India vs New Zealand, 13th Match, Super 10 Group 2 - Live Cricket Score, Commentary

The in-form team heading into the ICC World T20, 2016, MS Dhoni-led India will be hoping to live up to the favourites tag when they face off against New Zealand in the opening match of the men's tournament at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur.

Everything points towards a successful campaign for the Indian side. Familiarity of home conditions is an added advantage to a side that has been in excellent form in T20Is in the build-up to the premier event. For a team that boasts of the premier T20 league in the world, the side's performances in World T20 hasn't quite mirrored the expectations. They won the inaugural event in 2007 and were the finalists last time around in 2014 but in the three editions in between, they failed to make it to the knockout stages. This time around, the squad looks a settled one with more all-rounders suited to the conditions. With the momentum behind them, they are the firmfavouritesto make it to the knockout stages at least.

On the other hand, New Zealand, led by Brendon McCullum, went a long way in shattering their team's 'also-ran' reputation in major ICC events as they advanced to their first-ever final in the 50-over World Cup in 2015. However, with McCullum announcing retirement ahead of the World T20 in India, New Zealand's chances of repeating their enthralling performances have taken a severe beating. It'd be unfair to write off a squad filled with the likes of Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Tim Southee and Trent Boult, but without McCullum's early onslaught, the squad, especially the batting unit, will be left with a lot of work to do.

The silver lining for New Zealand is their excellent form that they carry into the tournament. The Williamson-led side blanked Pakistan in a three-match T20I series at home, including a comprehensive 10-wicket win in chase of 170. ThatIndia have never beaten New Zealand in T20Is could also have a significant bearing on both the sides when they lock horns in the opening game.

There is drama all around. Ashish Nehra strikes with the third ball as Colin Munro looks to play over the in-field, but ends up giving an easy catch to the fielder at mid-on. To make things more interesting, it is a maiden wicket over. The only run New Zealand managed to get off it was via a leg bye.