NZ vs IND, 2nd T20I: Preview, Prediction and Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips

Hardik Pandya and Kane Williamson [Source: Twitter]

On Sunday, hosts New Zealand will lock horns with India in the second T20I of the three-match series at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. 

The first match in Wellington was abandoned due to a persistent downpour. Therefore, this game holds paramount importance for both sides, as a victory here will boost their chances of claiming the series. 

India have rested their first-choice players and are, therefore, likely to perform many experiments in the series. We might see Rishabh Pant being promoted to the top and Shubman Gill making his T20I debut. Deepak Hooda could be asked to bat at three as he did on the Ireland tour. It will also provide a massive opportunity to Washington Sundar and Sanju Samson, who, despite many chances, are yet to cement their places in the T20I team. 

On the other hand, New Zealand have announced a full-strength squad for this series, and they will be gutted if they somehow don't end up on the winning side. Finn Allen's intent will be significantly challenging for India to deal with, while the likes of Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips and Mitchell Santner will surely give the visitors a run for their money. 

Match Details

Date and Time: November 20, 12PM IST
Live Streaming: Amazon Prime Video

Pitch Report: The fact that the average run rate at the venue is 9.18 pretty much sums up the nature of its surface. So, we expect a high-scoring encounter tomorrow. However, as rain is predicted, the toss-winner will likely opt to field first. 

Predicted XIs:

New Zealand: Finn Allen, Devon Conway (WK), Kane Williamson (C), Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Adam Milne, Lockie Ferguson

India: Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant (WK), Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Sanju Samson, Washington Sundar,  Harshal Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal

Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips

Wicket-Keepers: Devon Conway, Sanju Samson
Batters: Suryakumar Yadav, Glenn Phillips, Kane Williamson 
All-Rounders: Hardik Pandya, Mitchell Santner
Bowlers: Tim Southee, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Lockie Ferguson

Captain: Suryakumar Yadav
Vice-captain: Glenn Phillips

Prediction

Considering the strengths of both teams, New Zealand can be tagged as the favourites to win this match. So, India will certainly have to push themselves to defeat the hosts in this encounter. 

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