New Zealand vs India 2020: 2nd T20I, Auckland - Match Prediction

New Zealand and India will lock horns once again at the Eden Park after an entertaining start to the New Zealand vs India 2020 T20I series in Auckland on Friday. The first game lived up to its expectations, with over 400 runs being scored as the Men in Blue came out on top. However, they will be looking to fine-tune their side with the ICC T20 World Cup in mind.

On the other hand, the Kiwis have a lot to ponder. Despite making over 200 in the first T20I of the five-match series with India, Kiwis could not restrict the tourists sufficiently as they fell to defeat. Now, they must regroup quickly for the second game at Eden Park.

Kane Williamson made a welcome return to the side by notching a fine half-century while joining Colin Munro and Ross Taylor in smashing a fifty each with the latter ending unbeaten on 54 from just 27 deliveries.

Hamish Bennett made his T20I debut for the Blackcaps but did not have much of an impact with the ball. That is one area the hosts might improve with all-rounders; Scott Kuggeleijn and Daryl Mitchell pushing for a spot in the side for this second contest.

Much like New Zealand, Indians did not have the best of time with the ball and were given a solid target to chase down but KL Rahul, Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer did most of the damage as they secured the win by six wickets with six balls to spare.

Team Changes:

As for the Indians, no changes are expected in the batting section after a winning start to the series. In bowling, Navdeep Saini might make a comeback into the Playing XI by replacing one between Mohammed Shami and Shardul Thakur.

While New Zealand’s batting unit needs no personnel changes, a change could be made in the bowling unit with Blair Tickner proving quite expensive on Friday. Thus, Kuggeleijn could replace him.

New Zealand vs India 2020: 2nd T20I, Auckland – Match Prediction –

Both the teams showed their calibre in the middle to put fans on edge of their seats. Once again, the clash on Sunday will be a massive affair with both the teams having enough knowledge about the conditions. Toss will play a crucial role, as the team chasing the score will fancy their chances to win.

As usual, India will enter into the game as favourites to win. However, the Williamson-led side has enough firepower to come out all guns blazing. All in all, it will be a thrilling contest to watch out on Sunday.

India currently leads the five-match T20I series 1-0. If they manage to win the second T20I, it would mark the first time that Team India would win back-to-back T20Is against New Zealand.

Also Read: Virender Sehwag Hails Shreyas Iyer For His Brilliant Knock In the First T20I