New Zealand vs India 2022

New Zealand vs India: Weather forecast shows disappointment for cricket fans in 2nd T20I

After the first match between India and New Zealand was washed out, all eyes are now set on the second. Both semi-finalists of the 20-20 World Cup were scheduled to play three-match T20I series, however, the first match on November 18^th had to be abandoned due to incessant rain at Sky Stadium in Wellington.

While many expect a great contest between the two teams, the weather forecast seems to point to a different outcome. Currently, all weather forecasts for Mount Maunganui show rain on Sunday. Bay Oval, the host for India- New Zealand’s second T20I falls at the centre of the city and based on the forecast, there is a 97% chance of rain around 5 PM local time. Although the precipitation shows a decline, later on, it’s still around 75% at 8 PM local time. Notably, the game is scheduled to start at 7:30 PM local time which is 12 PM in India.

As for the two teams, there are significant changes in both squads after their respective 20-20 World Cup failures. India team is being led by Hardik Pandya in absence of most senior players. Youngsters like Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson and Deepak Hooda will be given chance in batting whereas Umran Malik, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshal Patel and Washington Sundar will play as new entrants to the team after the 20-20 World Cup.

The New Zealand team however will be led by Kane Williamson, the same player who captained at the 20-20 World Cup. Batters like Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Glenn Philips and Daryl Mitchell have been included in the team based on their World Cup performance. The bowling duties will be taken care of by Mitchell Santner, Lockie Ferguson, Ish Sodhi and others.

The third T20I is scheduled for 22^nd November in Napier. India and New Zealand will clash in a 3-match ODI series starting on 25^th November.