After bowlers, including Hardik Pandya and Amit Mishra, had put New Zealand to the back-foot, Virat Kohli came up with an astonishing knock to give India an easy six-wicket win over new Zealand in the first ODI at Dharamsala. Coming into the second ODI at Ferozeshah Kotla in new Delhi, India is once again a favourite with the likes of Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane in their batting line-up.
Let’s take a look at the players who can make a difference in the second ODI:
Hardik Pandya: He inflicted three early blows to reduce New Zealand to 48/5 in the first ODI. He sent Martin Guptill, Corey Anderson and Luke Ronchi back to the pavilion in quick succession that changed the course of the match in favour of India. Pandaya has fully utilised the chance he has been given and would aim to continue with his fantastic performance against the Kiwis in the second match as well.
Virat Kohli: India’s Test captain’s magic works in almost all the formats of the game. After bowlers did their job against New Zealand in the first ODI, Kohli scored 85 off 81 balls and later finished the game with a six. If he gets going, he can single-handedly take the match away from the Kiwis.
Rohit Sharma: Rohit Sharma will be playing his 150th ODI on Thursday. He is a big match player and two centuries in the 50-over format speaks volumes about his capabilities. He can be devastating for any bowling attack if he finds the early rhythm. Kiwis will have to certainly look for his early dismissal if they want to level the score to 1-1.
Tim Lathan: The New Zealand opener scored 79 from 98 balls and carried his bat in the first ODI. He became the tenth batsman in the history of ODI Cricket and first New Zealander to carry his bat through an innings. This batsman is a player to watch out for, as had he got support from other side, New Zealand would have scored a fighting total in the first ODI.
Tim Southee: This New Zealander showed a phenomenal display of cricket, scoring a half century coming at No 10 in the last match. This proves he can be promoted up the order to bat as he can contribute with his bat too. This player clicked when most of New Zealand batsman failed to score against India in the first ODI.
Mitchell Santner: He has emerged as an all rounder who can always be trusted in a crisis situation. Although he failed with the bat in the first ODI against India, his bowling figures were the most economical amongst the Kiwis. He gave only 18 runs in the six over when the Indians were hitting the other bowlers for around six runs per over. He can contribute with his bat as well as he recently did it in Test matches against India. He can prove to be the most useful cricketer for New Zealand.