All eyes on weather as India, NZ get set to take on each other

The 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup has already seen a record number of washouts and on Thursday it may be a record extending instance as India and New Zealand clash having won all their previous matches but with a cloud over the weather in Nottingham.

Both teams are coming off strong starts to the tournament and will hope that rain doesn’t play a spoilsport as forecast predict a few showers on Thursday (June 13).

India have convincingly beaten South Africa and Australia in their opening 2 games and a win here can take them to the top of the table. The batting has been on top of its game and the bowlers as well as the fielders have ensured that the team produces an all-round performance.

The major concern for India though is Shikhar Dhawan’s injury as the southpaw who scored a magnificent hundred against Australia is ruled for 10-12 days due to thumb injury and he will be missed at the top of the order.

For New Zealand, things are pretty sorted as fast bowlers Lockie Ferguson and Jimmy Neesham were among the wickets vs Afghanistan and Trent Boult did trouble the Indian batsman in the warm-up game.

In the batting department, Williamson, Taylor and Guptill were among the runs in the first 3 games and they will carry some confidence, although the performances came against Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.

Toss Prediction

Considering the conditions which are going to be cloudy, rainy and overhead according to the forecast, the teams may opt to bowl first as the new ball bowlers can exploit the conditions.

Playing XIs

India: Dhawan’s injury means that Rahul who was the No.4 will open the batting and the No. 4 debate arises again. Shankar or DK may step in or Dhoni may be  promoted a position and Shami may come in as a extra pacer but that may weaken the batting and will be a less preferred option.

Predicted XI: Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Vijay Shankar/Dinesh Karthik, MS Dhoni, Kedar Jadhav, Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah

New Zealand: With 3 wins in as many games, the Kiwis will most probably go in with an unchanged XI but may consider to tinker if Tim Southee is fit.

Predicted XI: Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Tom Latham, Jamesh Neesham, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry/ Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult