Match: New Zealand A vs India A – 2nd Unofficial Test
Series: India A tour of New Zealand, 2026
Venue: Hagley Oval, Christchurch
Date & Time: Saturday, October 31, 2026, 10:30 AM LOCAL, 9:30 PM GMT, 3:00 AM IST
Live Streaming: SonyLIV
TV Broadcast: Sony Sports Network
Introduction
The Hagley Oval in Christchurch is set to host the second unofficial Test between New Zealand A and India A, and the series is tantalisingly poised after a dramatic draw in the opener. For bettors looking to capitalize on this multi-day encounter, betbhai offers the most competitive odds, live markets, and instant withdrawals.
The first unofficial Test at Lincoln ended in a draw, but not before India A came within one wicket of a remarkable victory. After being bowled out for just 113 in their first innings, India A fought back through Devdutt Padikkal’s stunning 199 to set New Zealand A a target of 313. Auqib Nabi then ripped through the hosts’ top order with three quick wickets, leaving them reeling at 14/3. At 187/9, India A were on the verge of a stunning win, but bad light and a stubborn last-wicket partnership denied them .
This match carries massive significance for both teams. For India A, it’s a chance to rectify the batting failures of the first Test—particularly the poor form of KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who managed just 26 runs between them across two innings . For New Zealand A, it’s an opportunity to bounce back after nearly surrendering a dominant first-innings position. Create your Betbhai9 ID today and start placing smart bets on this high-stakes encounter.
Match Details & Tournament Context
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Series | India A tour of New Zealand, 2026 |
| Match | 2nd Unofficial Test |
| Date | Saturday, October 31, 2026 |
| Time | 10:30 AM LOCAL, 9:30 PM GMT, 3:00 AM IST |
| Venue | Hagley Oval, Christchurch |
| Broadcast (India) | Sony Sports Network |
| Streaming | SonyLIV |
Series Context
The three-match unofficial Test series is a shadow tour designed to prepare India’s Test regulars for the two-match senior Test series against New Zealand starting November 19 . The first match at Lincoln exposed India A’s batting vulnerabilities, but it also showcased their resilience and depth.
New Zealand A, led by Rhys Mariu, will be disappointed not to have sealed the win after taking a 204-run first-innings lead. Curtis Heaphy’s unbeaten 90 was the standout performance, but the hosts will need a more complete team effort in Christchurch .
The second Test will also see some squad changes. Rishabh Pant, who was ruled out of the first two matches with a side strain, remains unavailable. Henry Nicholls is likely to feature for New Zealand A in the third match, but his availability for this one is uncertain .
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Head-to-Head Record: New Zealand A vs India A
The first unofficial Test ended in a draw, but the performance trends from that match are crucial for bettors.
| Stat | India A | New Zealand A |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Test Result | Draw | Draw |
| 1st Innings Score | 113 | 317 |
| 2nd Innings Score | 516 | 187/9 |
| Top Scorer | Devdutt Padikkal (199) | Curtis Heaphy (90*) |
| Top Bowler | Auqib Nabi (3/28) | Simon Keene (5/24) |
Key Insights from the First Test
- India A’s batting is fragile: Being bowled out for 113 in the first innings is a major concern. Simon Keene (5/24) and Zak Gibson (3/29) exposed the top order .
- Devdutt Padikkal is in sublime form: His 199 in the second innings was a masterclass in concentration and stroke play. He single-handedly dragged India A back into the contest .
- Auqib Nabi is a genuine threat: His new-ball spell on the final day (3/28) showed he can exploit helpful conditions. He will be key in Christchurch .
- KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal are struggling: Their combined tally of 26 runs in the first Test is a major worry ahead of the senior Test series .
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Venue & Pitch Report: Hagley Oval, Christchurch
Hagley Oval is known for its pace and bounce, particularly early in the New Zealand summer. The pitch typically has a covering of grass, which assists the fast bowlers.
| Venue Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Stadium | Hagley Oval |
| City | Christchurch, New Zealand |
| Capacity | 20,000 |
| Average 1st Innings Score (T20I) | 162 |
| Win % Batting First (T20I) | 43% |
| Win % Bowling First (T20I) | 57% |
Pitch Behavior for the Test
While the T20I numbers suggest a batting-friendly surface, the red-ball dynamics are different. Fresh pitches at Hagley Oval early in the season carry grass, which means the new-ball bowlers will get movement and bounce .
Key Observations:
- Seam Movement: The fast bowlers, particularly from India A (Auqib Nabi, Akash Deep, Anshul Kamboj), will relish the conditions.
- Batting Gets Easier: As the pitch wears, it tends to flatten out, making it easier for batters to score. This is why the first session on Day 1 is crucial.
- Weather Factor: Christchurch in late October can be cold and blustery. The forecast for the match days will play a role, as overcast conditions assist swing bowling.
Toss Strategy
In Test cricket, the toss is always crucial. Given the early movement expected, the captain winning the toss will likely elect to bowl first. Bowling the opposition out cheaply on Day 1 could set the tone for the entire match.
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Team Analysis: India A
India A enter this match with a point to prove. Their batting collapse in the first Test exposed vulnerabilities, but their second-innings fightback showed character.
Strengths
1. Devdutt Padikkal’s Form
Padikkal’s 199 in the second innings was the standout performance of the first Test. His ability to bat long and score quickly makes him India A’s most valuable asset .
2. Quality Pace Attack
Auqib Nabi was exceptional with the new ball in the second innings. His ability to swing the ball both ways makes him a handful on a green pitch. Akash Deep and Anshul Kamboj provide excellent support .
3. Depth in Batting
Despite the first-innings collapse, India A’s batting line-up is deep. Sai Sudharsan (91), Yash Rathod (66), and Washington Sundar (52) all contributed in the second innings .
Weaknesses
1. KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Form
The two senior openers managed just 26 runs between them in the first Test. Their lack of form is a major concern, especially with the senior Test series approaching .
2. First-Innings Collapse
Being bowled out for 113 is unacceptable for a team with this much talent. The batting line-up needs to show more application and patience.
3. Rishabh Pant’s Absence
Pant’s absence due to a side strain weakens the middle order and wicketkeeping options. Dhruv Jurel will continue to keep and captain .
India A Predicted XI
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Sai Sudharsan
- Dhruv Jurel (C & WK)
- Yash Rathod
- Washington Sundar
- Auqib Nabi
- Akash Deep
- Anshul Kamboj
- Mukesh Kumar
Key Players to Watch
Team Analysis: New Zealand A
New Zealand A enter this match with a mix of relief and regret. They dominated the first three days but nearly lost the match on the final day.
Strengths
1. Curtis Heaphy’s Resilience
Heaphy’s unbeaten 90 on the final day was a lesson in concentration and determination. He held one end up while wickets tumbled around him, saving the match for his team .
2. Quality Pace Attack
Simon Keene (5/24) and Zak Gibson (3/29) exposed India A’s top order in the first innings. They will be confident of doing so again on a helpful Hagley Oval pitch .
3. First-Innings Dominance
New Zealand A’s 317 in the first innings was built on contributions from Rhys Mariu (76) and Dean Foxcroft (51). The batting line-up has the ability to post competitive totals .
Weaknesses
1. Collapse Under Pressure
Being reduced to 187/9 while chasing 313 is a major concern. The middle order failed to cope with the pressure of a fourth-innings chase .
2. Over-Reliance on Heaphy
Heaphy’s innings masked the failures of the rest of the batting line-up. They need a more collective effort in Christchurch.
3. Squad Rotation
New Zealand A’s squad is large and players are being rotated. This can affect team cohesion and balance .
New Zealand A Predicted XI
- Rhys Mariu (C)
- Curtis Heaphy
- Tim Robinson
- Dean Foxcroft
- Mitchell Hay (WK)
- Matt Boyle
- Simon Keene
- Kristian Clarke
- Zak Gibson
- Jayden Lennox
- Fraser Sheat
Key Players to Watch
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Match Prediction & Analysis
Key Factors That Will Decide the Match
1. First-Innings Batting
Both teams struggled in their first innings in Lincoln. India A were bowled out for 113, while New Zealand A managed 317. The team that bats better in the first innings will have a significant advantage.
2. Form of KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal
India A’s senior openers are under immense pressure. If they fail again, India A’s batting could be exposed. If they fire, India A could post a massive total.
3. Auqib Nabi vs New Zealand’s Top Order
Nabi’s new-ball spell was devastating in the first Test. If he can replicate that on a fresh Hagley Oval pitch, New Zealand A could be in trouble.
4. Curtis Heaphy’s Form
Heaphy was the hero of the first Test. If he gets set again, New Zealand A will be hard to bowl out.
5. Weather and Toss
The toss will be crucial. Bowling first on a green pitch could give the team a massive advantage.
Our Prediction
India A to win. Despite their first-innings collapse, India A showed in the second innings that they have the batting depth and bowling quality to win. The return of a fresh Hagley Oval pitch should suit their pacers, and the senior batters will be desperate to prove a point.
Win Probability:
- India A: 55%
- New Zealand A: 30%
- Draw: 15%
Score Prediction
- India A: 350+ (if batting first)
- New Zealand A: 280+ (if batting first)
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Key Battles to Watch
1. KL Rahul vs Simon Keene
Rahul’s technique against the moving ball will be tested by Keene, who dismissed him for a duck in the first innings.
2. Devdutt Padikkal vs Zak Gibson
Padikkal’s form against Gibson’s pace and bounce will be a fascinating contest.
3. Curtis Heaphy vs Auqib Nabi
Heaphy’s resilience against Nabi’s swing will be crucial for New Zealand A’s batting.
4. Washington Sundar vs Dean Foxcroft
The battle of the all-rounders could decide the match.
5. Yashasvi Jaiswal vs Fraser Sheat
Jaiswal’s aggressive approach against Sheat’s accuracy will be a key battle at the top of the order.
Betting Tips & Analysis
Match Winner Market
| Outcome | Odds | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| India A to Win | 1.85 | Slight favourites due to squad depth and second-innings form |
| New Zealand A to Win | 2.50 | Home advantage and first-innings dominance |
| Draw | 3.50 | Possible if weather intervenes |
Betting Tip: Back India A to Win. Their second-innings performance showed their quality, and the senior batters will be eager to make amends.
Top Batsman Market
| Team | Player | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| India A | Devdutt Padikkal | 3.00 |
| India A | Sai Sudharsan | 3.50 |
| India A | KL Rahul | 4.50 |
| New Zealand A | Curtis Heaphy | 4.00 |
| New Zealand A | Rhys Mariu | 5.00 |
Betting Tip: Devdutt Padikkal is the obvious pick after his 199 in the first Test.
Top Bowler Market
| Team | Player | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| India A | Auqib Nabi | 3.00 |
| India A | Akash Deep | 3.50 |
| New Zealand A | Simon Keene | 3.50 |
| New Zealand A | Zak Gibson | 4.00 |
| India A | Anshul Kamboj | 5.00 |
Betting Tip: Auqib Nabi is a strong pick given his new-ball spell in the first Test.
Player Prop Bets
| Prop Bet | Recommendation | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Devdutt Padikkal Total Runs – Over 40.5 | Yes | In sublime form |
| KL Rahul Total Runs – Over 25.5 | Yes | Due for a big score |
| Auqib Nabi – Over 2.5 Wickets | Yes | New-ball threat on green pitch |
| Simon Keene – Over 2.5 Wickets | Yes | Consistent performer |
Toss Prediction
Team winning the toss will bowl first. The green pitch at Hagley Oval will assist the fast bowlers early on.
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Dream11 Fantasy Team Prediction
| Position | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Captain | Devdutt Padikkal | India A |
| Vice Captain | Auqib Nabi | India A |
| Wicketkeeper | Dhruv Jurel | India A |
| Batter | KL Rahul | India A |
| Batter | Sai Sudharsan | India A |
| Batter | Curtis Heaphy | New Zealand A |
| All-rounder | Washington Sundar | India A |
| All-rounder | Dean Foxcroft | New Zealand A |
| Bowler | Akash Deep | India A |
| Bowler | Simon Keene | New Zealand A |
| Bowler | Zak Gibson | New Zealand A |
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Broadcast Guide
| Region | TV | Streaming |
|---|---|---|
| India | Sony Sports Network | SonyLIV |
| New Zealand | Local broadcasters | Various platforms |
| Worldwide | Check local listings | Various platforms |
Match Timings (Important for Bettors)
| Time Zone | Match Start |
|---|---|
| LOCAL (Christchurch) | 10:30 AM |
| GMT | 9:30 PM (previous day) |
| IST (India) | 3:00 AM |
| AEST (Australia) | 8:30 AM |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What time does the New Zealand A vs India A 2nd Unofficial Test start?
A: The match starts on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at 10:30 AM LOCAL, 9:30 PM GMT, and 3:00 AM IST.
Q2: Where is the match being played?
A: The match will be played at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Q3: Who is the captain of India A?
A: Dhruv Jurel is the captain of India A .
Q4: Who is the captain of New Zealand A?
A: Rhys Mariu is the captain of New Zealand A .
Q5: Is Rishabh Pant playing in this match?
A: No, Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of the first two unofficial Tests due to a left side strain .
Q6: Where can I watch the match live?
A: The match will be broadcast on Sony Sports Network and streamed on SonyLIV in India .
Q7: Which team is favourite to win this match?
A: Based on squad strength and second-innings form, India A are the slight favourites.
Q8: How do I get a Betbhai9 ID?
A: Visit the Betbhai9 ID page to register and get your unique ID.
Q9: Does betbhai offer live betting?
A: Yes. Visit betbhai Live Betting for live markets.
Q10: Can I bet on fantasy cricket at betbhai?
A: Yes. Visit betbhai Fantasy Sports for details.
Final Thoughts & Conclusion
The second unofficial Test between New Zealand A and India A at Hagley Oval promises to be a fascinating contest. India A will be desperate to make amends for their first-innings collapse, while New Zealand A will be looking to build on their first-innings dominance.
Key Takeaways for Bettors
- India A are slight favourites based on their second-innings fightback and squad depth.
- Devdutt Padikkal is the player to watch, given his 199 in the first Test.
- Auqib Nabi is India A’s key bowler, especially on a green Hagley Oval pitch.
- KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal are under pressure to perform.
- The toss will be crucial, with bowling first likely to be the preferred option.
- Simon Keene is New Zealand A’s danger man with the ball.
Final Prediction
India A to Win – Despite their first-innings struggles, India A have the quality and motivation to win this match. However, if New Zealand A’s pacers can exploit the conditions and their batters apply themselves, an upset is not out of the question.
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