India vs New Zealand Prediction: Who Will Win IND vs NZ 2nd T20 Match on 23rd January 2026?
The India vs New Zealand prediction for the 2nd T20I of the five-match series focuses on whether the visitors can bounce back after a high-scoring opening game or if India will extend their dominance at home. The contest moves to Raipur, a venue known for true bounce and value for shots, which again points toward a competitive, run-filled encounter. With the T20 World Cup firmly in sight, both teams are expected to persist with near-full-strength XIs to build combinations and momentum.
India started the series in emphatic fashion, piling up a massive total in Nagpur and then defending it with composure. Their aggressive top order, flexible middle-order hitters, and a varied bowling attack make them a formidable T20 unit on Indian surfaces. New Zealand, meanwhile, showed character despite losing early wickets in the chase. Their middle order absorbed pressure well, but concerns remain around top-order stability and death-over execution with the ball.
Historically, India hold a slight edge over New Zealand in T20Is, especially at home, but the margin has often been narrow. The India vs New Zealand prediction for this match hinges on powerplay efficiency and middle-overs control—areas where India currently appear more settled. New Zealand will look to tighten their bowling plans and demand more from their openers to level the series.
Raipur’s conditions should again encourage stroke play, making adaptability crucial for bowlers. Teams that vary pace smartly and attack the stumps are likely to succeed. As pressure mounts in a short series, composure in crunch moments will decide the outcome. Overall, the India vs New Zealand prediction leans slightly toward the hosts, but a close, entertaining contest is expected.
- India carry momentum after a dominant 1st T20I win
- New Zealand’s middle order is in good touch, top order under scrutiny
- Raipur pitch expected to favor batters with even bounce
- Powerplay battles and death overs likely to decide the match
Match Details
| Match | India vs New Zealand, 2nd T20I |
|---|---|
| Date | Friday, 23 January 2026 |
| Time | 7:00 PM IST |
| Venue | Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium |
| Series | New Zealand tour of India, 2026 |
| Live Streaming | FanCode |
India Preview
India’s T20 unit looks well-balanced and purpose-built for modern white-ball cricket. The opening match underlined their intent: attack early, maintain tempo through the middle overs, and finish strongly. Abhishek Sharma’s explosive start set the tone, allowing the middle order to play with freedom. The presence of adaptable hitters ensures India can recalibrate quickly if early wickets fall.
The batting depth is a major advantage. With aggressive openers, a stabilizing presence at number three, and multiple finishers capable of clearing the ropes, India can target 180+ totals consistently. The flexibility to shuffle roles based on match situations further strengthens their approach.
Bowling has quietly become a strength. The pace unit offers left-right variation and control at the death, while the spin attack brings mystery and wicket-taking options in the middle overs. Varun Chakravarthy’s recent form adds a decisive edge, particularly on surfaces that grip slightly as the match progresses. If India manage workloads smartly, they can maintain intensity across the series.
Fielding standards remain high, converting pressure into wickets. The only minor concern is workload management and injury cover, but India’s bench strength mitigates that risk. At home, with crowd support and familiarity with conditions, India will be confident of asserting control again.
New Zealand Preview
New Zealand’s performance in the series opener showed resilience, particularly from the middle order. Recovering from early setbacks to post a competitive chase highlighted their depth and fighting spirit. However, repeated top-order failures have been a pattern, and addressing that will be central to their plans for the 2nd T20I.
The batting core is experienced, capable of anchoring or accelerating as required. When set, their key batters can dominate bowling attacks, but early losses force the middle order to rebuild rather than launch. Improving powerplay returns—both batting and bowling—will be critical if they are to challenge India consistently.
Bowling remains a mixed bag. New Zealand possess height, bounce, and swing with the new ball, plus spin options that can control run rates. Yet, death-over execution needs refinement, especially against India’s finishers. Better yorker accuracy and field placements could shave crucial runs.
Tactically, New Zealand may consider minor tweaks—either strengthening the top order or adjusting bowling roles late in the innings. Their ability to learn quickly from the opener will define how competitive they remain. With pride and series parity on the line, expect a spirited response.
Team Squads
India Squad:
Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana/Ravi Bishnoi
New Zealand Squad:
Devon Conway, Tim Robinson, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy, Kristian Clarke
Probable Playing XI
India:
Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana/Ravi Bishnoi
New Zealand:
Devon Conway (wk), Tim Robinson, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (c), Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy, Kristian Clarke
India vs New Zealand Today’s Dream11/Fantasy Prediction
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| Batters | Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Mark Chapman |
| All-rounders | Hardik Pandya, Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra |
| Bowlers | Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Kyle Jamieson |
| Wicketkeeper | Sanju Samson |
| Flex Pick | Glenn Phillips |
This fantasy XI prioritizes players with high involvement across phases. Abhishek Sharma’s powerplay dominance makes him a premium batting pick, while Suryakumar Yadav’s adaptability suits varying match situations. Mark Chapman offers consistency from New Zealand’s middle order.
All-rounders provide balance and points in multiple disciplines. Hardik Pandya contributes with both bat and ball, while Mitchell Santner’s control and lower-order hitting add value. Rachin Ravindra’s versatility makes him a strong differential.
In bowling, Varun Chakravarthy’s wicket-taking ability in the middle overs is crucial on Indian pitches. Jasprit Bumrah remains a reliable death-over specialist, and Kyle Jamieson’s bounce can fetch early breakthroughs. Sanju Samson adds wicketkeeping points and batting upside.
Captain options: Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav
Vice-captain options: Hardik Pandya, Glenn Phillips
Players to avoid: Tim Robinson (inconsistent starts), Kristian Clarke (limited role)
Also Check: Get The Best Fantasy Prediction From Cricket Experts
Favourite Team in Today’s Match
India start as favorites due to superior balance, home conditions, and recent form. Their batting depth allows sustained pressure, while a varied bowling attack covers all phases effectively. Familiarity with Indian surfaces further enhances their advantage. New Zealand remain competitive, but unresolved top-order issues and death-bowling concerns tilt the scales toward the hosts.
India T20 History
| Matches | Won | Lost | NR | Tie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 264 | 182 | 73 | 8 | 1 |
India are among the most successful T20I sides, particularly dominant at home.
New Zealand T20 History
| Matches | Won | Lost | NR | Tie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 247 | 128 | 107 | 11 | 1 |
New Zealand have remained competitive globally with consistent tournament performances.
Head-to-Head Stats (T20Is)
| Matches | India Won | NZ Won | Tie |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | 15 | 10 | 1 |
India hold a narrow advantage, especially in home conditions.
Pitch Report
The Raipur surface typically offers even bounce and good carry, encouraging stroke play. Batters who settle early can score freely through the line. Spinners may find modest assistance as the match progresses, while pacers who vary pace can be effective at the death. A first-innings score around 175–185 is competitive.
Weather Report
Clear evening conditions are expected in Raipur. Temperatures around 22–25°C with low humidity should ensure an uninterrupted match.
Broadcast Details
The 2nd T20I between India and New Zealand will be streamed live on FanCode in India, with full match coverage and highlights.
Toss Prediction
Teams winning the toss may prefer to field first, assessing conditions under lights and chasing a known target on a batting-friendly surface.
Probable Batsman & Bowler
Probable Batsman: Abhishek Sharma remains the key batter for India, capable of changing the game in the powerplay. For New Zealand, Glenn Phillips is the standout, offering power and composure under pressure.
Probable Bowler: Varun Chakravarthy’s variations make him a prime wicket-taking option in the middle overs. Jasprit Bumrah’s control at the death further strengthens India’s bowling prospects.
Match Prediction
This India vs New Zealand prediction favors India due to their stronger batting depth, in-form bowlers, and home advantage. New Zealand are capable of mounting a challenge if their top order fires, but India’s balance and momentum should see them extend the series lead with another win.
Winner: India Will Win
Also, once the toss takes place, we might modify the Today Match Prediction as per the playing XIs. Please check this blog after the toss for the updated Prediction.
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