New Zealand vs India, 2nd T20I, Preview: Rohit Sharma and Co in with all-or-nothing scenario

The opening game at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington turned out to be equivalent to a nightmare for Team India as Kane Williamson-captained New Zealand defeated them by 80 runs. The loss also turned out to be their biggest in the T20I format. The Indian bowlers were taken to the cleaners by the Black Caps’ batsman and subsequently, the Kiwis amassed a colossal 219 in their 20 overs.

Thereafter, the Indian batsmen had very little clue about how to proceed in the run-chase as they lost wickets at pretty regular intervals. Half-way through their innings, the Men in Blue, well and truly, found themselves in the shambles and the hosts kept turning the screws on Rohit Sharma’s men. Moreover, India also remained winless in the format in New Zealand after three encounters.

Now in order to win the series, India have to win their next match at the iconic Eden Park in Auckland and their task isn’t expected to be easy with Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah, two of their gun players not being in the national setup. The Black Caps, on the other hand, have a golden opportunity of emerging triumphant in the T20I series after a rather abysmal show in the 50-overs format earlier.

Team Combination

New Zealand

Colin Munro and Tim Seifert are the opening batsmen with the elegant Kane Williamson at number three. The onus would be on Ross Taylor in the middle order. Colin de Grandhomme may make way for James Neesham. Daryl Mitchell would want to make amends with a strong show. Mitchell Santner is the all-rounder and he’ll partner Ish Sodhi in the spin department.

Probable XI

Colin Munro, Tim Seifert (wk), Kane Williamson (c), Ross Taylor, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Scott Kuggeleijn, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson

India

Vijay Shankar may have to make way for Kuldeep Yadav, who provides the X-factor to the bowling lineup. The management may give Punjab fast bowler Siddarth Kaul an opportunity in place of Khaleel Ahmed after the latter went for plenty with the ball. The 21-year-old Rishabh Pant would be desperate to get a decent score under his belt and secure his place in the T20I team.

Probable XI

Rohit Sharma (c), Shikhar Dhawan, MS Dhoni (wk), Dinesh Karthik, Rishabh Pant, Krunal Pandya, Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Siddarth Kaul, Yuzvendra Chahal

Focus will be on

Tim Seifert (New Zealand)

Prior to the ongoing series, the wicketkeeper-batsman had a torrid time at the highest level. Nevertheless, the knock of 84 would give him a whole lot of confidence. But, Seifert can’t afford to be complacent by any means as the hosts would be needing another quickfire start from the 24-year-old from Wanganui. He is definitely touted to be a special prospect for New Zealand cricket.

Rohit Sharma (India)

The 31-year-old got out cheaply to Tim Southee in the previous match. He is one of the most experienced batsmen in the lineup and a lot would be expected from the interim Indian captain. The Nagpur-born batter scored a couple of fifties in the ODI series but has single-digit scores in his last three contests. In the do-or-die match, Rohit has to step up and deliver.

Head to Head

Matches – 9 | New Zealand won – 7 | India won – 2 | NR – 0 | Tied – 0

Stat Attack

63– Runs Ross Taylor needs 63 more runs to become the first player with 16000 International runs for New Zealand.

Broadcast Details

TV – Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports Hindi 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi HD

Live Streaming – Hotstar

Match Timings – 11:30 IST; 17:00 local

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