India vs New Zealand 2nd T20I Live: Hosts Eye Series Lead in Raipur

India vs New Zealand 2nd T20I Live: Hosts Look to Build Momentum in Raipur Clash

The second T20 International between India and New Zealand is set to take place on Friday, January 23, 2026, at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur. This match comes as a crucial encounter in the ongoing five-match series, with India holding a 1-0 lead after a convincing victory in the opener.

Series Context and Opening Match Recap

India secured a commanding 48-run win in the first T20I held in Nagpur, thanks to standout performances from their batting lineup. Abhishek Sharma played a blistering innings, scoring 84 runs off just 35 balls, while Rinku Singh remained unbeaten with a quickfire 44 off 20 deliveries. This dominant display has set a positive tone for the Indian team as they aim to maintain their unbeaten streak in T20 Internationals.

Team Strategies and Pitch Conditions

Under the leadership of captain Suryakumar Yadav, India is focused on extending their winning momentum, which is vital for building confidence ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. The pitch at Raipur is expected to be batting-friendly, and with dew likely to play a significant role in the evening, the team chasing may have an advantage. This conditions make India the favorites to go 2-0 up in the series, putting pressure on New Zealand to stage a comeback to keep their hopes alive.