2nd T20I: Rahul, Shreyas guide India to seven-wicket win over New Zealand
Sports | January 26, 2020 15:52 ISTIndia have taken a 2-0 lead in the five-match series after a cruising victory against New Zealand.
India vs New Zealand 2020's tour of New Zealand will be India's biggest challenge of the year before the World T20. With Kohli & Co. already at the top of the World Test Championship, the pressure to maintain the lead will be optimum.
India are set to travel to New Zealand to play 5 T20Is, 3 ODIs, a three-day practice match and two Test matches from January 24 to March 04. The two Tests against the Kiwis will be Kohli & Co.'s biggest test so far in the World Test Championship. India lead the way with a mammoth 360 points with Australia chasing them from the second spot. However, all of India's games so far have been against weakened oppositions but the two Tests in New Zealand will be their first test so far.
The three Tests will be played at Seddon Park, Hamilton against New Zealand XI and that will be followed by the two Tests at Basin Reserve, Wellington and Hagley Oval, Christchurch.
The five T20Is will give India another chance to test their bench strength in a World Cup year. With the World T20 set to be in Australia in October, the five games will allow India to try out further combinations. Hardik Pandya's impending return could also provide the India a much needed boost. The first two T20Is will be played at Eden Park, Auckland and the next three at Seddon Park, Hamilton, Westpac Stadium, Wellington and Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui respectively.
The Men in Blue will also play three ODIs against the Black Caps in between the T20I and Test series. The three ODIs will be played at Seddon Park, Hamilton, Eden Park, Auckland and Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui.
