India eye 2026’s first series win, Kiwis in do-or-die territory:Shreyas Iyer needs 34 runs to surpass Virat Kohli’s fastest 3000 ODI runs milestone

India and New Zealand will face each other in the 2nd ODI of the three-match series on 14 January. The Men in Blue will win the series with a victory in the 2nd ODI. For New Zealand, the 2nd ODI is a must-win match if they want to stay alive in the three-match series. The Men in Blue took a 1-0 series lead after defeating New Zealand by four wickets in the first match played in Vadodara. Daryl Mitchell, Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls had helped New Zealand score 300/8 in 50 overs while batting first. In response, India chased down the target in 49 overs, riding on Virat Kohli’s 93 and Shubman Gill’s 56. IND vs NZ, 2nd ODI match details Venue: Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot
Time: 1:30 PM IST (Toss at 01:00 PM)
Where to follow: Star Sports/JioHotstar/Bhaskar English App India vs New Zealand head-to-head in ODIs India and New Zealand have so far played 121 ODI matches. India hold the upper hand with 63 wins, while New Zealand have 50 victories to their name. One match was tied while seven ended in no-result. Virat Kohli, pacers form crucial for Team India India will bank on the form of their pace-bowling contingent and Virat Kohli to seal a series win in Rajkot. After New Zealand’s solid start in Vadodara, the fast bowlers brought the team back into the contest. Mohammed Siraj (2/40), Prasidh Krishna (2/60) and Harshit Rana (2/65) were the best bowlers for India. Siraj, although he bowled eight overs, was the most economical bowler for India as he conceded 40 runs. With the bat, it was Virat who anchored the chase with a solid 93. Although he missed out on what would have been a 54th ODI century, the knock helped India win and earned him the Player of the Match award. Daryl Mitchell, Kyle Jamieson key for New Zealand’s turnaround Daryl Mitchell and Kyle Jamieson will be the performers New Zealand will look upto, in a bid to bounce back and level the series in Rajkot. Mitchell led New Zealand’s batting effort in the first innings with a solid 84 that took the team to 300/8. Jamieson, on the other hand, sparked New Zealand’s comeback in the game with a magnificent four-wicket haul. The Kiwis will want him to continue his good form in the 2nd ODI. Niranjan Shah Stadium, pitch report The pitch at the Niranjan Shah Stadium is known to be batting-friendly. Teams batting first at this stadium have scored big totals at this venue, with Australia’s 352/7 in 2023 against India being the highest one. There’s something in the pitch for the bowlers too, with the track offering pace and bounce for the fast bowlers. Spin is likely to find assistance as well. India do not have a good record at the Niranjan Shah Stadium, winning just one ODI out of the four that they have played here. Shubman Gill and Co. will certainly look to better that stat. Rajkot weather report The weather in Rajkot is expected to be sunny. The temperature is likely to be around 28 degrees Celsius, and as the game progresses, the mercury level is expected to drop. Dew might make an impact in the second innings, so the team that wins the toss might just opt to bowl first.