IND vs NZ, 2nd T20I: Preview, Pitch Report, Probable XIs and Prediction

New Zealand won the first match convincingly [Source: AP]

On Sunday, hosts India will lock horns against New Zealand in the second T20I of the ongoing three-match series. This game holds paramount importance for the hosts, as a loss will hand them a series defeat. 

Team Preview: India

The first match was forgettable for India in many senses. They did a blunder by excluding Yuzvendra Chahal on a rank turner; the seamers went for plenty of runs as well. The top-order seemed to be clueless against the Kiwi spinners. 

However, Washington Sundar emerged as the biggest positive for the hosts, scoring 50 runs and scalping two wickets for only 22 runs in his four-over spell. 

So, moving on to this game, India would like better returns from their batting unit and Arshdeep Singh, who was very expensive in Ranchi. 

Team Preview: New Zealand

On the other hand, New Zealand outclassed India in all departments in the first game. Finn Allen and Daryl Mitchell, who were abysmal in ODIs, surprised the hosts with some sensational hitting. 

Devon Conway was at his usual best; Lockie Ferguson, Mitchell Santner struck at crucial junctures. So, ahead of this game, everything looks sorted for the visitors, and they will look to replicate a similar feat in Lucknow. 

Match Details

Date and Time: January 29, 07.00 PM IST
Venue: Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
Live Streaming: Star Sports Network, Hotstar

Pitch Report: The surface at the Ekana Stadium will be spin-friendly and assist the tweakers throughout the day. However, scoring will be tougher with the day's progression. As teams chasing haven't won a single game here, the toss-winner will likely opt to bat first. 

Probable XIs

India might bring Yuzvendra Chahal in place of Umran Malik. On the contrary, New Zealand will likely continue with the same team. 

India: Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan (WK), Rahul Tripathi, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya (C), Deepak Hooda, Washington Sundar, Shivam Mavi, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal/Umran Malik

New Zealand: Finn Allen, Devon Conway (WK), Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (C), Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Blair Tickner

Prediction

Although India lost the first game, they have the potential to bounce back. So, we expect the hosts to emerge victorious in this match. 

Also Read: SA vs ENG, 2nd ODI: Preview, Prediction, Probable XI, Live Streaming