Despite the astronomical rise of Afghanistan in T20Is, the game between India and New Zealand is being considered as the battle for the second semi-finalist's spot from Group 2. Having lost their first match against Pakistan, both teams will be desperate for their first win when they take each other on at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday night.
Thus far in this T20 World Cup, sides batting second have won all matches at this venue. Hence, toss plays a crucial role here. The team that loses the toss will be playing against the odds.
And for Virat Kohli, winning the toss in crucial games has been a problem in recent years.
Hence, India have tried to prepare for the worst.
Despite criticism, the management trusted Hardik Pandya's dual abilities against Pakistan. They believe that, under the circumstances, he is India's best bet to perform the role of sixth bowler, if needed. Hardik has been bowling with full throttle during the recent net sessions.
Furthermore, to counter dew, some Indian bowlers, especially the spinners, have been practising with slippery balls.
When it comes to team selection India are unlikely to make any changes to their XI, which suffered a humiliating 10-wicket defeat against Pakistan.
New Zealand have a brilliant record against India in Senior Men's ICC events. Their last defeat against the India came way back in the 2003 World Cup. They will try their best not to break this jinx.
The New Zealand bowlers will target the Indian top order with the new ball. They may play Kyle Jamieson ahead of Tim Southee, keeping their respective form against India in mind. Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi are both likely to play on a used pitch.
On the batting front, they have depth with plenty of all-round options. However, in the middle overs, a lot will depend on how Williamson plays.
Likely XIs
India: Rohit Sharma, K.L. Rahul, Virat Kohli (c), Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakravarthy, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah
New Zealand: Martin Guptill, Daryl Mitchell, Kane Williamson (c), James Neesham, Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert (wk), Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Kyle Jamieson, Trent Boult
Fantasy tips:
- Sodhi is New Zealand's highest wicket-taker in T20Is (17 wickets in 12 matches) against India. Consider him for your fantasy XI.
- Having missed out against Pakistan, India's top-order would like make their presence felt in this game. Back the likes of Rahul and Kohli to do well.
- On the bowling front, Boult and Bumrah are the premier wicket-takers for their respective teams. Having them in your XI is likely to fetch you some useful bowling points.
Blitzpools Fantasy XI
Rishabh Pant (wk), KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson (c), Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, James Neesham, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah (vc), Ish Sodhi, Varun Chakravarthy