IND vs NZ ODI series 2016: Men in Blue to lock horns against Black Caps in opener at Dharamsala

After their superlative performance against the Kiwis in the test series, India are set to kick start their ODI series campaign by playing New Zealand in series opener at Dharamsala later on Sunday.

India shall be taking on New Zealand in the series opener at the picturesque HPCA stadium in Dharamsala later on Sunday. The match is scheduled to begin at 1:30 pm. Nestled in the foothills of the beautiful Dhauladhar range, the stadium is considered one of the most scenic cricket around the world.

The Kiwis would relish playing the Indians at Dharamsala as the cool and breezy conditions are similar to what they have back home. The Indians have been all conquering against the Kiwis in all the previous bilateral series played at home, winning all four series with comprehensive margins but they wont make the mistake of taking the Kiwis lightly as they are a formidable unit in the limited overs arena.

The Indians squad has been subject to quite a few changes with the selectors giving youngsters a chance to prove their mantle. Seasoned campaigners like Ashwin, Jadeja and Shami have been rested for the first three ODI's.The Indian middle order shall be bolstered by the comeback of Suresh Raina in the national team. Meanwhile MS Dhoni returns back to captain the ODI team.

The Kiwis are placed at number three on the ICC rankings and are coming into the series with three successive series wins at home. The Black Caps have been a top one day side ever since reaching the finals of the 2015 World Cup.

After handing the Kiwis a series whitewash in Tests, India would be soaring with confidence and would like to start of their ODI campaign on a winning note.

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