India v New Zealand Second T20 Tips: Pitch may suit Kiwis

Ed Hawkins
28 January 2023
2:00 min read

Hardik Pandya is a saver at 13/2 on the tops

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Ed Hawkins previews the contest from Lucknow on Sunday with the formguide suggesting the wicket is for bowlers...

India v New Zealand
Sunday 29 January, 13:30
TV: Live on Sky Sports

Team news

India succumbed to spin in Ranchi. It was supposed to be the Kiwis who suffered. A failure to chase 177 will cause concern in the home camp, particularly as they don't really have batting resources in the squad to do much about it.

They are overloaded with openers. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Prithvi Shaw could come in but they would probably be batting out of position. Shivam Mavi is way too high at No 8.

There are concerns about Arshdeep Singh. He lost his radar for 27 in the final over. Hardik Pandya has already criticised him for no-balls.

Possible XI: Ishan, Gill, Tripathi, Yadav, Hardik, Sundar, Mavi, Kuldeep, Arshdeep, Umran

New Zealand produced a robust, no frills effort. They played with nous and gumption. It's often all that is required.

Darryl Mitchell's late blitz was the highlight with the bat. His 59 from 30 turned the game decisvely in their favour. It was also good intent to use Mark Chapman at No 3 even though he failed. Mitchell Santner, the skipper, took two for 11.

Probable XI: Allen, Conway, Chapman, Phillips, Mitchell, Bracewell, Santner, Sodhi, Ferguson, Tickner

Pitch report

India have played two T20i in Lucknow. They have won both after busting 190 batting first. However, in the Syed Mushtaq Trophy it has been a minefield. There were 3 scores of 88 or lower in the 2022 edition. More than 150 was busted only four times in 14. On that basis it is hard not reckon that going overs is the risky play.

How to play

A difficult batting wicket lets in New Zealand again at chunky odds. From 2.8415/8 they will fancy themselves in a potentially attritional contest.

Of course it is possible that for a showpiece event the groundstaff have produced a road as they try to play to India's strengths. The pitch report before the toss will be crucial. Anything abrasive on the surface or green grass may suggest we will get something similar to the Syed Mushtaq form.

Tops Value

Suryakumar Yadav was denied a win by Washington Sundar on top India bat. We are entitled to feel bitter. Sundar swinging for the hills when the game is over sums him up. Yadav has been cut to 3/1. We will have a saver on Hardik Pandya at 13/2. Both are wagers on win rates.

We keep faith with Glenn Phillips, too. He has also been cut to 3/1. That's a 25% rating from Sportsbook. Our man is copping at more than 27%. Chapman is too chunky on talent and position at No 5.

Ed Hawkins P-L

2023: +1
2022:+19.79
2021: +29.41pts
2020: +5.91pts
2019: +37.25pts
2018: +23.53pts
2017: +12pts
2016: +18.1pts
2015: +38pts
2014: +31.5pts
2013: +25pt

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