New Zealand's Tim Southee, one of only two quicks in the top 10 of the Twenty20 bowling world rankings, believes sluggish wickets at the World Cup could work out well for seamers.
'India in their home conditions are a different beast and they have started unsurprisingly strongly - I see them as favourites to win the competition at this stage, no matter what happens in Dharmsala (on Sunday),' writes Ross Taylor in his column for ICC Media Zone.
The second T20 game between India and New Zealand in Ranchi begins at 1900 IST.
Kane Williamson, playing his first match of World Cup 2023, scored 78 as the Kiwis eased past Bangladesh by eight wickets.
South Africa sealed a comprehensive 190-run victory over New Zealand on Wednesday for their sixth win in seven matches.
New Zealand beat England by a comfortable six wickets as the four-match Twenty20 International series finished in a 2-2 draw.
Pacer Mohammed Siraj had reported a 'corrupt approach" to BCCI's Anti Corruption Unit (ACU) from an unknown person, who wanted 'inside news' about his team before Australia arrived in India.
The World Cup opener is set to be another barnstorming meeting between two of the favourites -- and a fitting way to start a cricketing feast.
Kane Williamson, spinners set up NZ's 35-run win over Ireland
Kane Williamson's team became Test cricket's first official world champions
Cricket New Zealand CEO Justin Vaughan is convinced that the upcoming series between India and New Zealand is going to be exciting from start to finish.
New Zealand face England-beaters Afghanistan aiming to keep their unbeaten run intact
"He has indicated he's available for the World Cup," Stead told reporters.
From England's fiery all-rounder Ben Stokes to India's rising star Shubman Gill, and the ever-reliable Babar Azam from Pakistan, these cricketing maestros are ready to redefine the game.
Ahead of their five-match one-day series against the visiting Indian team, New Zealand bowling coach Shane Bond has asked his boys to rise up to the challenge of facing the world's number one ODI team and put them under pressure by winning the first game on Sunday.
At the end of the day 1 India were 258 for the loss of four wickets.
What stands out for Kuldeep 2.0 is his aggressive approach.
Pakistan cricketers floored by 'unexpected' welcome, hit nets 12 hours after arrival
Williamson suffered the injury while fielding for the Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League last Friday and returned to New Zealand.
Spinners from both sides bowled 30 of the total 40 overs and not a single six was hit by a batsman.
Suryakumar continues to lead T20I rankings
The agreement will see women's players at both international and domestic level receive the same match fees as men
New Zealand will firmly bank on their potent batting line-up to ward off Bangladesh's capable spin attack on a slow Chepauk pitch on Friday.
Chapman (57-ball 104 not out) combined with Jimmy Neesham (45) to overhaul the 194-run target and stun Pakistan
As Mohammed Shami walked back to the top of his run-up, Virat Kohli geed the fans at the Wankhede Stadium to go full throat with their chants - Shaamii! Shaamii! They obliged merrily.
Virat Kohli's World record 50th ODI hundred, a scintillating century by Shreyas Iyer and Mohammed Shami's brilliant pace bowling powered the hosts past New Zealand in the first semi-final with a 70-run victory at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai on Wednesday.
New Zealand will play the World Cup-opener against England on Thursday without key pacer Tim Southee, who is yet to recover from his thumb surgery.
New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell will replace injured England batter Will Jacks in the Royal Challengers Bangalore squad for IPL 2023.
Having opted out of a New Zealand contract last year, pacer Trent Boult expressed his desire to play in the ODI World Cup.
'If it was up to me, Dubai would always host a one off match like this WTC game. Neutral venue, fabulous stadium, guaranteed weather, excellent training facilities and a travel hub!' KP tweeted.
'An important piece of carry-on luggage here. The #WTC21 Mace will travel to its new home in style.'
Sri Lanka, who are third in the WTC rankings behind already qualified Australia and India, will need to beat New Zealand 2-0.
Apart from Rohit, Guptill is closely followed by former India captain Virat Kohli (3,308), Ireland's ODI skipper Paul Stirling (2,894), and Australian captain Aaron Finch, who is fifth in the list with 2,855 runs.
The top-order has struggled immensely to contribute runs. In the opener, the Kiwis seemed down and out at 131-6, before number seven Michael Bracewell played a blinder to almost take them over the line.
The win over Ireland saw New Zealand grab the top spot with seven points and a net runrate of +2.113.
The Black Caps will be the third major side to tour Pakistan this year after Australia played a full series in March-April and England featured in seven T20Is in September-October.
NZ bowlers dismissed the tourists for 164 and reducing them to 113 for two, still 303 runs in arrear
South Africa lost two wickets after tea but extended their lead over New Zealand to 211 runs by the close of Day 3 to leave the second Test delicately poised, in Christchurch, on Sunday.
Sri Lanka, who beat Ireland in their Super 12 opener, are still to face former champions England and last year's runners-up New Zealand as they look to secure one of the top two spots in the group.
New Zealand batsman Daryl Mitchell made a splash on the opening day of the second Test against England on Friday when he smashed a six straight into a startled female fan's pint of beer.
