New Zealand got a morale-boosting win over India and will be hoping to close out a rare bilateral series win in India. India will need to show that they have more than one dimension to their game.
India vs New Zealand | Second T20I | Sunday 29 January 2023 | Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow | 15:30
To Win Match
India 1/2 | New Zealand 8/5
India have adopted an all-guns blazing approach to batting in T20Is but need to scale their approach to match situations.
In a losing effort Washington Sundar stood out and proved that he is a future star of the T20 game.
India’s top three were back in the hut inside the powerplay but if they can bounce back the hosts will be well-placed.
If not for Sundar Suryakumar Yadav would have top-scored again in his remarkable run.
Stand-in skipper Mitchell Santner was brilliant at choking the Indian effort and building pressure, he could now be targeted.
Early wickets for Michael Bracewell gave New Zealand a crucial edge and having a bowling skipper helped them adapt their approach.
New Zealand had the stronger powerplay despite India’s stacked batting lineup and if they can win that battle again they will be favourites.
Finn Allen and Devon Conway are a match for almost any pairing in T20 cricket on their day.
Verdict: New Zealand
New Zealand are hungry for success.
