Confident India Begin WT20 Title Bid against New Zealand

Indian-team-after-Asia-Cup-
Victorious Indian team after their recent Asia Cup win in Dhaka.

 

Internet Desk: Hosts India will begin their campaign for a second WT20 title when they take on New Zealand tomorrow at the VCA stadium in Nagpur. MS Dhoni will look to become the first team to clinch the coveted trophy for a second time.

The Indian team has been on a roll winning 10 out of last 11 matches in this format which include a 3-0 whitewash of 50-over champions Australia at their own backyard. The 2007 champions start the tournament as the number one ranked team in the world.  With a settled combination Indians will aim to carry on the good form.

However, the men in blue will be wary of the fact that they have never beaten New Zealand in T20s in four outings in the past including once during their stunning title run in the inaugural edition in 2007 in South Africa. The Kiwis who have never crossed the group stage in earlier editions will be a tough opponent. They have some quality batting with the likes of Kane Williamson, Martin Guptill,Colin Munro, Ross Taylor and Ross Taylor. All-rounder’s Corey Anderson, Grant Elliott and Nathan McCullum will also add strength to the side. Only weak link for the Black Caps is they do not boast of a quality spinner. Trent Boult, Tim Southee will find the conditions tough as the pitches here in India will be packed with a lot of runs.

India suffered a minor hiccup going into the New Zealand tie as they lost to South Africa by 4 runs in the second warm up match at Wankhede. This might act as a wakeup call for the team to avoid being complacent.

The minor hiccup in India’s build-up to this competition was their loss to South Africa by four runs in a practice match and this was perhaps a wake-up call for the team to avoid being complacent. With a balanced squad Indians will be looking to start it’s campaign on a positive note.