India will look to seal the five-match T20I series when they face New Zealand in the 2nd T20I at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Saturday, October 24, 2026. After a jaw-dropping run chase in the series opener, Shreyas Iyer’s men carry a 1-0 lead and all the momentum into the second game of India’s tour of New Zealand 2026-27.
The 1st T20I produced one of the most thrilling finishes in recent memory, with India hunting down 226 in a record chase. New Zealand, led by Mitchell Santner, will be desperate to hit back in front of their home crowd and level the series. Expect another high-scoring classic under the Christchurch lights.
Match Details
| Match | New Zealand vs India, 2nd T20I |
| Date | Saturday, October 24, 2026 |
| Start Time | 12:30 PM IST (8:00 PM NZDT) |
| Venue | Hagley Oval, Christchurch |
| Series | India tour of New Zealand 2026-27 — five-match T20I series (India lead 1-0) |
Squads & Probable Playing XIs
Both sides are expected to stick largely with the combinations that featured in the series opener. The confirmed playing XIs will be announced at the toss, but these are the key players to watch from each camp:
India – Key Players
- Shreyas Iyer (captain) — scored 42 in the 1st T20I and won the toss, electing to field
- Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper) — Player of the Match in the opener with 67 off 33 balls
- Abhishek Sharma — India’s explosive opener at the top of the order
- Naman Dhir — unbeaten 42 off just 15 balls to finish the record chase
- Axar Patel — contributed 24 with the bat and offers a key spin option
New Zealand – Key Players
- Mitchell Santner (captain) — claimed 2/39 in the 1st T20I
- Glenn Phillips — smashed an unbeaten 82 off 40 balls in the series opener
- Finn Allen — blazed 45 off 24 balls at the top of the order
- Michael Bracewell — the pick of the New Zealand bowlers with 2/37
- Bevon Jacobs — chipped in with 31 off 16 balls in the 1st T20I
Head-to-Head Record
India’s four-wicket win in the series opener — covered in our detailed 1st T20I recap — was their highest successful run chase in T20I cricket, as they overhauled New Zealand’s 225/4 with two balls to spare to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
New Zealand posted 225/4 after Glenn Phillips’ unbeaten 82 off 40 balls, Finn Allen’s 45 off 24 and Bevon Jacobs’ 31 off 16. In reply, Sanju Samson’s 67 off 33 earned him the Player of the Match award, while Naman Dhir’s unbeaten 42 off 15 balls and Shreyas Iyer’s 42 completed the chase at 230/6 in 19.4 overs, after Iyer won the toss and chose to field (see our 1st T20I preview for the pre-match buildup). Michael Bracewell (2/37) and Mitchell Santner (2/39) were the pick of the New Zealand attack.
Pitch & Weather Report
Hagley Oval is a true batting surface, and the high-scoring series opener — played on a dewy night — suggests another run-fest is on the cards in Christchurch. The ball comes onto the bat nicely, the outfield is quick, and the short square boundaries reward aggressive strokeplay.
Evening dew could again play a decisive role, making the ball slippery for bowlers in the second innings and tilting the advantage towards the chasing side — exactly as India demonstrated in the first game. Expect the captain who wins the toss to bowl first once more.
Where to Watch / Live Streaming
The New Zealand vs India 2nd T20I will be broadcast live on the Sony Sports Network on television in India, with live streaming available on the Sony LIV app and website. Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) holds the rights for the full tour of New Zealand, which runs from October 22 to December 1, 2026.
FAQs
When is the New Zealand vs India 2nd T20I?
The match is scheduled for Saturday, October 24, 2026, with the first ball at 12:30 PM IST (8:00 PM NZDT) at Hagley Oval, Christchurch.
What is the current series score?
India lead the five-match T20I series 1-0 after their four-wicket win in the series opener.
What happened in the 1st T20I between New Zealand and India?
New Zealand scored 225/4, led by Glenn Phillips’ unbeaten 82 off 40 balls. India chased it down, finishing on 230/6 in 19.4 overs — India’s highest successful run chase in T20Is. Sanju Samson (67 off 33) was named Player of the Match.
Where can I watch the NZ vs IND 2nd T20I live?
In India, the match will be shown live on the Sony Sports Network on TV and streamed on the Sony LIV app and website.
Who are the captains for the 2nd T20I?
Shreyas Iyer captains India, while Mitchell Santner leads New Zealand.
Summary
The 2nd T20I at Hagley Oval promises another blockbuster after the record-breaking series opener. India will aim to double their series lead behind an in-form batting unit powered by Sanju Samson and Naman Dhir, while New Zealand — driven by Glenn Phillips and Finn Allen — must win to keep the five-match series alive. With a true batting surface and evening dew likely to favour the side chasing again, the toss could prove crucial. For live scores and ball-by-ball commentary, visit ESPNcricinfo.
Green Benn is a dedicated sports writer specializing in cricket, including IPL and international formats. Known for clear, engaging, and informative content, Green simplifies complex match analysis and player statistics for all readers. Passionate about sports storytelling, Green delivers reliable, SEO-friendly articles that keep fans updated and informed
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