NZ vs IND Match Prediction : 2nd ODI, India tour of New Zealand 2026

New Zealand take on India in the second ODI of the five-match series at Hnry Stadium, Wellington, on November 7. India lead the series 1–0 after securing a five-wicket victory in a rain-affected opening match in Auckland. The visitors will look to build on an impressive bowling display, while New Zealand need their experienced batters to deliver after being dismissed for just 185 in the first ODI.

With the series already leaning in India's favour, the hosts face pressure to respond on home soil.

Bettors will watch how India’s top order stacks up against New Zealand’s disciplined attack. We expect a competitive market; you can track how prices move on our cricket odds hub and choose from reputable options listed on our best cricket betting sites page.

Head-to-Head Record

India lead the recent rivalry 3-2, edging New Zealand across the last five meetings.

New Zealand Preview

New Zealand have plenty to address after their disappointing batting performance in Auckland. Tim Seifert, brought into the opening combination following Devon Conway's concussion, top-scored with 38, but the rest of the batting lineup failed to build meaningful partnerships. Will Young and Henry Nicholls will need to provide a more reliable start, while Daryl Mitchell remains the most important batter in the middle order.

Tom Latham's experience and Glenn Phillips' attacking ability should also be crucial if the hosts are to post a competitive total. The absence of Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman has reduced New Zealand's batting options, making contributions from their established players even more important.

The bowling attack has enough quality to trouble India, particularly if the Wellington surface offers assistance to the seamers. Kyle Jamieson brings height and bounce, Jacob Duffy has been a consistent wicket-taking option, while Blair Tickner and Nathan Smith offer additional pace. Captain Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell will be important through the middle overs, especially against India's experienced right-handers.

New Zealand will need to improve their fielding and take advantage of any early movement. Their best opportunity is to dismiss India's top order quickly and prevent Kohli and the middle order from controlling the innings.

Predicted Playing XI

India Preview

India will be delighted with their performance in the opening match, particularly the way their bowlers adapted to the conditions at Eden Park. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill provide an experienced opening combination, while Virat Kohli remains the key figure in the middle order.

Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul offer stability, with Axar Patel and Naman Dhir adding depth and flexibility. Kohli's form is particularly encouraging after his match-winning 74, and India will expect him to continue anchoring the innings. The visitors have enough batting quality to post a substantial total if they negotiate the early movement and build partnerships.

India's bowling attack was the difference in the first ODI, with Arshdeep Singh, Gurnoor Brar and Anshul Kamboj sharing nine wickets between them. Arshdeep's left-arm angle and ability to move the new ball make him a valuable option, while Gurnoor's height and bounce troubled the New Zealand batters.

Mohammed Siraj and Kuldeep Yadav are also available options within the squad, giving India flexibility depending on the conditions. Axar Patel can provide control through the middle overs, while the seamers will look to exploit Wellington's conditions. If India maintain the discipline they showed in Auckland, they will be difficult to stop.

Predicted Playing XI

Toss Prediction

The captain winning the toss may prefer to bowl first, particularly if there is cloud cover or assistance for the seamers. Wellington's weather can be unpredictable, so avoiding a difficult chase in interrupted conditions may also influence the decision.

Pitch Report and Weather Conditions

Hnry Stadium, Wellington, is traditionally known for its assistance to seam bowlers, with movement and bounce often making batting challenging during the early overs. The ground has produced an average first-innings ODI score of approximately 233 in the available venue records, suggesting that a total around 250–270 could be competitive depending on conditions. Fast bowlers are likely to play a major role, while spinners may have to rely on accuracy and changes of pace.

The forecast points to cool conditions around 14 degrees Celsius with scattered clouds, high humidity near 95 percent, and a light-to-moderate breeze. Swing could be available early, and fielding sides must manage moisture under lights.

Our Prediction

India are our favourites to win the second ODI and take a 2–0 lead in the series. Their bowling attack looked considerably more effective than New Zealand's in Auckland, and the visitors have a settled batting lineup capable of handling the conditions in Wellington. Virat Kohli's form is a major positive, while Arshdeep Singh and Gurnoor Brar have given India additional wicket-taking options.

You can find our match-winner call on the predictions and tips page once you are ready to place a bet.

Bet on India to win.