New Zealand vs India 2nd ODI Prediction, Betting Tips and Match Preview

There have been many memorable matches between India and New Zealand over the years, but the first ODI of their ongoing series will no doubt live for a long time in both teams’ minds - albeit in starkly different ways. India will have plenty to reflect upon given that at one point, they all but had the match in a vice grip, while the Kiwis will be watching the highlights of the second innings for years to come. Overall, the results will undoubtedly have an impact on the pacing and dynamics of the second game of the series.

First match analysis and takeaways

Given that New Zealand were missing stars Kane Williamson and Trent Boult, much was riding on the shoulders of the players if they were to win; although this was somewhat offset by the fact that India, too, were missing their star opener Rohit Sharma. Overall, unlike the last time these two met at this venue, it was very much a day for the batsmen, with a total of 695 runs scored from 98.1 overs, including two centuries and four half-tons.

After being put to bat by toss winner New Zealand, India started steadily, but two quick wickets within 5 deliveries in the 8th and 9th overs meant they practically had to start over. Captain Kohli and Shreyas Iyer then struck up a solid partnership, and after the former departed, KL Rahul joined centurion-to-be Iyer to hit a blistering 88 from 64, with a nifty cameo from Kedar Jadhav to take India to a seemingly unassailable (in fact, until this match, literally unassailed by New Zealand) 347/4.

In reply, New Zealand started strong, but within 20 overs, found themselves two down with well over 200 to chase down. It was then that they were graced by veteran Ross Taylor, who struck up two vital partnerships - first with opener Nicholls and then with 3-down Latham - to take his team to victory with a marvelous 109 off just 84.

All said and done, India will be itching to take to the field and turn the series around, while New Zealand have a couple of days to bask in the glory before they try to seal the series in their favour. Both teams will be looking to do better with the ball, and with the next match set at the relatively low-scoring Eden Park, Auckland, the ball might be exactly what comes strongly into play. The stadium has the interesting distinction of being a ground where you want to bowl first - of the 73 ODIs played here, only 29 have been won by the side batting first, with the 2nd innings coming out on top 42 times (2 games ended tied).

New Zealand vs India 2nd ODI Prediction and Betting Tips

With a cracking 1st ODI behind us, the series promises to offer some solid action in what should be a nail-biting second game. The bowlers will be warming up strong, and the batsmen will be eager to continue their good form. With Boult out with an injury, it will be up to an ageing Southee and the skilled Santner to spearhead the Kiwi attack, with support from de Grandhomme, Sodhi, and Bennett. India meanwhile will be relying heavily on Bumrah and Shami. That being said, Thakur and Yadav both took poundings at Seddon Park, and they would surely like to prove a few points. Both Kohli and Taylor will be dangerous with the bat, while newcomer Agarwal could put his test skills to the - forgive the pun - test on a potentially difficult pitch. Expect explosive cameos from de Grandhomme or Latham on one side and either Rahul or Jadhav on the other. 
 
Match Prediction: Personally, New Zealand to take the series 2-0 on account of a stronger pace attack. 

Other betting tips: 

• India top batsman - Virat Kohli 
• NZ top batsman - Ross Taylor
• Player to score a century - Virat Kohli 
• Player to score a fifty – Ross Taylor (NZ), JDS Neesham (NZ), KL Rahul (India) & Virat Kohli (India)
• Most Match Sixes - India
• Most wickets - Mitchell Santner (NZ), Jasprit Bumrah (India)
• Most catches - TWM Latham (NZ)

Will New Zealand get some closure on their World Cup hauntings? Or will India prove why they deserve to remain second on ICC’s ODI rankings? Find out on the 8th!