Edwinp

New Zealand are likely to struggle to match India in this 1st T20 match, either scoring first or trying to chase down India's total.

Afghanistan won their 1st T20 match against West Indies comfortably by 38 runs, which matched similar games six years ago. West Indies are likely to struggle again in Nairobi.

Ibrahim Zadran (Afghanistan) batted through their innings, not out, in the 1st T20 match after Gurbaz lost his wicket on the first ball and could be their top batsman again.

Johnson Charles (West Indies) gave up his wicket too early in the West Indies innings trying to match the Afghan run rate in the 1st T20 match. But with 27 in 16 balls, he was only 3 short of top scorer Quentin Sampson on 30. He could be top batsman for West Indies this time.

Stellar Masterpiece disappointed last time when a beaten favourite here, ridden by Brian Hughes, as she hit the last and faded on the run-in over a longer distance. She has won four times on the flat at Catterick over 12f and is more suited to two miles over hurdles. She now has her lowest mark of 71, and Joshua Thompson is taking off his seven-pound allowance.

Gerri Colombe had a big reputation in his early days and remained unbeaten until the 2023 Cheltenham Festival, where he lost by a shorthead to The Real Whacker. Prior to that, he won his only point, two bumpers, two hurdle races (including at two miles seven furlongs), and three chases. His record since the defeat was interrupted by injury, but in seven races he won three, was in the frame in three, and only disappointed in his latest, when he was pulled up midway through the Savills Chase at Leopardstown a month ago. He should be forgiven his first race in 421 days, and a return to hurdles could revive him.

Scottish National winner Captain Cody was pushed up to a high mark of 150 after that win at the end of last season, but he has not been uncompetitive in his first two races this season. Paul Townend thought he was compromised by a poor start when seventh, beaten just over nine lengths, in the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown last time.