Six-eighty-six runs in the series opener and just 219 in the second game. Even if the total runs scored in the match reduced by nearly 70% from the first ODI to the second, the common and worrying theme for New Zealand was how their top five barely showed up. While chasing 350 in Hyderabad, their top five totalled 101 runs; batting first in Raipur they managed a mere 11 runs as New Zealand collapsed to 15 for 5.
Michael Bracewell's heroic 140 off 78 balls saved them the blushes the first time but there was nothing to hide their face behind in the second. Undoubtedly, New Zealand need a lift from their top five, which is without Kane Williamson, and what will lift their spirits is that Indore, the venue of the final game, serves runs - like its food - on a platter. In the last ODI here, in September 2017, Australia scored 293, with their top three scoring 229, including a century from Aaron Finch. And in the most recent T20I here last October, Rilee Rossouw blasted a match-winning 48-ball century when South Africa amassed 227. On both occasions, India found it hard to dismiss the opposition's top five.
Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls and Daryl Mitchell are the batters New Zealand will expect a lot from, and No. 5 Tom Latham is perhaps due for runs against a side he already averages (minimum five innings) and scores the most against. Finn Allen got a start in the first ODI but he was beaten comprehensively by Mohammed Shami's swing in the second, and will be itching to get runs too.
New Zealand's issues don't end there. The chances of it happening in Indore may not be much and they are already without Tim Southee and Trent Boult, but they will be desperate for quick and early wickets to avoid more punishment from Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma.
Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/new-zealand-in-india-2022-23-1348633/india-vs-new-zealand-3rd-odi-1348648/match-preview
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