India and New Zealand are preparing for the second Test of the three-match series at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune, starting on October 24. After New Zealand’s historic win in the rain-affected first Test in Bengaluru, India trails 0-1 and will look to bounce back to level the series. It was New Zealand’s first Test win on Indian soil in 36 years, as they beat India by 8 wickets, a result that has increased the pressure on the hosts.

Test Stats and Records at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune:

Total Matches: 2
Matches won batting first: 2
Matches won bowling first: 0
Average 1st innings Score: 430
Average 2nd innings Score: 190
Average 3rd innings Score: 237
Average 4th innings Score: 107
Highest total recorded: 601/5 (156.3 Overs) by India vs South Africa
Lowest total recorded: 105/10 (40.1 Overs) by India vs Australia
Lowest score defended: 107/10 (33.5 Overs) by Australia vs India

Pune Weather Forecast

The upcoming days in Pune are expected to feature mostly sunny conditions with occasional clouds, leading to a pleasant atmosphere overall. While the chances of precipitation remain low, temperatures are expected to be warm throughout the period.

Pune Weather Forecast (Image Source: X)

Thursday (Day 1): Mostly sunny with mild temperatures.

Probability of Precipitation: 10%
Wind: 2 km/h
Temperature Range: 32°C / 21°C
Cloud Cover: 25%

Friday(Day 2): Partly cloudy skies, remaining warm.

Probability of Precipitation: 10%
Wind: 3 km/h
Temperature Range: 32°C / 19°C
Cloud Cover: 30%

Saturday(Day 3): Mostly sunny, a pleasant day ahead.

Probability of Precipitation: 10%
Wind: 10 km/h
Temperature Range: 32°C / 19°C
Cloud Cover: 20%

Sunday(Day 4): Partly cloudy, comfortable temperatures.

Probability of Precipitation: 10%
Wind: 11 km/h
Temperature Range: 32°C / 20°C
Cloud Cover: 25%

Monday(Day 5): Partly cloudy with slightly higher humidity.

Probability of Precipitation: 10%
Wind: 8 km/h
Temperature Range: 32°C / 21°C
Cloud Cover: 30%

Also READ: Washington Sundar or Kuldeep Yadav? Who will find place in India’s playing XI for the 2nd Test against New Zealand

 Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium Pitch Conditions

The Pune pitch, known for its black soil, is expected to be low and slow, offering plenty of assistance to spinners as the match progresses. Historically, the black soil at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium tends to absorb moisture, reducing bounce and frustrating batters, especially in the later stages of the game. Early on, the pitch may offer some assistance to batters, but the turning nature of the surface will likely come into play as the Test unfolds.

Head-to-head record between India and New Zealand in Test cricket:

Matches Played: 63
India Wins: 22
New Zealand Wins: 14
Drawn Matches: 27
India’s Highest Total Against New Zealand: 583/7
India’s Lowest Total Against New Zealand: 46
New Zealand’s Highest Total Against India: 680/8
New Zealand’s Lowest Total Against India: 62

IND vs NZ: Probable playing XI of both teams for the second Test

India: Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep

New Zealand: Devon Conway, Tom Latham (c), Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Tom Blundell (wk), Mitchell Santner, William O’Rourke, Tim Southee, Ajaz Patel

Also READ: IND vs NZ: Mohammed Siraj or Akash Deep? Who will be Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling partner in the second Test

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