saini, and Hamish Bennett.
