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India vs New Zealand Second Test - Time for a home comeback

By Sridhar Bhamidi

23 Oct 2024

Sridhar Bhamidi 23 Oct 2024

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India vs New Zealand Second Test match predictions to be played in Pune from Thursday, October 24
New Zealand lost 7 of their last 9 away Tests in India
India won 6 of their last 7 home Tests

Can India bounce back in the series with a win in the second Test in Pune? (Getty Images)

India vs New Zealand Second Test

A first Test win in India since 1988 stunned everyone as New Zealand took a 1-0 lead in the series in Bengaluru. With the three-match series now moving to the Western parts, the onus is on India to turn up and level things. The second match is scheduled to be played at the MCA Stadium in Pune from Thursday, October 24.

India vs New Zealand Second Test
Head to Head
India Form
India Team News
New Zealand Form
New Zealand Team News

It was the dire first innings performance that determined India’s fate in the first Test as New Zealand made things count. That shouldn’t discount the fact that India has been a tough nut to crack in their home conditions. I am backing India to bounce back here and win the match.

New Zealand lost 4 of their last 5 matches (Tests)
New Zealand lost 7 of their last 9 away matches against India (Tests)
India won 6 of their last 7 home matches (Tests)
India won their last match at this venue (Tests)

Head to Head

There have been 63 Tests between India and New Zealand so far. The Kiwis have won 14 and lost 22 of those, with the remaining 27 ending in draws.

The first Test saw India collapse to 46 all out in the first innings, a disastrous total from which they could never recover. New Zealand took a commanding 356-run lead in their first innings which was more than enough in the final analysis. India managed to improve and post 462 in their second innings to throw a 107-run target at the Kiwis, but that wasn’t enough to stretch their chances. New Zealand won with eight wickets in hand and a few sessions left in a match that saw day one washed out completely.

India Form

India is still top of the WTC standings but needs five wins out of their seven remaining matches to ensure qualification. Realistically, they can’t afford to lose two or more matches from here.

The Men in Blue fell flat in Bengaluru as overhead conditions and a damp pitch after day one was washed out led them to just 46 in the first innings. Sarfaraz Khan (150) and Rishabh Pant (99) managed to counter-attack, but their push didn’t help overturn things.

The three-spin attack in Bengaluru didn’t have the desired effect, although Kuldeep Yadav and Jadeja took three wickets each.

India Team News

Rishabh Pant is fit to keep wickets, but the return of Shubman Gill could see the axe fall on KL Rahul. India may think about swapping Siraj with Akash Deep.

New Zealand Form

The win in Bengaluru lifts them to third in the WTC standings with a 44.44 points percentage. They need to win their remaining five matches to stand any chance of reaching the final.

The Kiwis were served well by the impressive William O’Rourke, who took seven wickets in the match. Rachin Ravindra was the star of the show with a priceless 134 in the first innings, before leading them over the line with an unbeaten 39 in the second.

New Zealand Team News

Kane Williamson is ruled out, and the Kiwis could opt with the same XI that played in Bengaluru.

India vs New Zealand Second Test FAQs

Where can I watch the India vs New Zealand Second Test live stream?

Our live streaming calendar shows you where to watch the India vs New Zealand Second Test live stream.

What time does India vs New Zealand Second Test start?

This India vs New Zealand Second Test match is being played at the MCA Stadium in Pune starting at 9 am IST on Thursday, October 24.

Verdict

India v New Zealand - 2nd Test

New Zealand have surprised everyone with their win in the first Test, but can lightning strike twice? The home team could be the one calling the shots, and I am backing India to win here. As for the individual market, keep an eye on Rachin Ravindra, who could top the batting charts for New Zealand.

India Win

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