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New Zealand Tour Of India 2nd Test, IND vs NZ Match Prediction: Who Will Win Today's Match?

Jatin

IND vs NZ 2nd Test Match Prediction [Source: PTI]IND vs NZ 2nd Test Match Prediction [Source: PTI]

As India gears up to square off against New Zealand in the second Test of the three-match series starting Thursday, October 24, at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune, it’s all or nothing for Rohit Sharma's men. After being handed a crushing eight-wicket defeat in the series opener, Team India has its back against the wall. The hosts must dig deep if they wish to level the series and keep their hopes alive.

India Seeks to Rise from the Ashes

The first Test was a humbling experience for the Indian batting lineup, which was bowled out for a meagre 46 in the first innings, leaving their fortunes hanging by a thread. Despite a spirited fightback in the second innings, India fell short, succumbing to New Zealand’s disciplined bowling and strategic batting.

With the series on the line, India will need to fire on all cylinders. While veterans like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul failed to make a mark in Bengaluru, youngster Sarfaraz Khan emerged as a silver lining, smashing a 150 in the second innings. Rishabh Pant's dismissal on 99 and Kohli’s solid 70 showcased India’s character, but it wasn’t enough to turn the game.

On the bowling front, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, and Ravindra Jadeja delivered three wickets each, with Mohammed Siraj and Ravichandran Ashwin chipping in. 

With the Pune pitch expected to spin from day one, India may be tempted to play an extra spinner in Axar Patel, as they look to make hay while the sun shines and level the series.

Kiwis Looking to Seal the Series

On the other hand, New Zealand arrives in Pune brimming with confidence after a clinical win in the first Test. Their pacers, Matt Henry and William O'Rourke, wrecked India's batting in the first innings, bagging nine wickets between them.

Meanwhile, Rachin Ravindra’s magnificent 134, along with Devon Conway’s well-made 91, ensured a commanding 402 total, putting India firmly on the back foot.

In the second innings, Henry and O'Rourke continued their wicket-taking spree, this time ably supported by Ajaz Patel. The Kiwis chased down a modest 107-run target with ease, wrapping up the match in the first session of day five.

Heading into the second Test, New Zealand will be aiming to maintain their winning momentum and clinch the series in Pune.

How Will the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium Pitch Behave?

The Pune pitch promises to be a double-edged sword for both sides, with the potential to turn from day one and minimal bounce on offer. While spinners will be licking their lips, batters will have their work cut out, needing to play with soft hands and a straight bat to counter the turn. The abrasive nature of the surface might also provide some reverse swing for the pacers.

IND vs NZ 2nd Test: Predicted Toss Result

The average first-innings score in Pune is 431, and both Tests played here have been won by teams batting first, underlining the significance of the toss. Given the conditions, whichever captain wins the toss is likely to bat first, hoping to post a substantial total and let the spinners weave their web as the match progresses.

IND vs NZ 2nd Test: Players To Watch Out For

India

Batters: Rishabh Pant, Sarfaraz Khan
All-rounders: Ravindra Jadeja
Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav

New Zealand

Batters: Devon Conway
All-rounders: Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips
Bowlers: Matt Henry, Ajaz Patel

IND vs NZ 2nd Test: Match Prediction

IND vs NZ 2nd Test: Predicted Score

Predicted first innings score: 350-375
Predicted second innings score: 325-350
Predicted third innings score: 200-225
Predicted fourth innings score: 150-175

Predicted Result: The team batting first will have an advantage in this match.