The hosts will be eager to bounce back after their bowlers struggled to contain India’s aggressive batting. New Zealand made a strong total in the first game, but they will need better execution with the ball and sharper fielding to level the series.
India, meanwhile, will aim to build on their winning start. However, the visitors have suffered a setback, with Ishan Kishan ruled out of the second T20I due to a low-grade right adductor strain. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could come into contention, while the team management will also need its bowlers to deliver a more disciplined performance.
With both teams possessing plenty of power hitters, another high-scoring contest could be on the cards.
NZ vs IND 2nd T20I: Match Details
| Match Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Match | New Zealand vs India, 2nd T20I |
| Series | India tour of New Zealand 2026 |
| Date | Saturday, October 24, 2026 |
| Start Time (NZDT) | 8:00 PM |
| Start Time (PKT) | 12:00 PM |
| Start Time (IST) | 12:30 PM |
| Start Time (GMT) | 7:00 AM |
| Toss Time (IST) | 12:00 PM |
| Venue | Hagley Oval, Christchurch |
| Format | T20 International |
| New Zealand Captain | Mitchell Santner |
| India Captain | Shreyas Iyer |
| Series Score | India lead 1-0 |
Team Overview
New Zealand
New Zealand will look to level the series after their bowlers struggled to defend 225 in the opening match. Finn Allen, Tim Seifert and Devon Conway give the hosts several options at the top, while Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips can accelerate in the middle overs.
Captain Mitchell Santner will expect a stronger showing from the bowling unit. Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson could be important with the new ball, while Santner and Michael Bracewell will need to control India’s aggressive batters.
India
India have momentum after their successful chase, but their bowling needs improvement after conceding 225 runs. Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson will be important at the top, while Shreyas Iyer and Tilak Varma can help stabilise the innings.
Ishan Kishan’s injury means India must adjust their batting order. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is a potential replacement, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Arshdeep Singh will be expected to find better control with the ball.
NZ vs IND Head-to-Head Record
India have the advantage in the T20I rivalry. The latest available record lists 32 meetings, with India winning 20 matches, New Zealand winning 11 and one ending in a tie.
The visitors will aim to extend that lead, while New Zealand will be determined to make home conditions count and bring the series level.
Players to Watch
Abhishek Sharma (India): His aggressive approach at the top helped India make a flying start in the first match. Another quick innings could put New Zealand under pressure.
Sanju Samson (India): Samson’s role could become even more important with Kishan unavailable. His ability to attack early while building a substantial score will be valuable.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (India): The young batter is a strong candidate to feature in the XI following Kishan’s injury. If selected, he could provide India with another attacking option.
Glenn Phillips (New Zealand): Phillips was among New Zealand’s key contributors in the first match. His power-hitting makes him a major threat in the middle order.
Matt Henry (New Zealand): Henry will be expected to deliver early breakthroughs after India’s batters dominated the opening game.
Official Squads
New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Josh Clarkson, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner.
India: Shreyas Iyer (c), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ishan Kishan (wk), Tilak Varma (vc), Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Naman Dhir, Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav.
NZ vs IND Probable Playing XIs
New Zealand: Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Bevon Jacobs, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy.
India: Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Sanju Samson (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, Mayank Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy.
Hagley Oval Pitch Report
Hagley Oval can offer assistance to fast bowlers, particularly early in the innings, but the first match showed that batters can score quickly once they settle. Both teams will need more accurate bowling and better execution in the powerplay.
After the high-scoring opener, the bowlers will be looking to make better use of variations and avoid giving away easy boundaries. The team that adapts more effectively to the conditions could gain a crucial advantage.
NZ vs IND Live Streaming Details
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India: Sony Sports Network on television and SonyLIV for live streaming.
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New Zealand: Sky Sport NZ, with streaming through Sky Go and Sky Sport Now.
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USA and Canada: Willow TV, with online streaming through Willow by Cricbuzz.
Who Will Win the NZ vs IND 2nd T20I?
New Zealand have the batting power to challenge India, but their bowling and fielding must improve after the first match. India will be confident following their successful chase, although Kishan’s absence creates a selection challenge.
If India’s top order fires again, the visitors could take a 2-0 lead. New Zealand, however, will have a strong chance of levelling the series if their bowlers make early breakthroughs.
Match prediction: India to win a close contest and take a 2-0 series lead. Their winning momentum gives them a slight edge, but New Zealand’s home advantage should make this another competitive game.
