India handed New Zealand a convincing defeat in the first ODI, thanks to the Indian bowlers and Virat Kohli’s terrific innings. On a difficult pitch, Kohli played an attacking knock of 74 off 51 balls and helped India secure a comfortable five-wicket victory through the DLS method.
Now, the focus shifts to the second ODI, with both teams expected to make changes. Winning teams generally prefer to keep their combination unchanged, but Mohammed Siraj’s availability gives India a strong reason to bring him back.
India vs New Zealand 2nd ODI Playing11: Siraj likely to replace Auqib Nabi
Siraj was unavailable for selection in the first ODI but is expected to be available for the second match in Wellington. His return could bring the main change in India’s XI, with Auqib Nabi the most likely player to make way.
The rest of India’s combination is expected to remain unchanged after the opening win. Nitish Kumar Reddy is no longer available for selection for this match, having been part of the ODI squad only for the opening game before joining India A.
India’s expected playing XI: Shubman Gill (captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Naman Dhir, Anshul Kamboj, Gurnoor Brar, Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj.
Matt Henry likely to replace Blair Tickner
New Zealand have suffered a major blow with Devon Conway ruled out of the remaining ODI series. He is no longer available for selection, meaning the hosts cannot look to him to strengthen their batting in any of the remaining matches.
However, they have received a significant boost on the bowling front. Matt Henry, one of their main ODI bowlers, has been cleared of concussion and is available for the second match. He had already joined the squad; the key development is his clearance to play.
Henry is expected to replace Blair Tickner in the XI. Tickner played an attacking innings of 34 off 23 balls in the opening match, but Henry’s availability could see him make way.
New Zealand could also consider bringing Michael Bracewell into the side. That remains an option, although the expectation here is that they will make only the Henry-for-Tickner change.
New Zealand’s expected playing XI: Tim Seifert, Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wicketkeeper), Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner (captain), Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson and Jacob Duffy.
