India anxiously ‘enjoying’ a week-long break

As both India and New Zealand were comprehensively beaten by Pakistan in their T20 World Cup openers on October 24 and October 26, respectively, the upcoming encounter between the two sides thus becomes a potential do-or-die affair in order to stay in contention for a place in the semifinals.

Assuming the other three sides in the group -- Afghanistan, Scotland and Namibia -- are not likely to cause any upset against the three big guns – Pakistan, India and New Zealand – the fate of the encounter between India and New Zealand is of paramount importance for the two sides at such an early stage of the tournament.

The Men in Blue will take on the Black Caps on October 31, which means India will get two more extra days to prepare with respect to New Zealand, which could play a part in deciding the outcome in favour of the T20 champions of 2007. 

The Kiwis have an edge over their upcoming rival in terms of overall T20I head-to-head results, having won 8 against India's 6 with the other two matches tied.