India surged to a commanding 2-0 lead in the five-match T20I series with a comprehensive 7-wicket victory over New Zealand in Raipur. Chasing a challenging target of 209, India reached the total with 29 balls to spare, powered by Ishan Kishan’s explosive 21-ball fifty and captain Suryakumar Yadav’s anchoring knock of 81 off 36 balls. Earlier, New Zealand posted 208/6, built on Rachin Ravindra’s attacking 44 and Mitchell Santner’s unbeaten 47. The match showcased India’s batting depth as they overcame an early wobble to cruise home comfortably.
India vs New Zealand 2nd T20I Match Summary
| Category | India | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Total Score | 209/3 (15.2 overs) | 208/6 (20 overs) |
| Best Batsman | Suryakumar Yadav – 81(36) | Mitchell Santner – 47*(27) |
| Best Bowler | Kuldeep Yadav – 2/35 | Jacob Duffy – 1/38 |
| Man of the Match | Suryakumar Yadav |
New Zealand’s First Innings: Strong Finish Takes Them Past 200
| Category | Player | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Total Score | New Zealand | 208/6 (20 overs) |
| Best Batsman | Mitchell Santner | 47* (27 balls, 4s: 4, 6s: 2) |
| 2nd Best Batsman | Rachin Ravindra | 44 (26 balls, 4s: 2, 6s: 4) |
| Best Bowler | Kuldeep Yadav (IND) | 2/35 (4 overs) |
| 2nd Best Bowler | Varun Chakaravarthy (IND) | 1/35 (4 overs) |
New Zealand got off to a blazing start with Devon Conway (19 off 9) and Tim Seifert (24 off 13) adding 43 runs in just 3.2 overs. Conway fell to Harshit Rana while Seifert was dismissed by Varun Chakaravarthy. Rachin Ravindra then took charge with an aggressive 44 off 26 balls, featuring 2 fours and 4 sixes, maintaining the momentum through the middle overs. Glenn Phillips contributed 19 before falling to Kuldeep Yadav.
The late flourish came from Mitchell Santner, who remained unbeaten on 47 off 27 balls, striking at 174.07. His knock included crucial boundaries in the death overs as New Zealand posted 208/6. Daryl Mitchell’s 18 off 11 and Mark Chapman’s 10 provided valuable support. India’s bowlers struggled with Arshdeep Singh conceding 53 runs without a wicket, while Kuldeep Yadav was the pick with 2/35.
India’s Second Innings: Kishan Blitz Sets Up Easy Chase
| Category | Player | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Total Score | India | 209/3 (15.2 overs) |
| Best Batsman | Suryakumar Yadav | 81* (36 balls, 4s: 4, 6s: 6) |
| 2nd Best Batsman | Ishan Kishan | 76 (32 balls, 4s: 11, 6s: 4) |
| Best Bowler | Ish Sodhi (NZ) | 1/34 (3 overs) |
| 2nd Best Bowler | Jacob Duffy (NZ) | 1/38 (4 overs) |
Despite losing both openers early, Samson for 6 and Abhishek for a golden duck, India’s chase never lost momentum thanks to Ishan Kishan’s devastating assault. The left-hander smashed 76 off just 32 balls, featuring 11 fours and 4 sixes, reaching his fifty in merely 21 deliveries. His partnership with Suryakumar Yadav yielded 122 runs in just 48 balls.
After Kishan’s dismissal by Ish Sodhi, captain Suryakumar Yadav took complete control, ending his 23-innings drought without a fifty. He crafted an unbeaten 81 off 36 balls with 4 fours and 6 sixes, showcasing his trademark inventive strokeplay. Shivam Dube provided excellent support with an unbeaten 35 off 17 balls as India romped home with nearly five overs to spare, maintaining their dominance in the series.
