The second T20 International between India and New Zealand promises to be an exciting encounter as the two sides meet at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur. Following India’s 48-run victory in the first match, they currently lead the five-match series 1-0.
The Ind vs NZ 2nd T20I will kick off on Friday evening at 7:00 PM IST, with the toss scheduled for 6:30 PM IST. Fans can expect a high-octane clash as India aims to extend their series lead, while New Zealand looks for a comeback to level the score.
Raipur Pitch Report
The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium has historically offered assistance to both batters and spinners. In the first T20I of this series, India chased down a challenging total of 175 with relative ease, thanks to disciplined bowling from spinners Axar Patel and Ravi Bishnoi, who troubled the New Zealand batsmen.
With the pitch expected to remain consistent, teams can anticipate a high-scoring match, though spinners might play a crucial role in the middle overs, controlling the run flow and taking key wickets.
Raipur Weather Forecast
According to meteorological updates, Raipur is set for clear skies and sunny weather during the day. Temperatures in the evening are expected to hover between 20°C and 25°C, with humidity levels ranging from 35% to 44%.
The good news for cricket fans is that there is no chance of rain, though slight dew may be observed later in the game, which could assist the bowlers in the second innings.
Probable Playing XI
Here are the likely line-ups for the Ind vs NZ 2nd T20I:
India Probable XI
| Player Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Abhishek Sharma | Batter |
| Sanju Samson | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| Ishan Kishan | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| Suryakumar Yadav (C) | Batter/Captain |
| Shivam Dube | All-rounder |
| Hardik Pandya | All-rounder |
| Rinku Singh | Batter |
| Axar Patel / Kuldeep Yadav | Spinner |
| Varun Chakravarthy | Spinner |
| Jasprit Bumrah | Fast Bowler |
| Arshdeep Singh | Fast Bowler |
Note: The final playing XI might change depending on toss conditions and pitch assessment.
New Zealand is expected to bring a competitive side with their mix of experienced campaigners and young talent aiming to bounce back after the first defeat.
Key Players to Watch
- Suryakumar Yadav (India): The captain has been in stellar form and will be pivotal in anchoring India’s batting innings.
- Jasprit Bumrah (India): Known for his death-over bowling, he could turn the game in India’s favor with timely wickets.
- New Zealand Spinners: They will have the responsibility to contain India’s power hitters in the middle overs.
Read also: Afg vs wi 2nd t20: Mujeeb’s Historic Hat-Trick Powers Afghanistan to Series Victory Over West Indies
Match Outlook
The Ind vs NZ 2nd T20I is set to be a thrilling contest. India, riding high after a convincing win in the first T20I, will aim to capitalize on momentum and maintain their lead in the series. On the other hand, New Zealand will look to adapt to Raipur’s conditions and bounce back with a strong performance.
With the pitch favoring batters and spinners equally, teams will need a balanced approach, combining aggressive batting with disciplined bowling. Fans can expect explosive hitting in the powerplay and strategic spin bowling in the middle overs, making it a complete T20 spectacle.
This article has been written to provide a complete preview of the Ind vs NZ 2nd T20I, covering pitch conditions, weather updates, probable playing XI, and key players to watch. Cricket enthusiasts around the world can look forward to an evening of intense T20 action in Raipur.
