The second ODI between India and New Zealand in Wellington has finally started after rain delayed the toss at Hnry Stadium. Shubman Gill won the toss and elected to bowl first with the match reduced to 47 overs per side due to rain delay.
Both teams have retained their playing XIs from the first ODI and are sticking with what worked for them in that match. India will want to extend their lead in the five-match series while New Zealand will be looking to bounce back after losing the opening game.
Rain Delay Reduces Match to 47 Overs
The rain in Wellington meant the ground staff covered the pitch and outfield before the second ODI was due to start. Umpires inspected the ground after showers stopped so preparations could resume.
However the lost time meant that the match could not start as planned. Officials agreed a 47-over contest for both teams.
Weather conditions remain a factor and the prospect of more showers means the toss will be even more critical.
Shubman Gill Chooses to Bowl First
India captain Shubman Gill won the toss and decided to field first. “The wicket is overcast and it’s been under covers for the last couple of days,” Gill said after the toss.
The Indian captain thinks the conditions could help the fast bowlers early in the innings.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner also admitted to the conditions and said bowling first looked like a good option but now the home side have to make the most of their batting opportunity.
Both Teams Retain the Same Playing XI
There are no changes to either team’s starting XI for the Wellington game.
India have carried on with their winning combination from Auckland by keeping the pace attack and batting order.
- India Playing XI: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (c), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk) Axar Patel, Naman Dhir, Anshul Kamboj, Auqib Nabi, Gurnoor Brar and Arshdeep Singh
- New Zealand Playing XI: Will Young, Tim Seifert, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (WK), Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner (C), Nathan Smith, Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy and Blair Tickner.
Gill confirmed India were playing the same team, Santner also said New Zealand had kept their combination but Gill made it clear that India are sticking with the same team.
Wellington Pitch Report: What Can We Expect?
The Hnry Stadium surface in Wellington is a different challenge to Eden Park in Auckland.
The pitch assessment on Cricbuzz says the surface is covered in grass and has remained under covers because of recent wet weather. This might help seam bowlers (especially in the first overs).
Former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull said the pitch may not have too much pace or bounce but grass could help fast bowlers get movement.
Batters may have to wait for conditions to settle before playing their attacking shots. The shorter square boundaries and longer straight boundaries also might affect batting strategy.
India Look to Extend Their Series Lead
India come into the second ODI full of confidence having won the first match by five wickets (DLS method).
Arshdeep Singh, Gurnoor Brar and Anshul Kamboj bowled well for India while Virat Kohli’s 74 off 51 balls was instrumental in the chase.
New Zealand meanwhile will be hoping for a stronger batting display and level the series.
Rain is already in the schedule and the match has been reduced to 47 overs so both teams will have to adjust quickly. India batting first gives their fast bowlers the chance to take advantage of conditions before New Zealand can set a competitive total.
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