India vs New Zealand – 2nd T20 International Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is India vs New Zealand taking place? Friday, November 19th, 2021 – 13:30 (UK)
Where is India vs New Zealand taking place? JSCA Stadium Complex, Ranchi
What is the expected weather for India vs New Zealand? 19-21c dry with partial cloud, and light winds
What channel is India vs New Zealand on? The match will be televised live on Sky Sports Cricket (channel 404)
Where can I stream India vs New Zealand? The match can be streamed live the SkyGo app
LAST MEETING
India beat New Zealand by 5 wickets
THE TEAM NEWS
INDIA
- New captain Rohit Sharma led from the front for India as they defeated New Zealand by five wickets to open up a 1-0 nil in this three-match T20i series after chasing down a target of 165 runs for victory.
- Rohit scored a crucial 48 for India, whilst Suryakumar Yadav blasting 62 from 40 balls to lay the foundations for the run chase after a disciplined bowling performance from the home side that saw all but one of the five bowlers utilised picking up at least one wicket.
- Should India wish to rotate for the second T20i, they have plenty of players that didn’t play in Jaipur desperate for an opportunity here, including wicketkeeper batter Ishan Kishan alongside bowlers Yuzvendra Chahal and Avesh Khan.
New Zealand
- New Zealand put up a very strong fight albeit in a losing effort against India in the first T20i, which was a testament to their mental and physical strength having competed in the T20 World Cup final just three days earlier.
- The Blackcaps will be especially encouraged by Mark Chapman, who scored 63 runs batting at number three in place of captain Kane Williamson, whilst Martin Guptill was at his powerful best at the top of the order, striking 70 from just 42 deliveries.
- Skipper Williamson could come back into the side for the this second T20i, but it would be extremely harsh to drop Chapman, who could keep his place and simply move down the order, whilst fast bowler Lockie Ferguson came through the first T20i unscathed following his recent injury troubles and should feature again in this one.
THE PREDICTION
New Zealand’s fast bowling unit is certainly their strong suit, although the lack of a world class spin-bowler did not help their cause in the first T20i and Ish Sodhi may well be recalled after being rested for the match on Wednesday. Even if Sodhi is recalled however, India’s batters have the capability to cope with his threat with opener Rohit Sharma in good touch and a fearless top order behind him looking to make a statement to the new captain. Combine that with an extremely well-balanced bowling unit featuring the likes of Bhuvneshwar Kumar alongside Ravichandran Ashwin and you have an Indian team with all bases covered. Therefore, the home side are well worth backing to secure a second successive victory over the Black Caps in this one.