India won the first T20I by a massive margin of 48 runs, giving them a 1-0 lead in the series. Since their successful 2024 T20 World Cup campaign, ‘s team has not lost a single T20I series, and they will be aiming to maintain their dominant and unbeaten record with another tournament edition approaching.
Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson would want to perform better as they failed during the last outing. Samson is expected to be India’s first-choice opener and wicketkeeper for the T20 World Cup, but Kishan, who was chosen in the playing XI in the first T20I because of Tilak Varma’s injury, needs to make a concerted effort to establish himself in the squad.
Before being trapped at cover, Kishan had a brief but impressive appearance. The majority of Indian players strive to knock every ball out of the park with very deep batting. Kishan would keep taking that bold stance, and all he could do is hope he succeeds. Prior to the ICC event, captain Suryakumar Yadav’s form has been the focus. Although he was unable to contribute significantly, the 32 from 22 balls would have greatly boosted his confidence.
The team’s performance ahead of the World Cup, when India enters as defending champions, provided warning messages to competitors, even though individual areas for growth emerged from an overwhelming victory in the first match.
IND vs NZ 2nd T20I: Raipur Pitch Report
It should be a high-scoring game in Raipur. South Africa chased down a target of 359 runs with 4 balls remaining during India’s most recent evening ODI match at the venue. The spinners might play a decisive role here like they have in the past. However, fans can expect a good batting show on this pitch.
With conditions that are still somewhat uncertain and relatively new. The Indian team was able to defend a score of 174 against Australia at the venue’s first T20I back in December 2023, with spinners playing a crucial role. Early in the game, the surface provided respectable bounce, but as the game went on, it slowed down.
The Indian batters are anticipated to test the pitch early due their aggressive batting strategy following the 2024 T20 World Cup. The spinners may be used in the middle overs as the ball grips, even though heavy hitting could be the highlight during the powerplay. In order to maintain their lead, teams batting first would like to surpass the 180-run mark.
IND vs NZ 2nd T20I: Predicted XIs
India: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy.
New Zealand: Tim Robinson, Devon Conway (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (c), Kristian Clarke/Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy.