IND vs NZ: New Zealand Playing XI For India, 2nd T20I, 2023

January 29, 2023

Photo Credit: (BCCI)

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New Zealand takes on India in the second T20I in Lucknow on Sunday, January 29. After losing the ODI series, the Kiwis are leading the T20I series after winning the first game in Ranchi. The Kiwis are yet to win a T20I series against India in India and the second T20I gives them a great opportunity to create the record. The series continues the preparations for both teams for the ODI World Cup.

The Kiwis lost all three ODIs heading into this series. They lost the first ODI by 12 runs, the second by 8 wickets and the third by 90 runs. New Zealand will now be led by Mitchell Santner in the three-match T20I series.

Ish Sodhi-Mitchell Santner — Photo Credit: (Getty Images)

He made an immediate impact as captain in the first T20I with the pitch assisting the spinners. He took 2 for 11 in his spell and along with Ish Sodhi picked up three wickets as a spin duo. In the second game, the spin twins will keep the Indian batters thinking.

The pace bowling attack looks weak in the absence of Tim Southee and Trent Boult. However, Lockie Ferguson and Jacob Duffy especially bowled well on the Ranchi wicket that had a lot of turn and bounce even in the second innings with the dew coming in. After a win, the management is expected to keep the same side for the next game.

Ekana Stadium, Lucknow — Photo Credit: (Twitter)

All eyes will be on the Lucknow pitch after the turn and bounce that was visible on the Ranchi wicket. The batters from both teams had problems facing spin and eventually, it was India who lost the game. It will be interesting to see what kind of wicket is laid out for the next game. Meanwhile, in this article, we take a look at New Zealand’s predicted playing XI for the second T20I.