New Raipur: After a commanding win in Nagpur, the series now shifts east to New Raipur for the second of five T20Is Friday at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium. India landed the first punch in the opener, putting New Zealand on the back foot, and the visitors will be eager to respond strongly, much like they did during the ODI leg of the tour.
In Nagpur, India posted a formidable 238, capitalising on too many loose deliveries from New Zealand. Early wickets in the chase made New Zealand’s task even harder, and they eventually fell well short in a high-scoring match that saw 428 runs in total. Jacob Duffy was a standout for New Zealand, going at under seven an over and bowling 14 dot balls in his four overs, but he did not get enough support.
Big Picture – Last Series Before T20 World Cup
India enter Raipur on the back of a 10-series winning streak, including triumphs in the World Cup and Asia Cup. Even with Tilak Varma sidelined and Ishan Kishan stepping in, India’s lineup combines experience with finishing firepower.
Suryakumar Yadav looked closer to his best after a quiet 2025, Rinku Singh executed the finisher’s role perfectly, and Abhishek Sharma led India’s aggressive top-order approach. With batting depth extending to number eight, India’s no-holds-barred strategy remains a key strength. Bowling was not flawless—Glenn Phillips attacked effectively, and dropped catches offered opportunities—but India’s balance gives them an edge.
A minor concern is Axar Patel, who suffered a cut on his left hand while fielding. India may manage his workload cautiously, as they do not have a like-for-like spin-bowling all-rounder on the bench, though specialists Ravi Bishnoi and Kuldeep Yadav provide options.
With this series being their last before the T20 World Cup, the team is unlikely to ease up and will aim to maintain intensity and momentum.
New Zealand’s task is equally challenging. Their captain Mitchell Santner came under scrutiny in Nagpur for bowling the final over with Daryl Mitchell, and both he and Ish Sodhi were taken apart by India’s hitters. Glenn Phillips had a positive outing with the bat, while Daryl Mitchell at number six appeared aimed at giving Mark Chapman match practice. Key players Finn Allen and James Neesham are unavailable due to franchise commitments, leaving New Zealand to piece together a competitive side.
Pitch and Conditions
Raipur has hosted only one T20I before, when India defended 174 against Australia in 2023. The conditions will be crucial, and the team that adapts quickest could gain the upper hand.
India will look to maintain momentum and intensity, while New Zealand must adapt quickly and execute with precision to avoid falling 2–0 behind in the series.
Match Timing: 7:00 PM IST, 23 January 2026
Venue: Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium, New Raipur
Source: BCCI, ESPNcricinfo
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