T20 Series Preview: King Kohli and Co. Invade NZ
First Australia, now this… On the 24th of January, 2020, the BlackCaps begin their conquest to knock off ICC’s no.1 ranked Test Match team – India. The series consists of 5 x T20I fixtures, 3 x ODI fixtures, and 2 x Test Matches across New Zealand – which is bound to be a great challenge for a NZ squad looking to bounce back after a tough time against a world-class Australian side. Only the T20 sides have been named thus far, however there are some familiar faces that will be gracing our shores. Virat Kohli needs no introduction, and will spearhead a dangerous looking batting order, alongside Vice-Captain Rohit Sharma, veteran lefty Shikhar Dhawan, and the emerging star that is Rishabh Pant to name but a few.
ICC-ranked #1 T20 bowler Jasprit Bumrah is likely the biggest threat in the Indian bowling attack, consistently clocking in at 140km/h+ and with the ability to swing the ball both ways. Left-Arm Legspinner Kuldeep Yadav, and veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja will likely prove difficult to get away with subtle variations and the ability to spin the ball big.
There are a few suprise inclusions for the Kiwis T20 squad, particulary on the bowling front. Wellington paceman Hamish Bennett earns a recall to the T20 side for the first time since 2017 due to fine form domestically and injury (Boult, Ferguson), as well as young Central Districts quick Blair Tickner. Bennett’s extra yard of pace could prove handy against some of the worlds best batsmen. Tom Bruce joins the squad for games 4 & 5 of the T20 series, in place of Colin de Grandhomme who will play games 1-3, and is one to keep an eye on. Kane Williamson returns from injury to bolster the BlackCaps batting order. The Auckland Ace’s pair of Colin Munro and Martin Guptill will likely open the batting, and will be relishing the opportunity to have a go at the best in the world on home soil. Northern Districts’ Tim Seifert will take the gloves and has already proven he is one to keep an eye on after a string of good performances both Domestically and Internationally in T20. Daryl Mitchell, Scott Kuggeleijn, and Mitch Santner will all be looking to prove a point to BlackCaps fans, and earn their stripes in the T20 side.
All in all, what a match up! So many good fixtures to look forward to and ample opportunity for the BlackCaps to prove themselves as one of the best sides in the world. Cowcorner+ is your best place to follow all live scores, highlights and news stories.
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CowCorner’s Prediction?
T20 Series: NZ to win 3-2. Guptill top run-scorer. Look out for Tom Bruce in games 4-5.
ODI Series: 2-1 to India. Kohli to hit his straps after a slow start to 2019/20 season.
Test Series: 1-1 draw. Tim Southee to return to form of old. Big ton from Kane.
BLACKCAPS T20 squad
Kane Williamson (c)
Hamish Bennett
Tom Bruce (games 4-5)
Colin de Grandhomme (games 1-3)
Martin Guptill
Scott Kuggeleijn
Daryl Mitchell
Colin Munro
Ross Taylor
Blair Tickner
Mitchell Santner
Tim Seifert (wk)
Ish Sodhi
Tim Southee
India T20 squad
Virat Kohli (c)
Rohit Sharma (vc)
Jasprit Bumrah
Yuzvendra Chahal
Shikhar Dhawan
Shivam Dube
Shreyas Iyer
Ravindra Jadeja
Manish Pandey
Rishabh Pant (wk)
K.L. Rahul
Navdeep Saini
Mohammed Shami
Washington Sundar
Shardul Thakur
Kuldeep Yadav
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COWCORNER 