Raipur: Ishan Kishan made a stunning statement on his return to the Indian team with a blistering 32-ball 76, while captain Suryakumar Yadav rediscovered his vintage form with an unbeaten 82 to power India to a comprehensive seven-wicket win over New Zealand in the second T20 International in Raipur on Friday. The victory gave India a 2-0 lead in the five-match series and offered a timely boost ahead of the all-important T20 World Cup.
Chasing a stiff target of 209 on a batting-friendly surface, India were expected to work hard, especially after losing Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson inside the first two overs. Instead, what followed was a breathtaking counterattack led by Kishan that completely tilted the contest in India’s favour.
Kishan’s fearless assault silences doubts
Back in the national side after more than two years, Kishan went on the offensive from the very first ball, tearing into the New Zealand bowling attack with 11 fours and four towering sixes. His innings was packed with confident strokeplay — pick-up shots, pulls, and even a daring reverse sweep — showcasing his intent to seal a permanent spot in the side.
The knock also put pressure on Sanju Samson, who failed again at the top. With Tilak Varma expected to return when fit, Kishan’s explosive display strengthened his case as a top-order enforcer, potentially complicating selection equations.
So impactful was Kishan’s innings that even a mistimed slog sweep off Ish Sodhi earned him an appreciative hug from skipper Suryakumar Yadav as he walked back.
Suryakumar ends lean patch in style
Suryakumar Yadav, who had endured a prolonged lean run, finally found his rhythm, hammering 82 not out off just 37 balls. This was his first fifty in 23 innings, and he looked back to his destructive best, effortlessly maintaining the tempo set by Kishan.
Shivam Dube provided ideal support with an unbeaten 36 off 18 balls, peppering the stands with sixes as India sealed the chase in just 15.2 overs.
Record chases underline India’s dominance
India’s run chase now features among the fastest 200-plus chases by a full-member team:
- 28 balls to spare – India vs New Zealand, Raipur (Target: 209)
- 24 balls to spare – Pakistan vs New Zealand, Auckland, 2025 (Target: 205)
- 23 balls to spare – Australia vs West Indies, Basseterre, 2025 (Target: 215)
New Zealand’s 208 built on Ravindra, Santner efforts
Earlier, New Zealand posted a competitive 208 for 6 after being put in to bat. Rachin Ravindra (44 off 26) and captain Mitchell Santner (47 not out off 27) led the charge in different phases, ensuring the Black Caps crossed the 200-run mark.
Openers Devon Conway (19 off 9) and Tim Seifert (24 off 13) gave New Zealand a flying start, smashing Arshdeep Singh for back-to-back 18-run overs. However, Harshit Rana struck early, dismissing Conway for the fourth time on the tour.
Kuldeep Yadav played a key role in the middle overs, regaining form with two crucial wickets, including the dangerous Glenn Phillips, who fell to a well-disguised googly. Shivam Dube chipped in with the important wicket of Daryl Mitchell, using a clever slower ball to halt New Zealand’s momentum.
Despite Santner’s late flourish, India managed to pull things back after New Zealand reached 111 for 3 at the halfway stage.
Tactical lapses cost New Zealand
New Zealand captain Santner’s bowling changes came under scrutiny, particularly his decision to introduce Zak Foulkes in the third over after tight spells from Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy. The move proved costly as Kishan capitalised, swinging the game decisively in India’s favour.
India’s World Cup puzzle taking shape
With Suryakumar regaining form, Kishan making a thunderous comeback, and depth in both batting and bowling, India appear to be hitting the right notes at the right time as the T20 World Cup draws closer.