Raipur: India produced a breathtaking batting display to overpower New Zealand by seven wickets in the second T20I at Raipur, taking a 2–0 lead in the five-match series on Friday.
Chasing a daunting 209, India brushed aside the target with more than four overs to spare, making light work of the chase despite an early setback. The hosts slipped to 6/2, but the pressure lasted only briefly as Ishan Kishan launched a stunning counterattack. Kishan smashed 76 off just 32 balls, bringing up his half-century in only 21 deliveries and swinging momentum decisively in India’s favour.
Skipper Suryakumar Yadav initially played second fiddle before accelerating effortlessly, finishing unbeaten on 82 off 37 balls for his first T20I fifty since 2024. The pair added a match-defining 122-run partnership that completely dismantled New Zealand’s bowling plans. Shivam Dube then applied the finishing touches with a brisk cameo as India sealed an emphatic win.
The chase also rewrote the record books. India completed the fastest successful T20I chase by a Full-Member nation, bettering Pakistan’s 205-run chase in 16 overs against New Zealand in Auckland last year. It was also India’s joint-highest successful chase in T20Is, equalling their 209 chase against Australia in Visakhapatnam in 2023.
Earlier, New Zealand posted a competitive total after being asked to bat first. Rachin Ravindra struck 44 off 26 balls, while captain Mitchell Santner anchored the innings with an unbeaten 47 off 27. Despite crossing the 200-run mark on a flat surface with a quick outfield, the visitors were unable to contain India’s aggressive batting.
At the presentation, Kishan spoke about the clarity and confidence he carried into the innings, crediting domestic cricket for his return to form. Suryakumar praised the fearless intent shown by his batters, while Santner admitted that even totals around 200 were proving insufficient against an Indian side batting deep and aggressively.
The series now moves to Guwahati, where the third T20I will be played at the Barsapara Stadium on Sunday, January 25. India will look to seal the series, while New Zealand must win to keep their campaign alive.
Source: ESPN Cricinfo
Discussion about this post