13-Mar-2009 20:24:00 GMT
India in new Zealand, 2008/09New Zealand v India 5th ODI, Auckland - March 14, 2009
Auckland: With the series already in their pocket, India may opt to rest some of their key players as they go into the fifth and final One-dayer against a demoralized New Zealand on Saturday, hoping to finish it off on a winning note.
The Indians have already taken an invincible 3-0 lead in the five match series and will be keen to try out their reserve players for the inconsequential game at the Eden Park.
Sachin Tendulkar, who sat out of the last game because of an abdomen injury, is likely to be rested for the match so that he is fully fit for the Test series beginning March 18.
Tendulkar will have fond memories of Eden Park, where he opened in an ODI for the first time and smashed 82 off 49 balls.
Batting second has traditionally been an advantage in day-night games here. Teams chasing have won eight out of 13 completed matches.
New Zealand have brought in Scott Styris as cover for Ewen Thompson, who bruised his left thumb at practice. Thompson will be assessed again in the morning before a final decision is be taken.
Match facts Saturday, March 14, 2009 (day/night)
Start time 14.00 local (01.00 GMT)
Highlights of the match
|
India |
New Zealand |
| Coach |
Gary Kirsten |
Andy Moles |
| ICC Ranking |
3 |
5 |
| Key Players |
Sehwag, Ishant, Yuvraj, Irfan |
Ryder, Vettori, O'Brien, McCullum |
| Trivia & Stats |
India have a 3-3 win-loss record at Eden Park. Two of those wins came on their last two tours. |
New Zealand have won 27 ODIs and lost 29 in Auckland. Since 2005, they've won only two - including one against Bangladesh. |
| Weather |
The weather has been unpredictable over the last two days, with sunshine followed by a spell of rain in very frequent intervals. |
| Pitch |
Another small ground greets the visitors and if the pitch is flat, it should be another run-fest. |
| Current Form |
LWNWW |
LNLNLL (Recent last) |
| Head to head |
Total 79, India Won 39, New Zealnad won 35, NR 5 |
