Rain threat hangs over India-New Zealand second ODI in Wellington
Rain threatens the second ODI in Wellington as India looks to go 2-0 up in the series.
Rain's in the forecast for India and New Zealand's second ODI at Wellington Regional Stadium on November 7. India leads the five-match series 1-0 after winning the opener, and captain Shubman Gill will be eyeing a 2-0 cushion.
The short boundaries here cut fielders' reaction time, and that's where India's pace attack can dominate. Mohammed Siraj's a candidate to feature. Veterans like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have the muscle memory built over years to navigate New Zealand's conditions—though Sharma's managed just six runs across two ODIs at the venue.
New Zealand's facing another test from India's bowling unit, which has found its edge in the series so far. A rain-shortened game could actually suit India: fewer overs mean fewer chances for a comeback, and Gill's side won't want to ease off the pressure now.
CricHubb Take
If rain compresses this into a 30 or 40-over sideshow, India's pace bowlers become even more dangerous. New Zealand needs full cricket to rebuild—truncated formats favor the team already on top.