Table of Contents
The 1st ODI between India and New Zealand is set for tomorrow at the BCA Stadium (Kotambi) in Vadodara. This marks the return of stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to the ODI side, with Shubman Gill leading the team as captain. New Zealand, led by Michael Bracewell, will be looking to challenge the hosts in what is expected to be a high-scoring series opener.
India enters this match with a formidable top order including Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, followed by the experience of Kohli and Sharma. The bowling attack is bolstered by the return of Mohammed Siraj and the spin duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav. New Zealand will rely heavily on Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell to navigate the Indian conditions.
BCA Stadium Pitch Report
The pitch at the BCA Stadium is a classic Indian white-ball track, designed for high-scoring encounters. It offers a flat surface with good bounce and carry, making it a “batter’s paradise” where stroke-makers can thrive. While pace bowlers might find some initial movement under the sun, the surface typically remains true throughout the game. Spinners may find occasional grip, but the relatively short boundaries place them under constant pressure. Given the likelihood of dew in the evening, the team winning the toss is expected to opt for bowling first to capitalize on the easier chasing conditions.
BCA Stadium Stats and Records
The venue has hosted 3 ODIs to date, with the following historical trends:
- Total Matches: 3
- Matches won batting first: 2
- Matches won bowling first: 1
- Average 1st innings Score: 278
- Average 2nd innings Score: 171
- Highest total recorded: 358/5 (50 Overs) by India Women vs West Indies Women
- Lowest total recorded: 103/10 (26.2 Overs) by West Indies Women vs India Women
- Highest score chased: 167/5 (28.2 Overs) by India Women vs West Indies Women
- Lowest score defended: 358/5 (50 Overs) by India Women vs West Indies Women
Also READ: Aakash Chopra picks replacement of Tilak Varma for the T20I series against New Zealand
