As India and New Zealand meet for the second time in the tri-series the equations have changed. Though the Indians might still be haunted by the nightmarish loss in the opening game, the last two games at Harare would give Sourav Ganguly’s men some hope. While India cakewalked to a 161 runs win against Zimbabwe, New Zealand walked the tightrope to manage a 27-run victory against hosts.India• The Indians can gain maximum confidence from the fact that the lower middle order is beginning to contribute generously. Dhoni, Yuvraj, Yadav and Pathan appear confident and the fact that Mohd Kaif is now relishing the No 3 spot is the best that can happen to India at the moment.• The bowling is beginning to look like India’s strength. With the conditions favouring swing, the Indians will once again bank on contributions from Irfan Pathan. Also the fact that the first change — Ajit Agarkar’s spell — has been equally threatening will be a reassuring factor for India.• The last victory over Zimbabwe could turn out to be the perfect morale-booster that the Indians have been waiting for. Also the fact that they managed to play the hosts better than New Zealand will keep the Indians confident.New Zealand• The pressure is back on the Kiwis who were lucky to escape against Zimbabwe on Thursday. If not for Daniel Vettori’s 47 down the order, the Kiwi total of 238 would have made a weaker impact in Wednesday’s match.• There is a lack of consistency in the Kiwi batting line-up. Craig McMillan and Jacob Oram failed against the Zimbabwe after their match-winning partnership against India. Opener Lou Vincent with scores of 4 and 0 in two innings hasn’t been able to give New Zealand a perfect start.
