India Eye 2-0 Lead As Kohli And Gill Take On New Zealand In Wellington ODI

Representative photo: A cricket stadium before a match. (Photo: Pexels)

India will look to double their lead when they take on New Zealand in the second ODI of the five-match series at Wellington on Saturday, November 7. Shubman Gill's side won the rain-affected opener in Auckland by five wickets and now have a chance to go 2-0 up with three matches still to play.

The match starts at 7:30 AM IST, with the toss at 7:00 AM IST.

Auckland Recap: Bowlers Set It Up, Kohli Finished It

The first ODI at Eden Park was shaped by India's bowlers. New Zealand were bowled out for 185 in 40.2 overs, with Arshdeep Singh leading the attack with four wickets. Gurnoor Brar picked up three, while Anshul Kamboj returned figures of two for 22 from his ten overs, bowling 46 dot balls on his way to the Player of the Match award.

Chasing a rain-revised target of 143 under the DLS method, India got home in 22.4 overs with five wickets in hand. Virat Kohli led the chase with a fluent 74 off 51 balls, while captain Shubman Gill contributed 37. The pair added a century stand for the second wicket that took the game away from the hosts.

It was India's first ODI win in New Zealand since February 2019.

Team News: Conway Out, Siraj In Contention

New Zealand have been hit by an injury blow. Opener Devon Conway has been ruled out of the remainder of the ODI series after suffering a concussion in a collision during fielding practice, and Nick Kelly has been called up as his replacement. Fast bowler Matt Henry is in contention to return and could lead the home attack in Wellington.

India continue to miss Jasprit Bumrah, rested for the ODI series, while Prasidh Krishna remains unavailable with a hamstring injury. Mohammed Siraj could return in place of Auqib Nabi, who went wicketless in the opener, and Kuldeep Yadav's wrist-spin is another option if the management wants a second spinner.

Gill, the world's No. 1-ranked ODI batter, will captain India for the first three matches of the series, with Shreyas Iyer set to take over for the final two games in Mount Maunganui.

What To Watch In Wellington

The early battle between Gill and Henry, if the New Zealand quick returns, could set the tone. Gill looked composed for his 37 in Auckland, while Henry's ability to move the ball both ways makes him the hosts' most threatening new-ball bowler at this venue.

In the middle overs, the duel between Glenn Phillips and Arshdeep Singh promises plenty. Phillips was New Zealand's most dangerous batter in the T20I series, while Arshdeep struck twice inside the powerplay in the opener and finished with four wickets.

Weather is the one unknown. Steady drizzle in Wellington on Friday forced New Zealand indoors and saw India cancel training, so after rain shaped the opener, both teams will be watching the skies again.

Match Details: Time, Venue And Where To Watch

The second ODI will be played at Hnry Stadium in Wellington on Saturday, November 7, starting at 7:30 AM IST. The match will be telecast live on the Sony Sports Network in India and streamed on SonyLIV.

India have the momentum, the form and the series lead; New Zealand have home conditions and a point to prove. If the bowlers repeat their Auckland discipline, a 2-0 lead is well within reach.

Can India seal a 2-0 lead in Wellington, or will New Zealand bounce back on home turf? Share your prediction in the comments.