India and New Zealand will face off in the second T20 International of their five-match series on Friday, January 23, 2026, at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur. After a commanding 48-run victory in the series opener, India will be aiming to extend their lead, while New Zealand will be looking to bounce back.
Live Streaming Details
The match will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network in India. Live streaming will be available on the JioHotstar app and website, but viewers will need a valid subscription to access the stream. The game is scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Raipur Weather Forecast
The weather forecast for Raipur indicates ideal conditions for a full cricket match. The skies are expected to remain clear throughout the day, with no chance of rain. During the evening, temperatures are predicted to hover between 20 to 25 degrees Celsius, with moderate humidity levels. However, the absence of cloud cover might lead to a significant amount of dew settling on the outfield during the second innings.
SVNS Stadium Pitch Report
The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, also known as the SVNS Stadium, is hosting only its second men's T20 International. In the first T20I at this venue in December 2023, India defended a total of 174 against Australia, with spinners playing a crucial role. The pitch offered good bounce initially but slowed down as the match progressed. The wicket is expected to be slightly slow, which could favor spinners. Dew is expected to play a significant role in the second innings, potentially making batting easier. Captains winning the toss may prefer to bowl first to take advantage of the easier batting conditions later in the match. A score of 160-180 is considered a good target to defend at this venue.
The SVNS International Cricket Stadium is known for its large boundary dimensions, providing a balance between batting and bowling. The field size is 180 yards x 160 yards, with boundary lengths averaging 80 meters. Some international commentators have compared this stadium to The Gabba in Australia.
