India Crush New Zealand By 7 Wickets, Take 2-0 Lead In A Five-Match T20I Series

KEY POINTS

Ishan Kishan’s explosive 76 off 32 balls reversed India’s fortunes after a disastrous start of 8/2 to chase 209.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav’s sublime 82* off 37 balls, his first fifty in over a year, anchored the record-equalling chase.

RAIPUR, India: A scintillating batting masterclass from Ishan Kishan and captain Suryakumar Yadav powered India to a seven-wicket victory over New Zealand, securing a 2-0 lead in the five-match T20I series. The duo chased down a formidable target of 209 with 28 balls to spare, equalling India’s highest successful run-chase in T20Is.

India’s pursuit began in disastrous fashion, crumbling to 8 for 2 within the first two overs after the dismissals of Sanju Samson and the world’s top-ranked T20I batter, Abhishek Sharma.

From the brink of crisis, Ishan Kishan launched a stunning assault. The left-hander tore into the New Zealand attack, racing to a 21-ball half-century. His explosive 76 off just 32 deliveries, featuring 11 fours and 4 sixes, completely reversed the momentum, propelling India to a commanding 75 for 2 at the end of the powerplay.

At the other end, captain Suryakumar Yadav played a sublime innings. After a measured start, he shifted gears spectacularly, bringing up his first T20I half-century in over 15 months off just 23 balls. He remained unbeaten on 82 from 37 balls, a knock laced with 9 fours and 4 sixes.

He was superbly supported by Shivam Dube, who provided a fiery, unbeaten 36 off 18 balls. Their unbroken 98-run partnership in just 41 deliveries ruthlessly extinguished any hopes of a New Zealand comeback, completing a chase that will be remembered for its sheer audacity and dominance.

Earlier, after being asked to bat first, New Zealand posted a challenging 208 for 6. They were powered by a rapid 44 off 26 balls from Rachin Ravindra and a vital, unbeaten 47 from captain Mitchell Santner in the death overs.

The visitors had a flying start, with Arshdeep Singh’s first over costing 18 runs, but regular wickets in the middle overs, including two for Kuldeep Yadav (2/35), prevented them from launching towards an even bigger total.

The victory, following a 48-run win in the series opener, ensures India cannot lose the series with three matches still to play. It stands as evidence to the team’s formidable batting depth and aggressive mindset under Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership.

New Zealand, meanwhile, are left to search for answers to contain an Indian batting lineup in devastating form as the action shifts to the next venue.