Dec. 9: The first four instalments of the five match one-day series has seen one unit camouflage their deficiencies well and another running downhill without brakes. The difference in class that looked minimal on paper at the start has now seen the Kiwis exposed thoroughly.
There is little of interest here barring the usual additions to meaningless statistics, India and New Zealand round off the series with honours well and truly decided.
The batting chart of the fourth match has been the only high point for the visitors who somehow have failed to comprehend the jigsaw. Losing momentum in the sub-continent can be fiddly. The great Indian rope trick one missed is a difficult train to catch. With many senior pros rested this was the best chance for New Zealand to record their first ODI series win in India but sadly the team have not played as a cohesive unit.
Gautam Gambhir is not complaining at all. The team have overcome a few difficult situations and nothing bigger than the chase at Bengaluru where Yusuf Pathan exploded exactly when the team required an innings of brutal brilliance. There are a few areas that the can be plugged but this Indian combination is not anywhere near the one that will play the World Cup and in all fairness they have over-performed.
The form of Yuvraj Singh and bowling at the death has been a cause for minor concern. If the rain stays away, it will provide another fantastic opportunity for the hosts to plug the chinks in their armour. New Zealand played positive cricket and should continue in the same vein in order to go back home with some pride. Daniel Vettroi and his men have not won an ODI in a long time and its time they slip back into the winning habit.
Both sides have their full squads to select from. New Zealand did the right thing by touring Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and India in preparation for the World Cup but after finding moderate success, nothing has gone right for them. The seam attack that penetrates better outside Asia has been the biggest cause of worry.