IND vs NZ, World Cup 2023: Hardik Pandya-less India face stern challenge against New Zealand; LIVE streaming and more

Come Sunday, the 2023 ODI World Cup will witness a clash of the titans at the iconic HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala, when India take on New Zealand, the only two unbeaten teams left in the tournament.

World Cup 2023: News | Schedule | Results | Points table

Both teams occupy the top two spots in the World Cup points table with New Zealand in first place with eight points, and India in second place with the same number of points. Only the Net Run Rate divides the two teams, with the Kiwis enjoying an NRR of +1.923 when compared to India’s +1.659.

However, neither team can be taken lightly. While India are certainly strong favourites to lift the World Cup at home, New Zealand have showcased that they are the team to beat.

The Kiwis have headlined their dominance with the rise of Rachin Ravindra, as well as the form of Devon Conway, who can step up on big occasions just like how he showcased it against England in the opening match of the tournament.

Despite flying high in the tournament so far, concerns over skipper Kane Williamson’s fitness remain for New Zealand.

Williamson did score 78 against Bangladesh on 13 October before retiring hurt with an injured thumb, and his absence will come as a huge blow for the Black Caps. Yet, New Zealand have a reliable captain in Tom Latham, who has been precise in calling the shots.

Despite their unbeaten start to the tournament, India have problems of their own. Just when it started to look as though things were finally falling into place for India after Shubman Gill’s comeback, the hosts were dealt with a fresh blow against Bangladesh. While bowling his first over of his spell against Bangladesh, Hardik Pandya sustained an injury on his left ankle, and as a result, he will miss the game against New Zealand.

“He will not be taking the flight to Dharamsala with the team on 20th October and will now join the team directly in Lucknow where India play England,” the BCCI said in a statement, raising hopes of his involvement in the game against England on 29 October.

In Pandya’s absence, it could be Suryakumar Yadav who comes in place of the all-rounder. SKY has not played a single game in the World Cup so far, and should he be given the nod, he will look to make sure not to disappoint the fans and team management.

This would mean Shardul Thakur will have to sit out. As far as the Indian bowling attack is concerned, the in-form Jasprit Bumrah would look to inflict misery on the Kiwis, whereas Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Siraj will all but likely complete the pace trio.

Much like their game against Bangladesh, India could go with the spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja, meaning that Ravichandran Ashwin would sit out for a second consecutive game.

India vs New Zealand World Cup 2023 match date

The India vs New Zealand Cricket World Cup match will be played on Sunday, 22 October.

India vs New Zealand World Cup 2023 match time

The India vs New Zealand Cricket World Cup match will start at 2 PM IST. The toss will take place at 1.30 PM IST.

India vs New Zealand World Cup 2023 match venue

The India vs New Zealand Cricket World Cup match will be played at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamsala

India vs New Zealand World Cup 2023 match LIVE Streaming

The India vs New Zealand Cricket World Cup match will be broadcast live on Star Sports Network and live streaming will be available on Disney+ Hotstar.

India vs New Zealand head-to-head

India and New Zealand have played on 116 occasions in ODIs. India have won 58 of these matches, while the Kiwis have won 50 matches. Seven matches have ended in no-results, and one ODI, in January 2014 in Auckland, ending in a tie.

In ODI World Cups, the two teams have met eight times, with India winning only three games. New Zealand have won the other five games, and having said that, the Men in Blue are winless against the Kiwis in ICC events since 2003.

The last time India and New Zealand met in an ODI World Cup clash was in Old Trafford during that semi-final in 2019, when that MS Dhoni run-out costed the Men in Blue the game, losing it by 18 runs.

Squads:

India: Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav.

New Zealand: Kane Williamson (c), Trent Boult, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Will Young.