Punjab Newsline,Sports:
After a dominant win in the series opener, Team India target a 2–0 lead while the Black Caps seek improved bowling and batting consistency
India and New Zealand will face off in the second match of the five-game T20I series on Friday at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur. India registered a convincing 48-run victory in the opening T20I in Nagpur to take a 1–0 lead, and the hosts will now look to continue their strong momentum and strengthen their hold on the series.
Led by captain Suryakumar Yadav, India made an impressive start to their preparations for the 2026 T20 World Cup. In the first match, the Indian batting unit produced a powerful display, with opener Abhishek Sharma setting the tone at the top. The left-hander smashed 84 off just 35 balls, hammering five boundaries and eight sixes to put the New Zealand attack under pressure early.
India received solid support from the middle order as well. Rinku Singh remained unbeaten on 44, while Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya chipped in with crucial runs, guiding India to a massive 238 for seven in 20 overs.
The bowlers then ensured there were no late setbacks. Spinner Varun Chakaravarthy and all-rounder Shivam Dube picked up two wickets each as India kept New Zealand under control, restricting them to 190 for seven despite a strong fightback.
For New Zealand, Glenn Phillips stood out with the bat, scoring a fighting 78 off 40 deliveries. However, the lack of significant support from the other end proved costly. In the bowling department, Jacob Duffy continued his good form, claiming two key wickets and conceding only 27 runs in his four-over spell. His performance will again be crucial as New Zealand attempt to level the series.
India have played only one T20I at the Raipur venue, defeating Australia by 20 runs in 2023. The pitch in that match favoured the spinners, who enjoyed greater success and maintained better control than the pacers.
Several milestones are also in focus. Glenn Phillips needs just three more sixes to complete 100 T20I maximums, while Hardik Pandya is five sixes away from reaching 200 international sixes. Rinku Singh, meanwhile, is 59 runs short of completing 3,500 runs in T20 cricket.
India are unlikely to make changes to their playing XI as they target a 2–0 lead. New Zealand, meanwhile, will be eager to bounce back with a stronger all-round performance.
Match Details:
When: Friday, Jan 24, 7:00 PM IST
Where: Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur
Live: Star Sports Network and JioHotstar