World Cup: Preview for India vs New Zealand warm-up tie
What's the story
The ICC World Cup is less than a week away, as former champions India get ready to take on New Zealand in a warm-up tie at The Oval in London on Saturday.
India would be aiming to win their third title, while New Zealand would be eyeing their first.
As they begin their road via a warm-up, we present the preview for this tie.
Latest story
India coming off a defeat, Kiwis inflict whitewash over Bangladesh
Before the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019, India had suffered a heartbreak defeat against Aussies at home, losing 2-3, despite having taken a 2-0 lead initially.
New Zealand, on the other hand, cruised to a comfortable 3-0 win, a clean sweep, over Bangladesh at home.
Notably, Men In Blue had overcome Kiwis 4-1 in an away ODI series, earlier this year.
Team news
Shikhar Dhawan and Trent Boult in focus
All the 15 members of the teams are eligible to play in the warm-up tie.
Meanwhile, India's Shikhar Dhawan would be in focus, courtesy his performance in the past ICC tournaments.
He had a great World Cup in 2015 followed by a good campaign in Champions Trophy.
As for New Zealand, Trent Boult's ability to swing the new ball makes him a favorite.
Head-to-head
India lead Kiwis overall, NZ have psychological edge
Considering their head-to-head records in ODIs, India are marginally ahead.
In 106 ODIs, India have managed 55 wins, while the Kiwis have won 45.
In World Cups, out of seven ties, India have pocketed three matches, while Kiwis are ahead with four wins.
In England, of the three ties, India have not won even a single one, as the Kiwis have reigned supreme.
Oval track
High scoring Oval track awaits fans
While the tracks in England generally favor seam bowlers, ICC has come up with flat tracks for this tournament.
Meanwhile, The Oval too has a history of being a high-scoring track.
As a result, the team winning the toss would look to chase.
However, since the square boundaries are bigger, the spinners would have an important role to play.
Playing XV
Full 15-member squads
India: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Vijay Shankar, MS Dhoni, Kedar Jadhav, Dinesh Karthik, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami.
New Zealand: Kane Williamson, Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Colin Munro, Jimmy Neesham, Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor.
Match details
When, where and how to watch
Match: India vs New Zealand (warm-up tie)
Venue: The Oval, London
Time: 3 PM (IST)
Where to watch (TV): Star Sports 1, Select 1 and other regional languages channels of Star Sports
Where to watch (Online): Hotstar