1st Test Match Prediction: India Versus New Zealand. Who Will Win?

India vs New Zealand: 1st Test Match Prediction India vs New Zealand: 1st Test Match Prediction
Tournament2021 1st Test Match Prediction
Timetable25th November 2021 0930 IST
PredictionIndia to win
Odds1.05 (Bet ₹2500 and win ₹2625)
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Odds : 1.30
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New Zealand’s tour of India continues with the first of a two-match Test series commencing on the 25th of November at Green Park Stadium, Kanpur. India are sitting on a 3-0 victory from the T20I series whitewash, whereas New Zealand will still draw strength from their T20 World Cup wins.

The upcoming two Tests mark the second cycle of the ICC World Test Championship, so both teams will be hoping to walk away with essential points. Our cricket match prediction will cover all the top information you need which could be useful if you also enjoy online cricket betting.

India Team Preview

We will see the Indian cricket team led by Ajinkya Rahane in the first test due to the absence of Vihrat Kohli, who will join for the second. Rahane has had a few changes in the team to face with Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Rohit Sharma rested. In addition, KL Rahul has been ruled out due to a muscle strain injury, meaning we are likely to see Shubman Gill with the chance to open. With many experienced players out, this leaves room for players like Shreyas Iyer to make a first Test debut.

For the middle order, we expect to see Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane, with Mayank Agarwal a good choice having experience. Spinners Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Axar Patel all promise lethal bowling which will give tough competition to New Zealand. Pacer Ishant Sharma is set to deliver some consistent pressure for the Kiwis.

New Zealand Team Preview

New Zealand will be reflecting on win against India in the World Test Championship six months ago in Southampton, as well as the all-important win in the recent T20 World Cup tournament. However, they will need to set and stick to a game plan focusing on subduing the Indian spinners, who they have historically struggled against.

Tom Latham is expected to open for the team, with hopes to get New Zealand off to a steady and strong start. Skipper Kane Williamson will join again for both Test series after being rested for previous three T20I matches, and we will of course see him take the middle order. Williamson is likely to bring some security for the Kiwis, with over 750 runs his last five Test matches.

Turning our attention to the bowlers, Tim Southee, a pacer with a left-arm spin, currently has the best average for a Kiwi bowler, and with the absence of Trent Boult, will be vital with his experience. Ajaz Patel has eyes on him since his Test debut in 2018. In Asia, Patel has been the team’s highest wicket-taker with 22 wickets from nine innings. We can expect to see him and William Somerville as the first choice spinners. Rachin Ravindra is also expected to make his first Test debut.

Toss Prediction

Whoever wins the toss is likely to bat first with the intention of gaining a sharp and substantial lead within the first innings. This is backed up with the most recent records from Green Park where more matches have been won by the teams who have batted first.

Pitch Conditions

Kanpur’s Green Park Stadium has gone under intense management in the last few days to ensure the moisture in the strip is reasonable, which will allow the wicket to be held together for longer. Pitch curator Shiv Kumar believes that it will not break down easily, and from day two, will aid the spinners which is typical for Indian pitches.

As the first day of the test match cricket begins at 09:30 IST, play will be expected to run until 16:30 IST so there will not be a chance for any dew to form.

Our Match Prediction

With home advantage, their recent T20I win, and the knowledge of winning two of the three Test matches against New Zealand at Green Park, India will be feeling very powerful going into these two matches. However, the Kiwis will still be feeling positive after beating India by eight wickets in the T20 World Cup.

India are yet to lose a series at home in the last nine years and New Zealand are yet to win a series in India. The best betting sites for cricket seem to agree with us thinking that India are looking promising to clinch another victory.

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