EXPLAINED: Why New Zealand players are wearing black armbands during IND v NZ 2nd T20I in Raipur

Fans at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur quickly noticed a somber detail as the New Zealand players took the field for the second T20I against India on January 23. The Black Caps players were seen wearing black armbands, a gesture that stood in stark contrast to the high-energy atmosphere of the five-match series.

Reason why New Zealand players are wearing black armbands for the IND v NZ 2nd T20I in Raipur

As per Sportsdunia report, During the live broadcast, legendary commentator and former cricketer Ian Smith provided a somber clarification for the tribute, noting that the team is playing with heavy hearts. Smith explained that the black armbands are being worn to honor the victims and support those affected by the catastrophic storms and landslides currently ravaging the North Island On January 22, record-breaking rainfall triggered a massive landslide at a popular holiday campsite at the base of Mount Maunganui.

The disaster struck the Beachside Holiday Park during the peak summer holiday season, burying cabins and campervans under tonnes of mud. At least two people have been confirmed dead in a separate landslide in nearby Welcome Bay, while several others, including children, remain missing at the Mount Maunganui site. Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell has described the affected areas as resembling a ‘war zone,’ with a state of emergency declared across five regions, including Northland and the East Cape.

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A blistering start for New Zealand in Raipur against India

Despite the heavy hearts, the Black Caps started the second T20I with aggressive intent after being asked to bat first by Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav. Devon Conway set the tone immediately, smashing Arshdeep Singh for 18 runs in the opening over, including a signature six over backward point. However, the breakthrough for India came in the fourth over when Harshit Rana, replacing a rested Jasprit Bumrah, removed Conway for 19. Tim Seifert followed shortly after, falling to Varun Chakaravarthy for 24 off 13 balls. At the 10-over mark, New Zealand reached 111/3, with Rachin Ravindra nearing a half-century and keeping the visitors in the hunt to level the series following their 48-run defeat in the opening game at Nagpur.

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