India's No 1 ODI ranking in danger against New Zealand
With the excitement of the five-match T20 series out of the way, India and New Zealand begin the most crucial leg of the all-format tour. The five-match ODI series, which begins on Wednesday, is where both sides have channelled most of their energies. We are getting closer to the 2027 ODI World Cup, after all, and conditions in Auckland should be similar to what will be on offer in South Africa,…
India's top-ranked One Day International (ODI) team is facing a potential threat in their upcoming tour against New Zealand, with the series beginning on Wednesday. The five-match ODI series is seen as a crucial test for both sides, particularly as they prepare for the 2027 ODI World Cup. While India has been the dominant force in recent multi-format tournaments since 2024, New Zealand has shown their strength in longer formats, most notably by defeating India 3-0 in a Test series and 3-0 in a One Day International (ODI) series in late 2024.
The Kiwis' batting prowess, spearheaded by Daryl Mitchell, has been a key factor in their success. Mitchell averages almost 75 against India, with four of his nine ODI tons coming against them. Glenn Phillips has also been in excellent form, contributing 341 runs in the five T20s at a strike rate of 185. New Zealand's bowling attack, led by Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy, along with the rest of the team, who were involved in the recent T20 series, are confident heading into the ODI contests.
India's top spot in the ODI rankings, currently at 115 points, is at risk as New Zealand sits just behind them at 109 points. A win for New Zealand in the first three matches of this series could see them overtake India as the top-ranked ODI team, a position they would cement with a 4-1 series victory. The series is also significant as it might be the last chance for cricket fans in New Zealand to witness the iconic partnership of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in international cricket, as both are likely to retire after the 2027 World Cup.
Written by urgent.news from The National UAE's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
