IND vs NZ Match Prediction 2nd ODI: The second ODI between India and New Zealand is set to be a high-intensity contest as the series moves to Rajkot. India lead the three-match series 1–0 after a composed chase in the opening ODI. With flat batting conditions expected again, both teams will eye big runs, but momentum and home advantage currently sit with India.
Match Details – IND vs NZ, 2nd ODI
| Match | IND vs NZ, 2nd ODI |
|---|---|
| Series | New Zealand tour of India 2026 |
| Date & Time | 14 January 2026, 1:30 PM IST |
| Venue | Niranjan Shah Stadium |
| Live Telecast | Star Sports |
| Live Streaming | JioHotstar |
India Team Preview
India will walk in confident after chasing down 300+ in the first ODI. The top order looked settled, with Virat Kohli anchoring the chase and solid support coming from Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer. The middle order has depth, and the presence of KL Rahul adds stability in pressure moments.
The only concern for India is the spin balance after Washington Sundar’s injury, but the inclusion of Ayush Badoni gives them a flexible batting option. The pace unit has been effective in patches, while Kuldeep Yadav remains the main wicket-taking threat in the middle overs.
Key Strengths
- Strong top-order form
- Proven chasing ability
- Home conditions suit their batting style
New Zealand Team Preview
New Zealand put up a competitive total in the first ODI, thanks to runs from Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, and Devon Conway, but they failed to defend it. The batting looks capable of matching India run for run, especially if they bat first.
Bowling remains a mixed bag. Kyle Jamieson impressed with wickets, but support at the death is still an issue. The Kiwis will rely heavily on Michael Bracewell to control the middle overs and add value with the bat.
Key Strengths
- Reliable top and middle order
- Jamieson’s bounce on Indian pitches
- All-round depth
Know Also: IND vs NZ ODI Head-to-Head
Pitch & Weather Report – Rajkot
The Rajkot surface is known for true bounce and fast outfield, making it a batter-friendly venue. Scores above 300 are common here, especially when dew sets in during the second innings.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Pitch Type | Flat, high-scoring |
| Avg 1st Innings Score | 290–300 |
| Best Choice After Toss | Field first |
| Weather | Clear skies |
| Temperature | 25–27°C |
| Rain Chance | 0% |
IND vs NZ Head-to-Head (ODIs)
| Stats | Record |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 121 |
| India Won | 63 |
| New Zealand Won | 50 |
| No Result | 7 |
| Tied | 1 |
Probable Playing XI
India
Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (c), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Ayush Badoni, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj
New Zealand
Devon Conway (c & wk), Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Josh Clarkson, Kyle Jamieson, Adithya Ashok, Christian Clarke, Jack Foulkes
Key Players to Watch
Batters
- Virat Kohli (IND): In control and scoring big runs consistently
- Shubman Gill (IND): Confident captaincy start, loves batting on flat decks
- Daryl Mitchell (NZ): Reliable run-getter in pressure games
- Devon Conway (NZ): Solid at the top, key in powerplay
Bowlers
- Kuldeep Yadav (IND): Main wicket-taker in middle overs
- Harshit Rana (IND): Hits the deck hard, picks crucial wickets
- Kyle Jamieson (NZ): Bounce and movement make him dangerous
- Michael Bracewell (NZ): Control + breakthroughs
Fantasy Cricket Tips
- Captain Options: Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill
- Vice-Captain Options: KL Rahul, Daryl Mitchell
- Differential Picks: Harshit Rana, Ayush Badoni
- Bowling Focus: Kuldeep Yadav, Kyle Jamieson
IND vs NZ Match Prediction – Who Will Win?
India start as favorites due to home advantage, stronger batting depth, and recent form. New Zealand can challenge if they post 320+ batting first, but chasing conditions and India’s experience tilt the balance.
Prediction Scenarios
| Scenario | Toss | 1st Innings Score | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| India bat first | IND | 320–330 | India |
| New Zealand bat first | NZ | 290–300 | India (chase) |
| Upset chance | — | — | NZ only if early wickets fall |
Final Verdict: India to win the 2nd ODI and take a 2–0 series lead.
