Cricket Match Prediction | India vs New Zealand | 2nd Test | Oct 24 – Can NZ win the series with one match in hand?

IND vs NZ Match Analysis

On October 24, 2024, India and New Zealand will play the 2nd Test match of a three-match Test series at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune, at 10:00 a.m. BDT. 

India entered the first Test match as the clear favorites, but a single poor session on the second day cost them the game. Despite the setback, the team has several positives to take away from the match and will be aiming for a stronger performance in the next one.

New Zealand will be thrilled with the result of the first match, achieving a historic victory on Indian soil after a 36-year wait.

IND vs NZ Team Preview & Squads

India 

India experienced a perplexing turn of events in the Bengaluru Test. They collapsed to their lowest total ever against New Zealand (46) but then mounted a resilient comeback in their second innings, posting the highest total of the match (462). However, it was still insufficient to prevent the Kiwis from claiming the first victory of the series.

With 150 runs in the second innings, Sarfaraz Khan was in scorching form. In the domestic circuit, he has scored goals frequently, and he is doing the same on the international scene. He will be crucial in the middle order, along with Rishabh Pant. After Pant’s injury scare in the first game, there’s a good probability Dhruv Jurel will get an opportunity to play. IND is still concerned about the performance of Virat Kohli and KL Rahul. The pair has not been able to turn their starts into significant knocks, even though they are not in poor condition.

Mohammed Siraj’s form is another ongoing issue for the team. Despite having ideal conditions, he has only taken 8 wickets in the last 5 games. Jasprit Bumrah will be under more strain because of his dismal form. Given how costly they were in the opening game, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ravichandran Ashwin, the spinners for IND, will need to bowl with more line and length.

India Squads

India

Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel, Axar Patel, Rohit Sharma, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, Virat Kohli, Sarfaraz Khan, Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ravindra Jadeja, KL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav, and Ravichandran Ashwin.

New Zealand

New Zealand will owe much of their victory to Rachin Ravindra, who played a brilliant century in the first innings. His crucial partnership with Tim Southee gave the visitors a commanding lead and set the foundation for a comprehensive win. 

Devon Conway was also in great form, contributing a well-crafted half-century. His IPL experience will be valuable throughout the series, but the team will also need stronger performances from Tom Latham, Tom Blundell, and Daryl Mitchell.

In the bowling department, the seamers were exceptional in the first innings, claiming all 10 wickets in just 32 overs and playing a decisive role. Matt Henry finished with 8 wickets, while William O’Rourke took 7. They will be joined by Tim Southee, and NZ is likely to stick with Ajaz Patel as their primary spinner.

New Zealand Squads

New Zealand

Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Will Young, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, William O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Ish Sodhi, and Tim Southee.

India vs New Zealand outfield report

Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune

Pune is one of those places where you wouldn’t immediately be at a disadvantage if you lost the toss. However, it’s always safe to field first if the pitch has a slight green tint and the bowlers’ circumstances are favorable. In terms of the weather, the first three days are predicted to be bright, with the likelihood of rain increasing over the final two days.

As the game goes on, the pitch becomes flatter and easier to bat on, allowing teams batting second to take advantage of the situation and score a significant amount.  

IND vs NZ Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches

In every one of their five games, IND won one of them and NZ won three.

India vs New Zealand Prediction

Cricket analysts predict India has an 85% chance of winning.

Disclaimer: This cricket prediction is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.