NZ vs IND: 2nd T20I Preview – Visitors aim to extend series lead on Republic Day

After sealing a sensational win in the 1st T20I, visitors India will aim to extend their series lead during the second match in Auckland. Sunday will be a very special day for India, as the nation celebrates its Republic Day. Keeping this in mind, nothing will be sweeter than a win for the Men in Blue. Having already tasted victory at the same venue, India will certainly hold the edge, with another run-feast awaiting Eden Park.

Match Info

New Zealand vs India, 2nd T20I, 26th January (Sunday)

Eden Park, Auckland (12:20 pm IST)

Like on Friday, the weather conditions will be perfect for a game of cricket. There will be bright sunshine in the morning with the temperature around 26 degrees. Some clouds may hover over Auckland in the evening but chances of rain remain negligible.

Head-to-Head

Team News

New Zealand

The Kiwis lack the strength and depth in their bowling unit, which seriously hurt their chances during the first T20I. The batting department performed admirably well and there won’t be much tinkering with the order. In order to add some further hitting prowess in the final overs, bowling all-rounder Scott Kuggeleijn might replace Blair Tickner. Tickner had a poor game on Friday and could be taken out of the firing line.

India

With the batting department firing on all cylinders, the Indian team looks settled ahead of the second encounter. Why fix if it isn’t broken? The batting unit will stay the same with KL Rahul in blistering form at the top of the order. With Shreyas Iyer finding his groove, the middle-order also looks much more well-rounded. The team management though could look to bring in Navdeep Saini to trouble the Kiwis with his fiery pace and searing yorkers. Shardul Thakur had a game to forget in the first match and could well sit this one out at Eden Park.

Stat Attack

Probable XI