IND vs NZ: India-New Zealand will compete to take an unbeatable lead in the series, know the possible playing-11
The first innings average in the last seven T20 matches at Bay Oval Stadium has been 199.
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There is also a shadow of rain on the second T20 International match between India and New Zealand at Mount Maunganui on Sunday. The first match was canceled due to rain. If the second match takes place, all eyes will be on experienced fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who has a tough challenge to survive in the shortest format of cricket. The team that wins this match will take an unassailable 1-0 lead in the series.
Bhubaneswar fails on flat pitch
The team management will have to take tough decisions regarding 33-year-old Bhubaneswar as he fails in front of flat pitch and good batting. His performance in the recently concluded T20 World Cup was also not good. As the team management prepares for the 2024 T20 World Cup, it remains to be seen whether Bhuvneshwar has been included in their plans as his bowling rate has been steadily declining.
It will also be worth watching who the Indian team management will give a chance in the playing XI in pressure situations against strong New Zealand players like Finn Allen, Glenn Phillips and Devon Conway. India's fastest bowler Umran Malik needs to prepare now. Pakistan have shown what sheer pace can do with Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah. There will be a fight between Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill and Ishaan Kishan for the opening pair.
Pitch and conditions
The first innings average in the last seven T20Is at the Bay Oval Stadium has been 199. The spinners have done well here. There is a rain shadow on the match here.
And there is a lot to think about in Indian cricket at the moment as far as the approach to the T20 format is concerned. The 'Bay Oval' ground has very large boundaries and is an open ground which was not there in Wellington.
Possible playing-11 of both the teams:
New Zealand: Finn Allen, Devon Conway (wk), Kane Williamson (c), Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Adam Milne, Lockie Ferguson, Blair Tickner.