India will take on New Zealand in a blockbuster 21st match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala on October 22nd. This will be the 10th World Cup meeting between the two cricketing giants, with New Zealand edging the head-to-head 5-3.
India and New Zealand have a storied rivalry, having met 116 times in ODI history. However, the Black Caps have had the upper hand in recent years, winning 10 of the last 15 ODI encounters.
This promises to be an epic clash with the winner taking a huge step towards the semi-finals. India and New Zealand possess well-balanced squads full of match-winners. New Zealand may be slightly ahead based on recent form. But India has a stellar record in World Cups against the Kiwis. Expect fireworks as the two championship contenders face-off.
Bet on India at odds 1.45 at 1xBet>> (Use 1xBet promo code BANGVIP for an exclusive offer.)
Bet on New Zealand at odds 2.84 at Mostbet>> (Use Mostbet promo code MOSTBANG for an exclusive offer.)
India Overview
India has been utterly dominant at this World Cup, crushing opponents with consummate ease in their first four matches. Their batting possesses tremendous firepower with the likes of Rohit, Kohli, Gill and Pandya in sublime form.
The bowling packs plenty of potency too through the guile of Kuldeep, skills of Bumrah and seam of Siraj. India also has the priceless experience of winning the 2011 World Cup at home to count on.
Overall, India’s squad depth, balance across departments and sheer weight of performances makes them firm favorites to clinch a record-extending third World Cup crown. If they sustain this level, India will take some stopping.
New Zealand Overview
Like India, New Zealand has also started this World Cup in dominant fashion, notching up four emphatic wins out of four. Their batting has fired superbly led by Conway, Young and Nicholls. The bowling has been top-notch too with Southee, Boult and Sodhi in the wickets.
The Black Caps know how to consistently rise to the occasion in major tournaments, having finished runners-up in 2019 and 2021. Veterans like Southee, Boult, and Latham provide invaluable experience.
With match-winners like Conway, Williamson and Boult, the Kiwis have their sights firmly set on breaking their ICC trophy drought. This settled squad brimming with experience and talent makes the Black Caps serious title contenders.
India vs New Zealand Starting XI
Expected Starting XI for India:
- Rohit Sharma (c)
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- KL Rahul (wk)
- Hardik Pandya
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Mohammed Shami/Shardul Thakur
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammed Siraj
Expected Starting XI for New Zealand:
- Devon Conway
- Will Young
- Rachin Ravindra
- Daryl Mitchell
- Tom Latham (c)/(wk)
- Glenn Phillips
- Mark Chapman
- Mitchell Santner
- Matt Henry
- Lockie Ferguson
- Trent Boult
India may play an unchanged XI from their win over Bangladesh. New Zealand could also persist with the same combination that defeated Afghanistan.
Both teams have well-settled squads full of match-winners. The key will be which lineup holds their nerve better in a high-stakes World Cup contest between the two championship contenders.
See the confirmed starting lineups below an hour before the match starts.
India vs New Zealand Head-to-Head
In 116 ODI meetings, India edges New Zealand 58-50 with 9 no results. However, the Black Caps have won 10 of their last 15 ODIs against India.
In World Cups, New Zealand enjoys a narrow 5-3 advantage thanks to victories in 1975, 1979, 1992, 1999 and 2019 world cup. India won the 1987 and 2003 world cup. India demolished New Zealand by 18 runs in the 2019 World Cup semi-final.
India’s recent dominance has been built around Kohli’s breathtaking averages and the brilliance of bowlers like Bumrah. New Zealand’s consistency is driven by the experience of Southee, Boult and Taylor over the years.
Both teams have high-quality spinners along with a battery of quality pacers. Considering current form and conditions, New Zealand could hold a slight edge over India this time. But India’s aura in World Cup clashes against the Kiwis makes it tough to pick a winner.
Weather & Pitch Report
The HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala sits at an altitude of around 4500 feet with a scenic backdrop of the Himalayas. The weather is expected to be around 20-22 degrees and sunny on matchday.
The pitch generally favors bowlers, with extra bounce and seam movement on offer for pacers. Batting against the newer ball can be tricky before easing up. Spin comes into play as the match progresses.
Dew is unlikely to play a major role. The larger outfield means six-hitting is difficult. Good technique is required to construct substantial knocks on this surface.
Considering the bowling-friendly nature of the pitch, anything around 250 could be a par score. Both teams have the bowling variety to thrive in the conditions.
The toss-winning captain may opt to chase by bowling first and exploiting helpful conditions before batting second when the pitch gets better.
An evenly-matched, relatively low-scoring thriller appears to be on the cards between two well-balanced opponents.
India vs New Zealand Match Prediction
This mouth-watering clash is too close to call with both teams matching up excellently on paper. New Zealand could hold a slight edge based on beating India recently and winning the last World Cup matchup between them.
But India possesses tremendous self-belief and pedigree in ICC tournament knockouts having won titles in 1983 and 2011. If Rohit fires, Kohli sustains form and Bumrah strikes, India can beat any side.
New Zealand’s well-rounded balance and red-hot batting makes them marginal favorites. But rule India out at your peril in World Cups, especially on home soil.
Considering the stakes, expect plenty of twists and turns before one champion side edges out the other in a classic.
Prediction: New Zealand to beat India by 8-10 runs in a thriller that could go either way.
India vs New Zealand Betting Tips
Kane Williamson’s record in big games warrants betting on him being top scorer. Devon Conway is another good choice for highest run-getter after his recent form. Rohit Sharma is due a big knock against the Kiwis. Consider betting on him scoring 70+
Hardik Pandya’s all-round skills make him a valuable betting option to shine. Expect Trent Boult and Tim Southee to take 2+ wickets each given the conditions. Considering it being a relatively low-scoring game, bet on under 270 total runs. The team chasing has the advantage. Bet on them to win under lights.
This high profile match is going to be an absolute classic between two world-class teams. New Zealand could narrowly clinch it but don’t rule out India.
Bet on highest individual score above 104.5 runs at Parimatch at odds 1.85>>
If you want to check out our other Cricket World Cup match predictions, you can find them on our site. In the meantime, you can check out how to bet on the Cricket World Cup.
