India and New Zealand are set to lock horns in the second T20I of their ongoing five-match series on Friday in Raipur, with India holding a 1-0 lead. India moved ahead in the series after a commanding 48-run victory in the opening encounter, marking a positive start in their preparation for the upcoming T20I World Cup.

Meanwhile, the first T20I belonged largely to Abhishek Sharma, who produced a sensational knock of 84 runs, lighting up the showdown with his fearless performance. His innings powered India to a formidable total of 238/7 in 20 overs, putting immediate pressure on the New Zealand bowlers. His knock was supported by useful contributions from the middle-order batter Rinku Singh, smoking a fluent 44 unbeaten off 20, with India’s aggressive approach turning out to be fruitful. In reply, New Zealand fought back brilliantly, led by Glenn Phillips’ courageous 78-run knock. Phillips anchored the chase and kept the visitors in the contest for large parts of the innings. However, Indian bowlers remained steadfast in their attack to restrict New Zealand to 190/7, sealing a comprehensive win.

Now, heading into the second T20I, New Zealand will be eager to bounce back and level the series. India, on the other hand, will look to build on their winning start, with confidence high and several players in strong form. For India, particularly, all eyes will be on Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan, who both failed to impress, recording scores of 10 and 8, respectively, in the first game. These matches are important for both batters to really make their mark and show their batting skills, especially ahead of the World Cup. 

Head-to-head

Matches - 26 

IND won - 15

NZ won - 10

Tied - 1

India possible XI: Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah

New Zealand possible XI: Tim Robinson, Devon Conway (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (c), Kristian Clarke, Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy