IND vs NZ: New Zealand players wear black armbands in Raipur T20I; here’s why | Cricket News
New Zealand players wore black armbands during the second T20 International against India in Raipur on Friday to mark a tragedy back home.The armbands were worn in memory of victims of severe storms and landslides in New Zealand’s upper North Island. Heavy rainfall led to flooding and a landslide at a campsite in Mount Maunganui on January 22, in which two people lost their lives.The tribute came as India chose to field after winning the toss. New Zealand, trailing 0-1 in the series, were looking to level the contest. Devon Conway and Tim Seifert opened the batting, both wearing black armbands as they walked out to bat under overcast conditions.Conway began with intent, hitting four boundaries in the opening over bowled by Arshdeep Singh, including a six over backward point. Seifert added 24 runs off 13 balls. Both openers were dismissed early, with Conway mistiming a slower delivery from Harshit Rana in the fourth over, while Seifert fell soon after. Fighting knocks from New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner and left-handed batter Raxchin Ravindra helped their side to post a challenging score of 208/6 in the second T20I against Team India.Earlier, India captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and opted to bowl. India made two changes to their playing XI, bringing in Harshit Rana and Kuldeep Yadav. Jasprit Bumrah was rested, while Axar Patel missed the match after picking up a knock in the previous game.New Zealand made three changes to their side, with Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry and Tim Seifert included in the XI.
