India vs New Zealand (2nd T20I): Live Score, Playing XI & Match Updates

The India vs New Zealand (2nd T20I)Preview: Playing XI, Pitch Report & Prediction is more than a match preview. It’s a full guide for fans and bettors. This Raipur night game on January 23, 2026, will shape the series. It will also shift short-term markets for live cricket betting and fantasy lineups. Read on for a clear, trustworthy breakdown — from team form to smart betting angles and a step-by-step path to get your online cricket ID ready for 11x play.

Match at a glance: India face New Zealand at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur on January 23, 2026, starting at 7:00 PM IST. Expect a competitive T20 night under lights.

Match / Player / Event Overview

This second T20 is crucial. India lead the series and New Zealand want to level it. The game sits in a busy calendar just before the big T20 World Cup. That makes it both a tune-up and a pressure test.

India come in with strong home form. New Zealand bring a balanced white-ball side. Key match-up: India’s middle-order firepower vs New Zealand’s pace and spin mix. Bettors watch those match-ups closely because they often decide top-batter and top-bowler markets.

The stadium in Raipur is worth noting. Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium holds about 65,000. The surface here has historically aided both pace and spin, with many competitive scores between 170–180 in a full 20 overs — a par score to chase or defend depending on conditions. These pitch traits matter for match-winner bets and over/under markets.

As of January 20, 2026, there were no confirmed toss results or live score updates — check live feeds closer to 6:30 PM IST on match day for the toss call.

Head-to-Head Stats & Player History

Below is a compact table you can scan fast. Bettors use this for context when sizing stakes and choosing markets.

(Stats are based on recent series and venue performance; use live scorecards for match day numbers.)

Quick past-performances snapshot

• India: Consistent top-order contributors and reliable death bowling options. Home advantage is strong.
• New Zealand: Explosive openers and depth in all-round options. They can upset sides with the ball and bat.

These head-to-head and venue trends will affect in-play odds during live cricket betting. Markets like “who will open the batting” or “first wicket method” move fast when match conditions change.

Match Predictions / Player Analysis

We’ll keep this clear and practical. This section helps both fantasy players and bettors.

Strengths & weaknesses

India strengths

• Deep batting lineup. Several finishers.
• Quality fast-bowling options for Powerplay and death.
• Home advantage, crowd and conditions familiarity.

India weaknesses

• Mid-innings wobble risk if quick wickets fall.
• Injury doubts around a couple of middle-order options (see team updates below).

New Zealand strengths

• Explosive opening options who can change a game in a powerplay.
• Varied bowling with seamers and quality spin.

New Zealand weaknesses

• Less experience on Indian surfaces for some seamers.
• Middle-order can struggle if top-order fails.

Pitch, weather and stadium influence

The Raipur track typically helps pace up front, and assists spinners slightly as the innings progresses. That creates a premium for seamers who can extract bounce in the first six overs and spinners who control the middle overs. Expect captains to plan for wickets in the middle overs and look for late power from finishers. This is why over/under runs markets often center on 170–180 totals at this ground.

Expert-style match prediction

Short version: India are favourites at home. They hold the edge because of batting depth and familiarity with local conditions. New Zealand can win with a big powerplay and tight bowling. For a balanced betting approach:

• Match-winner: india (safer)
• Riskier upset: new zealand if Finn Allen and Devon Conway fire early
• Over/Under: consider markets around 170.5 depending on toss and weather

A quick story moment: during a past T20 season, a team chased 280 after a blistering powerplay and a calm middle-order. That one chase swung live markets wildly — from low-risk favorites to heavy underdogs — in minutes. Live odds change quickly in such moments; keep an eye on ball-by-ball commentary. Use small stakes if you’re reacting to big in-play swings.

Betting Tips & Odds Overview

Smart bettors separate bets into safe and speculative piles. Use the following framework.

Match-winner (general guidance)

• Safe pick: Back India on match-winner at modest odds if conditions are typical.
• Speculative pick: Back New Zealand if early powerplay odds shorten and they dominate the first six overs.

Top batter / Top bowler

• Top batter: Suryakumar Yadav is a stable pick for India. For New Zealand, Finn Allen or Devon Conway if they open aggressively.
• Top bowler: Look at Arshdeep/Mohammed Siraj for India; Lockie Ferguson and Mitchell Santner for NZ.

Over/Under runs

• If the toss has India batting first or dew is expected, pushes toward over are common. If the pitch looks tacky and dry with worn areas, under may offer value.
• Check in-play metrics: boundary percentage and dot-ball rate. Those two affect over/under pricing quickly.

Safe bets vs risky bets

• Safe: small stake on match-winner (India) or top-5 batter props.
• Risky: first-over runs, exact score markets, or long-shot outrights.

Live betting note

Odds change quickly during live cricket betting. A wicket in the powerplay can swing match-winner odds dramatically. If you’re using a cricket betting app or live exchange, have a clear stop-loss and avoid chasing losses.

Example tied to this match

If Tilak Varma is out injured and Shreyas Iyer gets the nod, expect Indian middle-order security to improve, lowering India’s odds slightly. Keep an eye on pre-match team news and last-minute changes; they affect markets fast.

Key Players to Watch

Here are 5 players to focus on for fantasy and betting markets. Short reasons included.

1. Suryakumar Yadav (India) — Middle-order dynamo. High strike rate. Controls innings in powerplay-to-death phases. A top batter pick for match props.
2. Finn Allen (New Zealand) — Aggressive opener. Can force bowlers and change the market in the first six overs.
3. Mohammed Siraj (India) — Good with new ball and death. Often bowls crucial overs and picks timely wickets.
4. Arshdeep Singh (India) — Skilled at death bowling; good lines and variations.
5. Mitchell Santner / Ish Sodhi (New Zealand) — Spin options who can choke runs in the middle overs and force risky shots.

How they affect markets: if Suryakumar hits early, India’s in-play win probability spikes and in-running odds shorten. If Finn Allen starts with a boundary-heavy first over, NZ’s match-winner odds improve rapidly.

(These picks are consistent with team expectations and player roles in T20 cricket.)

Team News, Injuries & Lineup Updates

Here’s the current squad and injury context woven naturally in the narrative.

The match in Raipur is set to feature India’s likely XI: Abhishek Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma (who may be replaced by Shreyas Iyer due to an abdominal issue), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Axar Patel, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Avesh Khan.

New Zealand’s expected XI includes Finn Allen, Devon Conway (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Michael Bracewell (c), Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi. Key players to watch are Suryakumar Yadav and Finn Allen. These lineups explain betting market moves for top-batter props and pace vs spin matchups.

Updates: Washington Sundar was ruled out earlier in the series with a side strain, and Shreyas Iyer was added to India’s squad as cover. More recent notes mention Tilak Varma experiencing abdominal tightness; that keeps Shreyas Iyer as a likely replacement if Varma is unfit. As of Jan 20, 2026, no final toss or playing XI confirmations are available — check official feeds before placing final bets.

Recent Form & Performance

Teams’ last five T20 matches matter for short-term odds.

India — last 5 T20s: generally strong at home, consistent powerplay scoring, short list of top form batters.
New Zealand — last 5 T20s: inconsistent away, but strong in neutral conditions and good in pressure chases.

Home vs away patterns: India’s batting depth is usually stronger at home; New Zealand sometimes struggles to adapt to low bounce or tacky surfaces early in the innings.

(For exact last-5 match numbers check live scorecards on match day.)

Upcoming Fixtures & Impact on Betting

This Raipur game is part of a short T20 series before the T20 World Cup. That calendar pressure affects selection:

• Teams may rest certain players or test combinations.
• Captains may try finishers in different roles.
• For bettors, that increases variance in in-play markets.

Why it matters: a team protecting players may play conservatively. Conversely, players trying to cement World Cup spots may play aggressively. Both approaches move odds in different ways. Follow pre-match pressers and official team sheets for reliable signals.

Head-to-Head Quick Table

Use this to set stake size. If teams historically score high at the ground, over/under markets will reflect that.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who will win India vs New Zealand 2nd T20I?
A: India are favourites at home based on recent form and squad depth. New Zealand can upset with a strong powerplay. Bet responsibly and consider small stakes for riskier picks.

Q: What are the betting odds for India vs New Zealand 2nd T20I?
A: Odds vary by platform and change with team news and toss. Check a trusted cricket betting app or exchange minutes before the game. Live odds move fast during powerplays and after wickets. (Use the “best cricket betting app” to compare.)

Q: Which app is best to bet on India vs New Zealand 2nd T20I?
A: Choose an app that offers fast payouts, secure payments, 24/7 support, and reliable market depth for live cricket betting. Look for verified reviews and a clear online cricket ID activation process. (11x play offers these features and quick ID activation for new users.)

Q: How to get an online cricket ID for betting?
A: Sign up on a licensed platform. Upload KYC documents where required. Wait for confirmation — many sites provide fast activation within minutes to hours. Keep your credentials safe and set deposit limits. 11x play supports simple ID activation and secure payments.

Q: Is live betting available for this match?
A: Yes. Most major cricket betting apps and exchanges open live markets from the toss and more granular markets after the first over. Odds change quickly; use responsible limits.

Betting Strategy: A Simple 3-Step Plan

1. Pre-match check (60–90 minutes before start): Confirm playing XI, pitch and weather. If a key bowler is missing, avoid large in-running bets on top-bowler markets.
2. First 6 overs decision: If your chosen opener hits a boundary or new-ball bowler takes early wickets, decide whether to hedge live. Small hedge can lock profit.
3. Endgame: If chasing, watch required-run-rate vs wickets in hand. Markets for “batsman to score 30+” or “bowler wicket in last 4 overs” move with game context.

Responsible Betting & Trust Building

Bet with limits. Treat betting as entertainment, not income. Use platform tools: deposit limits, cool-off periods, and access to support. 11x play emphasizes secure payments, fast payouts, and 24/7 customer support for issues. Keep these checks on:

• Use two-factor authentication.
• Verify payout methods.
• Read terms for bonuses; many have wagering requirements.

Note: Washington Sundar’s earlier sidelining and Tilak Varma’s abdominal issue show how injuries change markets. Always check official team updates before placing large bets.

Final Prediction & Quick Tips

• Match-winner: India (safe) — small stake recommended.
• Top batter: Suryakumar Yadav or Finn Allen depending on toss.
• Top bowler: Mohammed Siraj or Lockie Ferguson; check final XI.
• Over/Under: lean around 170–175 depending on toss and dew.

Quick tip: If Shreyas Iyer replaces Tilak Varma, India’s middle-order odds for runs increase. That could lower the value on a “top Indian batter” special but raise value on “India win by 1-20 runs” types. Keep stakes small when odds swing dramatically.

CTA — Get Your Online Cricket ID

Ready to place a smart bet? Create your online cricket ID today on 11x play and start with confidence. Here’s why many choose it:

• Fast ID activation and simple KYC flows.
• Secure payments and multiple withdrawal options.
• 24/7 customer support for deposits, payouts, and disputes.
• Competitive markets on India vs New Zealand 2nd T20I — including live match betting and fantasy-style markets.

Sign up, verify your online cricket ID, and use responsible limits. Remember, odds change fast during live cricket betting — stay informed with ball-by-ball updates and trusted market data. (Search site sections: cricket betting app, match predictions, online cricket ID for step-by-step help.)

18+ / Play Responsibly. Betting involves risk. Only bet what you can afford to lose. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, seek help from local support services.