The series has now shifted to Raipur India wants to maintain its 1-0 lead after Great win in Nagpur by 48 runs. For New Zealand, it is important to win the second T20 match to remain level in this high-stakes series. Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, One of the largest in the world, it presents a completely different challenge with its huge boundary dimensions and a surface that rewards tactical discipline over raw aggression.
IND vs NZ 2nd T20I: Probable playing XI
India: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel (vice-captain), Varun Chakraborty, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh.
New Zealand: Finn Allen, Devon Conway (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Lockie Ferguson/Christian ClarkIsh Sodhi, Kyle Jamieson.
Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium Pitch Report
The Raipur pitch is known as a balanced, two-paced surface. At the start of the innings, the black clay provides good bounce and carry, allowing the batsmen to play through the line. However, as the ball loses its shine, the pitch becomes noticeably slower. Spinners often get grip and natural turn here and fast bowlers who use cutters and slower balls are usually more successful than those who rely on pure pace.
With average boundaries it is one of the toughest grounds to clear in India. Batsmen should rely on gap-finding and hard work rather than just power-hitting. Heavy dew in the evening is a common occurrence during January in Raipur. This usually causes the ball to slip in the second innings and makes it difficult for the bowlers to catch the ball, making chasing the preferred option for the captain who wins the toss.
Also read: IND vs NZ: Arshdeep Singh reveals the key to thriving on batting-friendly pitches
Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium Stats & Records
Raipur is a relatively new international venue, hosting its first T20I in late 2023. The figures reflect a field where scores are competitive rather than record breaking.
- Total T20I matches: 1 (India vs Australia, 2023)
- Matches won by batting first: 1
- Matches won by bowling first: 0
- Average score of first innings: 174
- Average score of second innings: 154
- Highest total recorded: India vs Australia 174/9
- Lowest total recorded: Australia vs India 154/7
- Highest score chased: N/A (International)
- Defense of Minimum Score: India vs Australia 174/9