India vs New Zealand 2019: 3 Steps to success for the visitors in the 2nd ODI

#1 Play out the new ball cautiously

All eyes would be on Rohit Sharma

In the game on Wednesday, India were chasing a paltry total of 158. Thus, their openers had time to get their eye in before accelerating. However, if they bat first on Saturday, they might be left with the task of making the play.

Yet, the visitors shouldn’t be too gung-ho in their approach at the top. New Zealand’s biggest bowling asset is their new-ball partnership of Boult and Southee. Capable of extracting movement off the pitch, the duo has made a living by putting oppositions on the back-foot early.

In addition, the lion’s share of India’s runs is scored by the top three and a complete malfunction of the top order would put the middle-order under immense pressure. Moreover, the likes of Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma are more than adroit at making up for sluggish starts.

The hosts’ bowling attack might not be as dangerous as those of yesteryears yet Southee and Boult can trouble any batting line-up on their day. Thus, a safe and sound start by India’s openers might be the order of the day. And if they are successful in negotiating the new ball threat, they could just inch closer to a historic series victory.