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India vs New Zealand 2nd T20I to be played at Raipur [Source: X]
India is all set to take on a low-spirited New Zealand for the 2nd T20I match at Raipur. The IND vs NZ clash will take place on January 23 at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium. The match will be live for fans from 7:00 PM IST.
India will be a confident lot after their first win in Nagpur. Abhishek Sharma's blitz helped India advance to a mammoth total on the board as Rinku Singh added to the 238-run total later.
New Zealand on the other hand, had a faulty start with wickets tumbling from the very first over. Shivam Dube and Varun Chakaravarthy played the destroyer as the visitors were restricted to 190 runs. Nevertheless, the 2nd T20I is set to commence soon and ahead of the match, here's a look at who will have an upper hand in the match.
India vs New Zealand current form (last 5 T20Is)
| Team | Form |
| India | W, W, W, L, W |
| New Zealand | L, W, W, W, L |
IND vs NZ: Key player battles
Abhishek Sharma vs Ish Sodhi
Abhishek Sharma made an instant statement in his first T20I by taking on New Zealand’s Ish Sodhi with fearless intent. Walking in early, Abhishek dismantled the bowling attack with his 84 off just 35 balls. Although Sodhi eventually had the last laugh by dismissing Abhishek, the damage was already done, with the left-hander laying the foundation for India’s total.
Abhishek Sharma vs Ish Sodhi in T20Is: 24 runs; 10 balls; 1 dismissal
Rinku Singh vs Jacob Duffy
Rinku Singh continued his reputation as a finisher in his first T20I by taking on New Zealand's bowling order with his 20-ball 44. With Rinku proactive with his batting attack, he might have to face Kiwi pacer Jacob Duffy with the ball, who proved fatal to Ishaan Kishan and Hardik Pandya in the first encounter.
Rinku Singh vs Jacob Duffy in T20Is: 3 runs; 3 balls; 0 dismissals
Glenn Phillips vs Varun Chakaravarthy
Glenn Phillips showcased his explosiveness in his first T20I innings by engaging in a high-intensity battle with Varun Chakaravarthy during New Zealand’s chase. Phillips played a sensational knock of 78 off 40 balls, repeatedly challenging India’s bowling attack. In the next T20I too, Phillips threatens Varun's spin with his attacking intent against spin.
Glenn Phillips vs Varun Chakaravarthy in T20Is: 19 runs; 9 balls; 0 dismissals
India vs New Zealand top performers
Most runs for IND vs NZ
Suryakumar Yadav (316), Hardik Pandya (198)
Most wickets for IND vs NZ
Jasprit Bumrah (12), Arshdeep Singh (10)
Most runs for NZ vs IND
Daryl Mitchell (269), Glenn Phillips (213)
Most wickets for NZ vs IND
Ish Sodhi (26), Mitchell Santner (19)
India vs New Zealand toss prediction
The pitch offers initial assistance to the pacers in the early stages of the match, providing good bounce and carry that allows fast bowlers to extract movement. However, as the game progresses, spinners come into play as the surface offers more grip and turn.
With massive boundaries on the ground, batters find it tough to clear the ropes. Hence, the venue usually produces moderate-scoring games in T20Is. With teams keen to exploit the early bowling movement, captains winning the toss generally prefer to bowl first.
India vs New Zealand 1st innings score prediction
Powerplay: 60/1
Final score: 180
India vs New Zealand 2nd innings score prediction
Powerplay: 40/1
Final score: 185
IND vs NZ top players prediction
IND's top players
Probable best batters
Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson
Probable best bowlers
Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah
NZ’s top players
Probable best batters
Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell
Probable best bowlers
Jacob Duffy, Kyle Jamieson
Who will hit the most sixes in the IND vs NZ match?
Abhishek Sharma
Who will hit the most fours in the IND vs NZ match?
Glenn Phillips
IND vs NZ Match Winner Prediction: Who Will Win The 2nd T20I?
India hold the upper hand over New Zealand in T20I head-to-head records, with 13 wins from 26 matches. With recent form firmly on their side and both batters and bowlers delivering consistently, India remain on top.
Abhishek Sharma, Rinku Singh, and Hardik Pandya have been in excellent form for the hosts, while New Zealand will rely on experienced campaigners Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell.
However, with home advantage and stronger recent performances, India head into the second T20I against New Zealand as clear favourites.
