Following India’s commanding 48-run victory in the first T20I at Nagpur, where they posted 238/7 and restricted New Zealand to 190/7, the series now shifts to Raipur for the second encounter. Abhishek Sharma’s explosive 84 off 35 balls, including eight sixes and five fours, set the tone for India’s dominance, while Glenn Phillips’ valiant 78 couldn’t salvage the chase for the Kiwis. With the hosts leading 1-0 in the five-match series, New Zealand will be eager to bounce back and level things up ahead of the T20 World Cup preparations.
This match promises high-octane action, with both teams featuring a mix of experienced stars and emerging talents. India, under Suryakumar Yadav’s captaincy, looks to build momentum, while Mitchell Santner’s Black Caps aim to exploit any weaknesses in the Indian lineup.
Match Details
- Date: Friday, January 23, 2026
- Time: Toss at 6:30 PM IST; Match starts at 7:00 PM IST
- Venue: Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium, Raipur
The Raipur stadium, known for its batsman-friendly pitches, has hosted limited international cricket but often produces high-scoring games. Expect dew to play a role in the evening, potentially favoring the team batting second.
Series Context and Key Highlights from the 1st T20I
India’s batting firepower was on full display in Nagpur, with Abhishek Sharma leading the charge. His aggressive knock, supported by contributions from Suryakumar Yadav (around 30-35 runs) and others, propelled India to a formidable total. On the bowling front, Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh kept the pressure on, while spinners like Varun Chakravarthy chipped in effectively.
For New Zealand, the loss highlighted batting inconsistencies, though Phillips’ innings showed fight. The Kiwis will need more from their top order, including Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra, to challenge India’s depth.
Predicted Playing XI
Based on recent performances and team strategies, here’s a look at the likely lineups for the 2nd T20I. These predictions align closely with expert analyses and squad compositions.
India Predicted XI
- Abhishek Sharma
- Sanju Samson
- Ishan Kishan
- Suryakumar Yadav (c)
- Rinku Singh
- Hardik Pandya
- Shivam Dube
- Axar Patel
- Arshdeep Singh
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Varun Chakravarthy
Possible changes: Ravi Bishnoi or Kuldeep Yadav could replace a pacer or spinner depending on conditions. Shreyas Iyer might feature if rotations occur.
New Zealand Predicted XI
- Tim Robinson
- Devon Conway (wk)
- Rachin Ravindra
- Glenn Phillips
- Mark Chapman
- Daryl Mitchell
- Mitchell Santner (c)
- Kristian Clarke
- Kyle Jamieson
- Ish Sodhi
- Jacob Duffy
The Kiwis might introduce James Neesham or Michael Bracewell for added all-round depth, especially after the first game’s shortcomings.
Squads Overview
India Squad
Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (vc), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi.
New Zealand Squad
Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway (wk), Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Bevon Jacobs, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Ish Sodhi, Kristian Clarke (first three T20Is).
Where to Watch
Catch all the action live on the Star Sports Network for TV broadcast in India. For online streaming, tune into the Disney+ Hotstar app and website. International viewers can check local broadcasters or ICC.tv for availability.
What to Expect
With India riding high on confidence and New Zealand desperate for a comeback, this clash could be a thriller. Keep an eye on Abhishek Sharma’s form and how the spinners exploit the Raipur pitch. Who do you think will win? Share your predictions in the comments!
Stay tuned for live updates and post-match analysis on our website.
