# India Targets Series Lead Against New Zealand in Second ODI India's pace-heavy attack faces New Zealand in Wellington following a strong opening victory. - **Source:** [The Hindu – Sport](https://www.thehindu.com/sport) - **Published:** 2026-11-06 - **Topic:** [sports](https://brifing.si/c/sports) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/00a758c8-c9c9-4baa-a050-247bd8cb88b3 ## Strategic Pace Advantage India enters the second ODI in Wellington on November 7, 2026, aiming to extend their series lead over New Zealand. The visitors rely on a promising four-pronged pace attack that dominated the series opener. Coach Gautam Gambhir is closely monitoring this unit as they look to maintain their tactical upper hand. ## Bowling Adjustments Required While Eden Park featured shorter straight boundaries, the Hnry Stadium in Wellington presents shorter square boundaries. This shift requires Indian pacers to adjust their lengths, potentially bowling fuller deliveries to counter the ground dimensions. The team must adapt quickly to these specific conditions to maintain the pressure on New Zealand's batting lineup. ## Performance of Pace Unit Anshul Kamboj emerged as a standout performer in the first match, delivering 46 dot balls by consistently hitting challenging Test-match lengths. Arshdeep Singh also impressed with his wicket-taking ability. The team management is currently evaluating whether to include experienced pacer Mohammed Siraj to replace Auqib Nabi in the starting lineup. ## Batting Challenges Ahead Indian batters, including Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer, struggled against short-pitched deliveries in the previous match. While Virat Kohli displayed fluency, others were troubled by extra bounce. The team is expected to sharpen their technique against bouncers to ensure a more robust performance during the upcoming clash at the Hnry Stadium. ## New Zealand's Injury Woes The hosts face significant setbacks as key batter Devon Conway has been ruled out of the series following a concussion sustained during training. This injury adds to New Zealand's existing challenges amid a grueling schedule. The team will look for other players to step up in Conway's absence during this critical match. ## Host Team Availability While Conway is sidelined, Matt Henry has recovered from the collision that occurred during practice and is available for selection. New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner acknowledged that his team struggled against the extra bounce generated by Indian pacers in the first game. They must now find a way to neutralize this threat. ## Tactical Shift in Focus The reliance on a pace-heavy attack marks a potential shift in preference for head coach Gautam Gambhir, who previously favored all-rounders. This strategic pivot has yielded immediate results, forcing New Zealand to reconsider their approach to the short ball. The upcoming match will test if this aggressive bowling strategy remains effective. ## Series Context and Outlook India leads the series after a successful outing at Eden Park, where their bowlers dictated proceedings. With good carry and bounce expected in Wellington, the fast bowlers are likely to remain the primary focus. The outcome of this second ODI will determine if India can secure a commanding position moving forward. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/india-vs-new-zealand-second-odi-in-wellington-on-november-7-2026/article71673163.ece — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._