Fri Jan 23 15:10:00 UTC 2026: ### India Aims for Series Lead Against New Zealand in Second T20
Raipur, January 23, 2026 – After a strong start to the five-match T20 series, the Indian cricket team is set to face New Zealand in the second T20 international. The match, scheduled for Friday in Raipur, offers India a chance to extend their lead to 2-0. With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, India views this series as crucial preparation. New Zealand, despite showing glimpses of competitiveness in the first match, struggled to contain India’s high-scoring batting lineup and aims to level the series.
The article highlights the pressure on Indian batsmen Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan, both of whom failed to perform in the first match. Their performance is critical, especially with the upcoming World Cup selection. The article also notes fielding concerns for India after several missed opportunities in the first T20. On the New Zealand side, concerns are raised about opener Conway‘s dismissals and the lack of substantial partnerships in the middle order.
Key Points
- India leads the five-match T20 series 1-0.
- The second T20 is scheduled for January 23, 2026, in Raipur.
- Pressure is mounting on Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan to perform.
- India’s fielding performance needs improvement.
- New Zealand’s batting lineup needs to form stronger partnerships.
Key Takeaways
- India has a strong opportunity to solidify its position ahead of the T20 World Cup.
- Individual performances of key players like Samson and Kishan will significantly impact their World Cup selection chances.
- New Zealand needs to address its batting frailties and bowling inconsistencies to stay competitive in the series.
- Fielding lapses could prove costly for India if not addressed immediately.
- The performance of bowlers for both teams will be critical in determining the outcome of the series.
First Piper 