NZ-A vs IND-A 2nd Unofficial Test Preview: Siraj Returns, Padikkal in Focus
New Zealand A vs India A 2nd Unofficial Test Preview: Siraj Returns, Padikkal in Focus at Hagley Oval
After a dramatic draw in the first unofficial Test, where India A came within one wicket of victory, the two sides meet again at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. Devdutt Padikkal’s 199 and Auqib Nabi’s six-wicket haul headlined the opener, but Curtis Heaphy’s unbeaten 90 denied India A. Now, with Mohammed Siraj added to the squad, India A will be desperate to go one better. Here is the complete preview: schedule, playing XIs, pitch report, weather forecast, fantasy tips, key players, and winning chances.
Hagley Oval in Christchurch, where the pace bowlers are expected to dominate once again.
📅 Match Details & Schedule
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | New Zealand A vs India A, 2nd Unofficial Test |
| Series | India A tour of New Zealand 2026 (3-match series) |
| Dates | October 31 – November 3, 2026 |
| Start Time | 10:30 AM Local / 3:00 AM IST |
| Venue | Hagley Oval, Christchurch |
| Broadcast (India) | Sony Sports TEN Network |
| Streaming (India) | Sony LIV |
This is the second of three four-day matches. The first Test at Bert Sutcliffe Oval ended in a draw after bad light stopped play with India A needing just one more wicket. The third and final Test will be played from November 7–10, also at Bert Sutcliffe Oval. Source: Wisden
📊 Recent Form & Series Context
New Zealand A enter this match with momentum after surviving a nervy final day in Lincoln. Curtis Heaphy’s unbeaten 90 off 187 balls, combined with a stubborn last-wicket stand with Jayden Lennox, denied India A a famous win. However, their batting line-up was exposed by Auqib Nabi, who removed the top three cheaply in the second innings. Source: CricTracker
India A will feel they let a golden opportunity slip. After being bowled out for just 113 in the first innings, they fought back magnificently through Devdutt Padikkal’s 199 and Washington Sundar’s 52 to set a target of 313. Auqib Nabi’s six wickets (3/52 and 3/28) kept them in the hunt until the very end. The addition of Mohammed Siraj to the squad for this match adds significant firepower to an already potent pace attack. Source: NDTV Sports
🌿 Pitch Report – Hagley Oval
Hagley Oval is traditionally a seam bowler’s paradise. The average first-innings score here is around 284 in Test matches, and the surface offers plenty of movement in the air and off the pitch, especially in the morning sessions. Source: CricTracker
Statistics from the last 10 matches at this venue show that pace bowlers have accounted for 88% of wickets, while spinners have managed just 12%. Source: Crex The pitch tends to ease out as the match progresses, making it a good toss to win and bowl first. Teams batting second have historically had a slight advantage here. Source: Sporting News
📈 Hagley Oval T20I Numbers (Overall)
- Average 1st innings score (Tests): 284
- Pace wickets: 88% (last 10 matches)
- Spin wickets: 12% (last 10 matches)
- Toss: Bowl first is generally preferred
- Best bowling conditions: Morning sessions with moisture
🌦️ Weather Forecast – Christchurch
| Day | Temperature | Conditions | Rain Chance |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 31 (Day 1) | ~4–15°C | Clear, chilly | 64% |
| November 1 (Day 2) | ~5–16°C | Partly cloudy | Low |
| November 2 (Day 3) | ~6–17°C | Sunny intervals | Low |
| November 3 (Day 4) | ~7–17°C | Cloudy | Moderate |
The weather in Christchurch is expected to be cold and clear on Day 1, with a temperature around 4.1°C and humidity at 75%. There is a 64% chance of rain forecast, which could interrupt play. Source: Crex The Canterbury breeze will add to the chill, making conditions tough for the batters. Source: Cricbuzz
👥 Probable Playing XIs & Team News
🇮🇳 India A – Siraj Bolsters Attack
India A have received a major boost with Mohammed Siraj joining the squad for the second Test. The senior pacer will likely slot straight into the XI, replacing either Mukesh Kumar or Anshul Kamboj. KL Rahul, who played the first Test, is expected to retain his place at the top of the order alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. Dhruv Jurel continues to lead the side. Rishabh Pant remains unavailable for the first two matches due to a side strain, with Kumar Kushagra providing wicketkeeping cover. Source: NDTV Sports / Wisden
| India A Probable XI |
|---|
| Yashasvi Jaiswal |
| KL Rahul |
| Devdutt Padikkal |
| Sai Sudharsan |
| Yash Rathod / R. Smaran |
| Dhruv Jurel (c & wk) |
| Washington Sundar |
| Mohammed Siraj |
| Akash Deep |
| Auqib Nabi |
| Mukesh Choudhary / Manav Suthar |
Predicted XI based on Sportstar, News18, and NDTV Sports reports.
🇳🇿 New Zealand A – Heaphy Retains Place
New Zealand A have named a 13-member squad for the second Test, with one notable addition: Matthew Fisher replaces Max Chu. Curtis Heaphy, the hero of the first Test, retains his place in the middle order. Rhys Mariu continues to captain the side. The pace attack will be led by Kristian Clarke, Fraser Sheat, and Zak Gibson, with Jayden Lennox providing the spin option. Source: Wisden
| New Zealand A Probable XI |
|---|
| Rhys Mariu (c) |
| Matthew Boyle |
| Tim Robinson |
| Dean Foxcroft |
| Curtis Heaphy |
| Mitchell Hay (wk) |
| Simon Keene |
| Kristian Clarke |
| Fraser Sheat |
| Zak Gibson |
| Jayden Lennox |
Predicted XI based on the 13-member squad announced by New Zealand A.
⭐ Key Players to Watch
🎯 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Dream11 Picks
🏏 Top Fantasy Picks
- Devdutt Padikkal (IND-A): Must-have captain or vice-captain pick. In red-hot form after his 199.
- Curtis Heaphy (NZ-A): Reliable batter who showed immense grit in the first Test. Good choice for vice-captain.
- Auqib Nabi (IND-A): Consistent wicket-taker with the new ball and in the middle overs.
- Washington Sundar (IND-A): Contributes with both bat and ball. A solid all-rounder option.
- Jayden Lennox (NZ-A): The primary spinner for New Zealand A, could pick up wickets as the pitch wears.
- KL Rahul (IND-A): Experienced campaigner, looked in good touch in the first Test.
📊 Winning Chances – Who Has the Edge?
| Team | Winning Probability | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|
| India A | 60% | Stronger batting line-up, addition of Mohammed Siraj, and momentum from the first Test fightback. |
| New Zealand A | 30% | Home conditions, knowledge of Hagley Oval, and the resilience shown in the first Test. |
| Draw | 10% | Weather interruptions and a flat pitch could lead to a stalemate. |
India A start as slight favourites due to their superior squad depth and the inclusion of Siraj. However, New Zealand A have shown they are no pushovers, and the Hagley Oval conditions could level the playing field. Source: CricLive Analysis
🗣️ Senior Journalist’s Verdict – India A’s Chance to Make a Statement
My Take: India A Must Capitalise on Siraj’s Inclusion
The first Test was a tale of two extremes for India A. A pathetic first-innings collapse (113 all out) was followed by a magnificent fightback, led by Padikkal’s 199. The bowling, especially Auqib Nabi, was disciplined and threatening. The only thing missing was the final wicket.
The addition of Mohammed Siraj changes the complexion of this attack. His pace and experience will complement Nabi and Akash Deep perfectly. If India A’s batters can avoid another first-innings wobble, they should be able to put New Zealand A under pressure early.
For New Zealand A, the challenge is to replicate the resilience they showed in the first Test. Heaphy was brilliant, but the top order needs to contribute more. The Hagley Oval pitch will assist their seamers, and they must make the most of the new ball.
Prediction: India A to win by a comfortable margin. The batting depth and the Siraj factor should prove decisive. Player to watch: Devdutt Padikkal.
— CricLive Editorial Team
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. When and where is the 2nd Unofficial Test between New Zealand A and India A?
October 31 – November 3, 2026, at Hagley Oval, Christchurch. The match starts at 3:00 AM IST.
2. What happened in the first unofficial Test?
The match ended in a draw. India A needed one more wicket to win, but bad light and a resilient last-wicket stand between Curtis Heaphy (90*) and Jayden Lennox denied them victory.
3. Is Mohammed Siraj playing for India A?
Yes, Mohammed Siraj has been added to the India A squad for the second unofficial Test.
4. What is the pitch at Hagley Oval like?
Hagley Oval is a seamer-friendly pitch. Pace bowlers have taken 88% of wickets here in the last 10 matches. The average first-innings score is 284.
5. Who are the key players to watch?
Devdutt Padikkal, Mohammed Siraj, Auqib Nabi (India A) and Curtis Heaphy, Kristian Clarke (New Zealand A).
