A sellout Bay Oval is waiting for India and New Zealand to take the field after rain denied any play in the opening game of the three-match T20I series in Wellington. However, the weather might not be much encouraging in Mount Maunganui as well, as even though it has just stopped raining after a downpour since morning, the interruptions might be frequent and could lead to a shortened game. But, the series, the fans, the players and all the other stakeholders can’t afford another washout.
For India, the series is the beginning of something new and hopefully, something exciting as far as the T20 format is concerned. Hardik Pandya, who led his franchise Gujarat Titans to their maiden trophy in IPL 2022 and led India for a couple of matches in Ireland, has been handed the reigns for the series but it might not be long before he could be seen leading the Men in Blue in the shortest format.
Hence, this is chance for the new-look Indian team to make their mark and stake claim for places in what is probably going to be a completely different T20 side in the build-up to the T20 World Cup in 2024. This team could see the likes of Sanju Samson, Washington Sundar, Umran Malik become a regular feature in the side. However, it won’t be all that easy as they are taking on a full-strength New Zealand side, albeit a couple of big players missing, in their home conditions, but that’s the challenge this side has to embrace to move forward.
Who will win NZ vs IND 2nd T20I: The new-look Indian batting line-up boasting the likes of Ishan Kishan, Rishabh Pant, Hardik, Samson have explosivity written all over it and with rain being around at the Bay Oval, a shortened game is the most likely event and the youngsters could really come to the fore. Yes, New Zealand’s bowling attack will be a challenge for this promising yet young batting side, but short boundaries of the venue will be an help them and these batters will come out all guns blazing and could really hurt any opposition on their day. Expect the Men in Blue to begin the series with a win, if rain does allow a shortened game in Mount Maunganui.
