India vs New Zealand 2nd T20I Match Prediction – Who will win today’s match between IND vs NZ?

Team India would like to earn an unassailable 2-0 lead as they can on New Zealand in the second T20I of the three-match series. The encounter takes place at the JSCA International Cricket Stadium on Friday (November 19). The Men in Blue recorded a five-wicket win in the opening game but not before the proceedings went down to the wire. Hence, the Kiwis have all the reasons to back themselves to bounce back.

Batting first at the Sawan Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, the Kiwis had posted 164/6 thanks to half-centuries from Martin Guptill and Mark Chapman. India’s chase was pretty smooth for the best part with Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav stepping up. However, a sudden fall of quick wickets spiced up the contest. Nevertheless, India eventually crossed the line with a couple of deliveries to spare.

Match Details

Match – India vs New Zealand – 2nd T20I

Venue – International Cricket Stadium, Ranchi

Time – 07:00 PM IST, 01:30 PM GMT

Where to watch live – Star Sports Network

Pitch Report

The JSCA International Cricket Stadium in Ranchi has hosted just a couple of T20I matches so far and the track has been pretty even for both batters and bowlers. However, the pitch for the upcoming match would be fresh. Hence, batters can enjoy a gala time. Not to forget, pacers might also get some purchase in the initial part of the innings.

Probable Playing XIs

India

Rohit Sharma (c), KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (wk), Venkatesh Iyer, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Deepak Chahar/ Harshal Patel, Mohammed Siraj

Bench: Deepak Chahar/ Harshal Patel, Avesh Khan, Yuzvendra Chahal, Ishan Kishan, Ruturaj Gaikwad

New Zealand 

Martin Guptill, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee (c), Todd Astle, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult

Bench: James Neesham, Ish Sodhi, Adam Milne

Head-to-head

Overall

Matches- 19, India – 9, New Zealand– 9, N/R- 1, Tied- 0

In India

Matches- 7, India – 3, New Zealand– 3, N/R- 1, Tied- 0

Probable best batter of the match

Probable best batter of the match

Rohit Sharma (India)

The Indian skipper batted exceptionally well in the previous game and scored a match-winning 48. While the Hitman was careful against the challenging deliveries, he didn’t mind dispatching the lose deliveries for boundaries. However, the veteran batter would have wanted to finish off the game. Nevertheless, he’ll face the Kiwi bowlers once against and would like to play a similar or even more substantial knock.

Probable best bowler of the match

Trent Boult (New Zealand)

After enjoying a sensational run in the T20 World Cup 2021, Boult made a mark in the first T20I as well. The left-arm speedster made the ball talk and dismissed in-form batters, Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav.  As the Ranchi track is known to favour pacers, Boult would be raring to spit venom once again.

Today’s match prediction: India to win the match.

Disclaimer: This prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.