Getting the impetus is one of the key elements to success in the T20I format and India was able to get that on their side after winning the first match by six wickets. In fact, the first match victory laid down the cornerstone for the Indian team for the long tour ahead. Furthermore, with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli not in the top two run-getters of the innings, it was a great sign for the visitors that Shreyas Iyer provided the finishing touches after KL Rahul laid down the foundation.
On the other hand, New Zealand had the match in their court but the hosts were not able to keep Iyer in check. It was a difficult ground to defend the target as the straight boundary measured only 56 meters. Moreover, the hosts had to pay the price for their sloppy fielding as they spilled their chances.
India has the momentum.
There was a run-out chance and then Ish Sodhi fluffed Kohli’s catch when he was on 33 runs. Thus, the Kiwis will need to pull up the socks in the field.
Meanwhile, Eden Park is a paradise for the batsmen and nothing short of hell for the bowlers. The distance between the end of the 30-yard circle and the boundary is a mere 21 yards, and thus almost everything sails over the boundary.
Jasprit Bumrah was the sole bowler who was at his best as he was able to keep the runs in check. Bumrah was able to mix it up and used his variations with guile to keep the batsmen at bay. The gun pacer conceded only 16 runs in his final two overs and he was the difference between New Zealand getting to 220 and ending up at 203.
Meanwhile, Shardul Thakur was on the expensive side and he can be replaced by Navdeep Saini in the final XI.
Match Prediction:
India will begin as favourites after winning the first match. The toss is once again going to play a key role as the team chasing the target will hold its wood on the other.