India will play their second T20 match in a three-match series against arch-rival New Zealand, with the goal of winning the series. For Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid, a series triumph against tough opposition like New Zealand would be a perfect start. India will be aiming for improved performances from their middle-order after failing to capitalize on the openers’ strong start in the previous match.
In New Zealand’s case, they only lost to Australia in the T20 World Cup final on Sunday, but the international calendar is so packed at present that they will be trying to avoid a series defeat against India in Ranchi only five days later. Although Mark Chapman’s top-of-the-order runs were encouraging, the middle-order collapsed at the finish line in the absence of regular Jimmy Neesham. Rachin Ravindra will be expected to fill that void and improve his credentials in that position.
Toss and Tactics
Dew could be a factor to consider, as the team that wins the toss is more likely to prefer chasing in T20s. With the series on the line, New Zealand might call up James Neesham and Ish Sodhi, but it wouldn’t be surprising if Ravindra and Astle were given another chance. India will be trying to keep the momentum going and play with the same winning combination.
Key Areas to look out for
Guptill – on the verge of becoming the top T20I run-scorer
Martin Guptill, the breakout performer in the first match for New Zealand, needs 11 runs to pass Virat Kohli’s 3227 runs to become the leading run-scorer in T20Is. Guptill has been New Zealand’s trump card since the beginning, and the Kiwis will be hoping for a similar performance. Rohit, who is now in third place on the list, is only 142 runs behind Kohli.
Experienced Bhuvneshwar & Ashwin back in form
Bhuvneshwar Kumar and his in-swingers have returned to international cricket after being the pick of the bowler in the first match. Kumar’s journey has been hampered by injuries, so he’ll be hoping to use this series to get back in shape. Since his return to T20I cricket, Ashwin has taken eight wickets at an economy rate of 5.37 in four games.
Surya’s rise in T20Is
Surya Kumar Yadav has adapted to international cricket like a fish to water. His rise in international cricket, especially in T20Is, has been phenomenal. SKY, as he is fondly called, has a bright future ahead, and his performances in the top and middle-order are encouraging for India. Fresh of a ‘Player of the match’ performance in the first T20I, where he scored 62 runs off just 40 balls, he would look to put in another strong performance and seal the series for India.
Stats to look out for
- Glenn Phillips has smashed the most sixes in T20s this year, with 94.
- India has gone undefeated in 10 of their 11 T20I series at home since 2016. They’ve also won the last four series they’ve played at home.
Probable XI
New Zealand: Martin Guptill, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult
India: Rohit Sharma (c), Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (wk), R Ashwin, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Deepak Chahar, Mohammad Siraj.