New Zealand vs India 2014: Five talking points of the first ODI

Although India were unsuccessful in the mystic Kiwi Land yet again, in the first One-Day international against New Zealand at Napier, there were a handful of takeaways for both the sides.

Let’s look at the five biggest talking points from the match.

1.Winning and Score Prediction (WASP)

WASP

This morning as soon as we switched on our TV sets, we saw WASP plus some percentage written on the score bar. It is a prediction percentage; which is much more detailed and inculcates many factors like pitch, previous records of both teams, the past records on the ground and so on.

Unlike the projected score method, which is just about the batting side’s performance in the present match, the WASP varies with the performance of the bowling team. Sky sport has been using the technique for some time in New Zealand, and it’s a welcome change for the Indian viewers.

It will be interesting to see if this is used for the upcoming series too or it’s just a one off thing. Nonetheless, it’s good. I will still miss my projected scorecard though.

Never mind! Lets WASP!

2. Partnerships Matter

Ross Taylor (L) of New Zealand congratulates teammate Kane Williamson as he celebrates 50 runs during the first one day international (ODI) cricket match between New Zealand and India at McLean Park in Napier on January 19, 2014.

If we look at the scorecards of the two batting sides, one quite visible difference is the lack of partnerships for India and an opposite tale for the Kiwis. New Zealand didn’t get any big three digit individual score but then they never felt the need of it as the middle order clicked for the team. There was always a partnership going on. Every new batsman took it from where the previous man left.

India, on the other hand, relied heavily on their sheet anchor Virat Kohli. But, as has been the trend, the middle order failed to deliver outside the subcontinent for what now seems to be the nth time.

As they say, and yes, it’s a cliché but a true one at that – ‘Partnerships win matches’.

3. Corey Anderson is ‘freaking’ good

Corey Anderson of New Zealand bats during the first one day international (ODI) cricket match between New Zealand and India at McLean Park in Napier on January 19, 2014.

Okay, so a fortnight ago he broke Shahid Afridi’s record and heart, by scoring the fastest One-Day international century in 36 balls against the West Indies. The buck didn’t just stop there. He made a fantastic 68, and also took two crucial wickets of Shikhar Dhawan and Ajinkya Rahane to be adjudged as the player of the match.

The 23-year-old Anderson is the newest addition to the all-time left handed all-rounder list for Kiwis; that includes the likes of Chris Harris and Jacob Oram. The lad is a treat to watch and has a tremendous temperament.

Take my words! Mr. Anderson is here to stay.

4.Indian Bowling

The inconsistent Ishant

I don’t even remember for how long this has been the talk of the town, but yes bowling has clearly been the weak link of the Indian team.

It’s the inability of keeping it tight during the final overs, that has been causing India a lot of matches in the recent past. Shami and Kumar are good in the initial overs but they still lack the nerve, when it comes to bowling at the death. Ishant Sharma is becoming a butt of jokes again and for obvious reasons.

Ravichandran Ashwin has been largely unsuccessful in his recent outings and the skipper really needs to see into the case. To add to that, Ravindra Jadeja also failed today.

Indian pacers will have to buckle up fast, if they don’t want this series to be humiliating.

5. Virat Kohli – The streak is finally broken!

Virat Kohli of India shows his disappointment after being dismissed during the first One Day International match between New Zealand and India at McLean Park on January 19, 2014 in Napier, New Zealand.

Virat Kohli is awesome. He is hitting centuries like only Sachin Tendulkar did before. The comparisons keep coming, but they can wait. 123 out of 111 balls was an amazing effort. He put his heart into it like he always does.

Alas! His bravado was in vain and India lost. That also means that he can never again be the proud owner of such an unique record – as long as it lasted – ‘India never loses when Kohli scores ton in a chase’.

It’s okay Virat! It’s only natural, happens with everybody! Streaks are made to be broken…keeps the fun alive!