The five-match series moves to Raipur with India holding a commanding position.
Fantasy cricket enthusiasts are analyzing player form, pitch behavior, and weather conditions ahead of this crucial encounter.
The IND vs NZ 2nd T20I Dream11 prediction today match requires careful assessment of recent performances and venue-specific data.
With the T20 World Cup approaching, both teams will field strong lineups.
IND vs NZ 2nd T20I Dream11 Prediction Today Match

This article provides match details, head-to-head records, pitch analysis, and player selections for fantasy cricket platforms.
IND vs NZ 2nd T20I Match Preview
| Match | Date | Time | Venue | Series | Series Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| India vs New Zealand, 2nd T20I | 23 January 2026 (Friday) | 7:00 PM IST | Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur | New Zealand tour of India 2025-26 (5-match T20I series) | India leads 1-0 |
This is India’s final T20I series before the T20 World Cup 2026, which begins on February 7. India won the opening match in Nagpur by 48 runs with Abhishek Sharma scoring 84 off 35 balls.
The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium will host only its second T20I. India are the defending T20 World Cup champions and currently ranked No. 1 in T20Is.
IND vs NZ T20I Series Schedule
| Match Number | Date | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | 21 January 2026 | Nagpur | India won by 48 runs |
| 2nd T20I | 23 January 2026 | Raipur | – |
| 3rd T20I | 25 January 2026 | Guwahati | – |
| 4th T20I | 28 January 2026 | Visakhapatnam | – |
| 5th T20I | 31 January 2026 | Thiruvananthapuram | – |
Key Context:
- Final preparation before T20 World Cup: India is using this series to finalize combinations and player roles ahead of the global tournament starting in February. The defending champions need settled batting positions and bowling rotations.
- World No. 1 vs No. 4: India enters as the top-ranked T20I team while New Zealand sits fourth. The ranking difference reflects India’s home advantage and current form across formats.
- Series history favors India: India has won 5 out of 8 bilateral T20I series against New Zealand. The last series in 2023 ended 2-1 in India’s favor at home.
- Abhishek Sharma’s explosive form: The left-handed opener smashed the fastest Indian fifty against New Zealand (22 balls) in the first T20I. His eight sixes set the tone for India’s dominant performance.
- Venue statistics limited: The stadium has hosted only one T20I previously, making pitch predictions challenging. Teams will rely on first-innings assessment and local knowledge.
Pitch Report
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Pitch Type | Balanced – offers assistance for both pace and spin |
| Average T20 Score | 160-175 (moderate scoring) |
| Pace Factor | Early swing and carry for fast bowlers with a new ball |
| Spin Factor | Spinners get grip as the pitch dries in the second half |
| Boundary Size | Straight: 77-81m, Square: 69-73m (Large boundaries) |
| Toss Impact | Batting first offers a slight advantage |
| Surface Composition | Black soil and red soil from Maharashtra |
The pitch was rated “Best Pitch in Central Zone” by BCCI in 2017-18. Large boundary dimensions (up to 84m) compared to The Gabba in Australia, requiring powerful hitting.
Weather Report
| Condition | Details |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 15-22°C (Pleasant winter evening) |
| Humidity | Low to Moderate |
| Dew Factor | Expected in the second innings |
| Rain Chance | Very low |
| Overall Outlook | Excellent conditions for cricket |
Raipur in January offers pleasant winter weather. Dew could make chasing easier, affecting the captain’s decision at the toss.
Injury Updates
- India – Tilak Varma ruled out: The middle-order batter underwent testicular surgery in Rajkot and will miss the first three T20Is. Shreyas Iyer replaces him for the opening matches.
- India – Washington Sundar sidelined: The all-rounder is unavailable due to lower rib area discomfort (side strain). Ravi Bishnoi has been added to the squad as a replacement.
- New Zealand – No injury concerns: The touring side has a fully fit squad available for selection. All players from the first T20I remain available.
IND vs NZ Head-to-Head Records (T20Is)
| Category | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Total T20I Matches | 26 (after 1st T20I) |
| India Wins | 15 |
| New Zealand Wins | 10 |
| Tied | 1 |
| India Win Percentage | 57.7% |
| Current Series | India leads 1-0 |
Bilateral T20I Series Record
- Total series played: India and New Zealand have contested 8 bilateral T20I series across both countries since their first meeting in this format.
- India’s dominance: India has won 5 out of 8 bilateral series, showing consistent superiority in head-to-head encounters over the years.
- New Zealand’s series wins: New Zealand has won 3 bilateral T20I series against India, including victories in New Zealand, where conditions suit their style.
- Last series result: India won the 2023 home series 2-1, with victories in Nagpur and Guwahati offsetting a loss in Ahmedabad.
Last Five T20I Matches
- India won by 48 runs – 21 January 2026
India posted 213/5 in Nagpur. New Zealand managed 165/9 in reply. Abhishek Sharma’s 84 off 35 balls dominated the contest.
- India won by 168 runs – 1 February 2023
India recorded their biggest T20I victory margin against New Zealand. The match was played in Guwahati during the last bilateral series.
- India won by 6 wickets – 29 January 2023
India chased down the target with 1 ball remaining in a close encounter. The match went down to the final delivery.
- New Zealand won by 21 runs – 27 January 2023
New Zealand defended their total successfully in Ahmedabad. This was their only win in the 2023 series.
- Match tied (DLS method) – 22 November 2022
Rain intervention led to a tied result under DLS calculations during the T20 World Cup 2022 group stage match.
Top Picks For The Match
| Player Name | Team | Reason for Selection |
|---|---|---|
| Abhishek Sharma | India | Scored 84 off 35 balls in 1st T20I with 8 sixes. Fastest Indian fifty vs NZ (22 balls). Must-have pick. |
| Glenn Phillips | New Zealand | Top-scored for NZ with 78 off 40 balls in the 1st T20I. Hit 6 sixes and offers off-spin bowling option. |
| Varun Chakravarthy | India | World No. 1 T20I bowler. Took 2/37 in 1st T20I. Key wicket-taker in the middle overs on turning tracks. |
| Rinku Singh | India | Scored 44 off 20 balls in 1st T20I. Unbeaten in the last 3 T20I innings. Reliable finisher in lower middle order. |
| Hardik Pandya | India | Contributed 25 runs and 1 wicket in the 1st T20I. Impact all-rounder who provides balance to fantasy teams. |
| Jacob Duffy | New Zealand | Best NZ bowler in 1st T20I with 2/27 in 4 overs. Economical seamer who extracts movement early. |
| Suryakumar Yadav | India | Captain scored 32 off 22 balls in 1st T20I. Looking to regain form before the T20 World Cup starts next month. |
Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium Raipur Records & Pitch Report
- Stadium capacity and ranking
The venue holds 65,000 spectators, making it the third largest cricket stadium in India. Opened in 2008, it has hosted international cricket across formats.
- Pitch behavior and composition
The surface uses black soil and red soil from Maharashtra. Fast bowlers get early swing while spinners become effective as the pitch dries.
- Historical scoring trends
Average T20 scores range between 160 and 175 runs. Teams need applications from top-order batters before accelerating in the final overs.
- Boundary dimensions challenge
Straight boundaries measure 77-81 meters, while square boundaries are 69-73 meters. Large dimensions favor six-hitting specialists for the IND vs NZ 2nd T20I Dream11 prediction.
- Toss and match strategy
Teams batting first have a slight advantage. Dew in the second innings could aid chasing sides, with grip becoming difficult for bowlers.
- Dream11 strategy implications
Select power-hitters who clear large boundaries. Pick spinners who bowl in middle overs. All-rounders offer double points potential on a balanced pitch.
Conclusion: IND vs NZ 2nd T20I
The IND vs NZ 2nd T20I Dream11 prediction today match on 23 Jan 2026 requires balancing form players with all-rounders.
Abhishek Sharma and Glenn Phillips are essential picks based on their first T20I performances.
Varun Chakravarthy’s spin bowling suits Raipur’s pitch conditions. Rinku Singh offers finishing ability in fantasy lineups.
Hardik Pandya provides all-around value.
The weather favors dew impact in the second innings. Large boundaries require genuine power-hitters. India’s depth gives them an edge for a series-clinching performance.
- Series schedule ahead: Three matches remain after Raipur. Guwahati hosts the third T20I on January 25. Visakhapatnam and Thiruvananthapuram follow on January 28 and 31.
- Selection flexibility: Pick 6-7 Indian players given home advantage and form. Include 2-3 New Zealand performers who showed resistance. Balance wicketkeepers, all-rounders, and specialist bowlers across categories.
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