2nd T20I: New Zealand, England eye momentum in Christchurch
What's the story
New Zealand and England are set to clash in the 2nd of the three-match T20I series at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, on October 20. The first match at the same venue was abandoned due to heavy rain after the completion of the first innings. In that game, all-rounder Sam Curran's unbeaten knock of 49 (35) powered England to 153-6 (20 overs). The two teams would now want to draw first blood.
Pitch report
Pitch report, conditions, and streaming details
The Hagley Oval surface is known for its bounce, making it a pacer's paradise. But it also offers good batting conditions, promising an exciting contest between bat and ball. According to AccuWeather, there is a 55% probability of precipitation throughout the day in Christchurch. The overhead conditions will be overcast. The 2nd T20I will be broadcast live on the Sony Sports Network in India. Meanwhile, the SonyLIV app will provide live streaming (11:45am IST).
Information
A look at head-to-head record
In their head-to-head encounters, England have won 15 out of the 28 matches played, while New Zealand have managed to win only 10 times. Two matches ended without a result, and another was tied, as per ESPNcricinfo. On NZ soil, England have seven wins and four defeats against the hosts (Tied: 1).
Team composition
Here are the likely XIsÂ
New Zealand (Probable XI): Tim Seifert (wicket-keeper), Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (captain), Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, and Jacob Duffy. England (Probable XI): Philip Salt, Jos Buttler (wicket-keeper), Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (captain), Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Jordan Cox, Brydon Carse, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid, and Luke Wood.
Performers
Here are the star performers
Phil Salt has hit four tons in just 45 T20I innings. Only Rohit Sharma and Glenn Maxwell have more hundreds in the format (5 each). His opening partner, Jos Buttler, has an average and strike rate of 36.61 and 164.70, respectively, in T20Is this year (476 runs). Tim Robinson clocked a hundred in NZ's last T20I series against the Aussies. In the last T20I, Curran's 35-ball 49* (3 fours and 2 sixes) powered England from 153/6 to 81/5.