On the back of their biggest-ever ODI victory and with merely a two-day turnaround time, India resumed their 2023 World Cup preparations high on confidence against the world no. 1 side New Zealand in Hyderabad in the first of the three-ODI series on Wednesday, January 18. India made a few changes as Axar Patel and Umran Malik have been rested, with Suryakumar Yadav, Shardul Thakur, and Washington Sundar making it into the team.
India opted to bat first after winning the toss. During the first innings, Indian young opener Shubman Gill continued his fine form in ODI cricket as he slammed a double hundred in the 50-over format against New Zealand on Wednesday in Hyderabad. This was also Gill’s second consecutive century in ODI cricket as he hit 116 against Sri Lanka in the final match of the recently-concluded series against the Island nation.
The 23-year-old put on a 60-run partnership with captain Rohit Sharma for the first wicket before the latter was dismissed for 34 runs by Blair Tickener. Gill then joined hands with Virat Kohli, but the star batter also perished cheaply as he was bowled by Mitchell Santner.
India looking for another ODI series win
The opener then shifted gears and started to score some delightful shots despite Ishan Kishan also not providing him with enough support. Gill finally got a partner in Suryakumar Yadav as the duo took the attack to the New Zealand bowlers. It was a one-man show like no other and the BlackCaps didn’t really have many answers to him. Even the usually economical Santner couldn’t put a lid on the scoring rate. The youngster played a destructive knock of 208 runs off just 149 deliveries, which included 19 fours and 9 sixes.
Talking about India’s World Cup preparation, the rise of Mohammed Siraj as the spearhead is a great sign for the team. He looks like an automatic pick for the World Cup. Shreyas Iyer’s spin and pressure-handling abilities, Kuldeep’s impressive return, Shubman Gill grabbing his chance and making a massive statement, Umran Malik’s middle overs prowess, and Axar Patel making vital runs and performing really well with the ball will all contribute to India’s chances. In addition, from Virat’s return to top form to KL proving his worth at No. 5, a lot has gone right for India.
Meanwhile, New Zealand arrive on the other side of the border with a strong 2-1 series win in Pakistan and would want to build on the gains from their good showing in subcontinental conditions.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Shubman Gill needs such centuries to fix his spot
#INDvsNZ— Mihirlamkhade (@RLMihir) January 18, 2023
This is a proper statement knock from Shubman Gill. Very little support at a good pace against the No.1 side in the world. Has the chance to go properly massive too
— Ben Gardner (@Ben_Wisden) January 18, 2023
Pratistha, parampara Sachin-virat-subhman
— Vrishabha Vahana (@IM_Redzz) January 18, 2023
Kohli ki century bhi isi ne maar di
— Utsav Malakar 🇮🇳 (@UtsavMalakar) January 18, 2023
To be honest gill>>Babar
— Harsh🇮🇳 (@Harsh94295) January 18, 2023
🏏♥️ Rising Super star @ShubmanGill pic.twitter.com/yvxUs2HvMb
— Subash (@SubbuSubash_17) January 18, 2023
Indian batsman have normalized double century in odis
— Cricket troll corner (@adityaraj2kfrek) January 18, 2023
Shubman Gill, the arrival of the prince.
— Akshay kumar (@akshaykumark95) January 18, 2023
