New Zealand vs India 2020: 2nd T20I, Auckland — New Zealand Predicted XI

Hosts couldn’t have started the New Zealand vs India 2020 five-match T20I series in a more undesirable manner. Their record at the Eden Park in Auckland already wasn’t all impressive and on Friday, they lost their thirteenth T20 match at this particular venue. Understandably, it was their vastly inexperienced pace bowling attack that played a big part in their six-wicket defeat.

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

The pace bowlers – Hamish Bennett, Tim Southee, and Blair Tickner all combined for only one wicket. The trio sent down 11 overs to concede 118 runs. Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodi picked up wickets, but couldn’t quite contain the Indian batsmen from cruising to victory.

Moreover, their fielders gave Virat Kohli multiple reprieves, costing them about 25 runs in the match.

The home side has the necessary armoury with the bat and they did their job in the first game. Kane Williamson would be seeking more from their bowlers. To level the five-match series in Auckland in the second game, the Kiwis will most likely make changes in their bowling department.

We take a look at New Zealand predicted XI for the second Auckland T20I:

Martin Guptill:

Along with Colin Munro, Martin Guptill got the Black Caps off to a rollicking start, putting on 80 for the first wicket.

Shivam Dube claimed Guptill’s prized scalp. Guptill slammed 30 off 19 balls that included four boundaries and a six. The 33-year old would be keen to convert that 30 into a 50 or 60.

Colin Munro:

Colin Munro was New Zealand’s top run-getter in the opening match. He set the tone from where the hosts set a challenging total for India. The southpaw made 59 off 42 that included six boundaries and two maximums.

Munro would be unhappy to throw it away for a half-century and instead not converting it to a hundred. He would be looking to stay for a more extended period in the middle to get a massive score.

Kane Williamson (c)

Kane Williamson started slowly on his way to a captain’s knock in the opening game. He shifted gears after the loss of Colin Munro and Colin de Grandhomme in quick succession.

Williamson stitched a partnership of 61 off 28 balls along with Ross Taylor. He was dismissed in the 17th over for 51 off 26 balls. On the captaincy front, the 29-year-old lacked the energy and intensity to keep the Indian team down.

Ross Taylor:

Along with captain Williamson, Taylor stitched a partnership of 61 to help New Zealand post a total of 203.

The 35-year old remained unbeaten on 54 off 27 while deliveries batting at number five. Taylor can bat anywhere and can produce runs off the blade to get New Zealand into a strong position.

Colin De Grandhomme:

The powerful all-rounder got promoted up the order to add some quick runs after a breezy opening stand.

Unfortunately, he perished only his second ball, by glancing the ball to the leg side. Williamson also may have missed a trick by not bowling Grandhomme, who can get some crucial wickets.

Tim Seifert (wk):

New Zealand’s gloveman couldn’t quite make an impact with the bat, scoring only 1 before being dismissed by Jasprit Bumrah.

However, Tim Seifert can be a very destructive batsman on his day and can play as a floater.

Mitchell Santner:

Mitchell Santner struck early by removing Rohit Sharma for just 7. It appeared as if the left-arm spinner, who is often known as the trump card for New Zealand, will provide regular breakthroughs.

Contrary to all the beliefs, Santner finished his spell, conceding 50 runs while taking the only wicket. He would be hoping to put a more improved show in the second match.

Tim Southee:

In the absence of all the regular white-ball bowlers, Tim Southee had to spearhead an inexperienced bowling attack. Sadly, not only Southee but also the other fast bowlers couldn’t make the desired impact. He conceded 48 runs in four overs without even a single wicket.

Despite that, he is unlikely to be benched. However, the 31-year-old needs to make a significant impact.

Ish Sodhi:

Ish Sodhi gave his side two crucial breakthroughs of KL Rahul and Shivam Dube and was the pick of the bowlers for Kiwis. Due to this, the leg-spinner is expected to retain his place in the team for the second match. But he has to do more than what he did in the first game.

Blair Tickner:

The right-arm fast bowler bowled with a lot of intensity, but had a minimal reward for showing against his name.

Well, he snapped the wicket of the Indian captain for 45 from where the hosts sensed a chance of coming back in the game.

However, India’s middle-order stepped up on that day to fire India to their third-highest successful run-chase.

Scott Kuggeleijn:

Hamish Bennett is likely to make way for the 28-year old Scott Kuggeleijn. Bennett, who made his T20I debut, couldn’t get a single wicket after going for 36 runs for all his reputation. While Kuggeleijn does not have a compelling T20 record, this could be their chance to test their depth and giving the speedster the nod wouldn’t be a suicide move.

He is also a useful batsman down the order with the ability to tonk a few out of the park.

Also Read: This Is Why One Seat At Eden Park Is Painted Green While All Others Are In Grey